Broken Worlds

Chapter 15: Elenas First Date

Warning: Long chapter alert! Well worth it though.
If you enjoy this story please like and comment. Thanks for reading this far.

Elena stood at the threshold of her home, her heart thumping as she stared at the familiar door. The vibrant colors of the house, once a source of comfort, now felt like a barrier separating her from the warmth of her mother's embrace. She took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. The memories of the chaos, the battles, and the uncertainty flooded her mind, but she pushed them aside, focusing instead on the moment ahead.

"Okay, Elena. You can do this," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. With a determined nod, she reached for the doorknob, her fingers trembling slightly as she turned it and pushed the door open. The familiar scent of home enveloped her, a blend of roasted mushrooms and wildflowers that brought a wave of nostalgia crashing over her.

"Hello?" a voice called from deep inside the house, its tone warm yet laced with curiosity. Elena felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach as she stepped inside, closing the door behind her. The cozy living room was just as she had left it, adorned with colorful tapestries and the soft glow of lanterns that illuminated the space.

As she placed her things down on the nearby table, she heard footsteps approaching, each sound echoing her rising anxiety. Her heart raced as she braced herself for the reunion. She had faced battles and darkness, but nothing compared to the apprehension of seeing her mother after everything that had transpired.

Suddenly, her mother appeared, peeking around the corner with an expression that mirrored a mix of surprise and concern. The moment their eyes met, Elena's breath hitched in her throat. "Oh. My Elena," her mother gasped, her voice filled with a tenderness that sent a rush of warmth through Elena's chest.

"Hey, Mom," Elena replied nervously, her heart pounding as she stepped forward. The distance between them felt like an eternity, but the moment she crossed it, her mother enveloped her in a tight embrace. The familiar warmth wrapped around her, and for a moment, all her worries melted away.

"Oh, my dear," her mother murmured, pulling back slightly to examine her. "You're home. I was so worried!" Her mother's eyes searched Elena's face, a mixture of relief and concern etched across her features.

Elena felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away, forcing a smile. "I'm okay, really," she said, trying to reassure her mother. But as her mother's gaze fell to the top of her head, Elena's heart sank. She could see the moment her mother noticed the sad nub where her shroom had once flourished.

"What's this? Who did this to you?" her mother asked, her voice trembling slightly as she reached out, her fingers brushing against the remnants of Elena's shroom.

"Mom, it's growing back. It's no big deal," Elena insisted, her voice steady despite the weight of her mother's concern. She could see the sadness in her mother's eyes, a reflection of the worry that had lingered during her absence.

"There is always going to be a next time," her mother said softly, her expression darkening. "I just can't bear to see you hurt like this."

Elena felt a pang of guilt twist in her chest. "Let's not talk about that," she said, forcing a bright smile to her face. "I've come with good news."

Her mother's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Good news?" she echoed, her voice cautious yet intrigued.

"I have a date!" Elena exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she twirled around in the living room, her white mini dress flaring out like a ballerina's tutu. The fabric shimmered in the soft light, the delicate layers reflecting her joy. Her mother, standing nearby, couldn't contain her enthusiasm.