Built on smoke and mirrors

Chapter 27

There it was, my home, standing in front of me. The chipping green paint was less vibrant than what I remembered but yet it still had a stark contrast between the green grass around it. Few flowers sprung up by the door, welcoming me. This was the place that I spent my whole life in. Finally, I was home. 

With my heart pounding, I opened the door, creaking, warning Kol someone was here. I took a deep breath, the familiar scent of home filling my lungs as I stepped inside hoping Kol would come to see who was here, but nothing. The silence almost deafening. 

"Hello?" I called out, my voice echoing through the empty house. No response. 

I carefully glanced at Ezra who stood beside me. He shared a worried look but remained silent. 

"He's probably in town. He'll be back soon," I reassured him. 

I wandered deeper in the small house, closing the front door behind me. My eyes lingered on everything in the space. It was as if nothing had changed. Everything was still in the same place as I had left it. The old chairs, the stove, the family photos sitting on a table, the bookshelf crammed with books. It wasn't much, but it was mine.

I moved to the kitchen table, hoping to find some sign that Kol would be back soon. The table was clean. I opened the fridge, finding it stocked with the small but usual groceries.

I sighed and leaned against the counter, feeling a pang of disappointment. I had imagined this moment so many times, the joyful reunion, the hugs and tears. But now, standing alone in the quiet house, I felt a strange emptiness.

I decided to make myself a cup of tea, just like Kol would have done. As the water boiled, I wandered back into a chair and sat down. I picked up a photo from the small table beside me—one of Kol and I with our parents when we were young. We looked so happy, so carefree. It wasn't long after that photo was taken in my mother lost her mind.

"These are you parents?" Ezra asked as he looked over my shoulder at the photo.

"That's them."

"You look like them."

"Thank you." 

He sat down in an available chair and placed his head in his hands. 

"I think Kol is out in town. He should be back soon though." 

The kettle whistled, commanding me to get up. I poured myself a cup of tea and sat back down, sipping slowly. The warmth of the tea spread through me, bringing a small measure of comfort.

I knew Kol would be back soon. And when he did, I would be here, waiting. For now, I would let myself sink into the familiar surroundings, the memories of home wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

"Do you have any first aid here? I can help clean your side," Ezra offered, standing up, looking around the house. 

"We have strong alcohol and clean linen there," I said, pointing to the trunk by the window. That was as close as we got to a first aid kit. I didn't know about those kits until Ari took a fall and Irena rushed to get one. 

Ezra went to get the items then knelt by my side. He carefully rolled up my shirt and frowned at the sight of it. 

I bit my lip as I looked at the red, swollen wound that oozed yellow puss. 

"This will probably hurt," Ezra said with gentle eyes as he got the white linen wet with the clear alcohol. 

I nodded as I sucked in a breath. I knew it would. It wasn't my first time getting an infection. I turned my head as Ezra leaned in closer.