~ Rewritten Fates ~

Chapter 27 - Return to Ruin

After a long, exhausting flight, they finally arrive in London. Henry, his nerves frazzled, books a taxi and directs it toward his family house. As the cityscape blurs past, he can feel his heart pounding, a rush of anxious thoughts building with every mile closer.

"Papa, why are we here?" Diana asks, her curious gaze fixed on him. Henry swallows hard, keeping his eyes forward to hide the worry on his face. "Your grandma isn't well, Ana, that's why." he says gently, his voice steady despite the apprehension beneath it.

In the crisp London morning, Henry feels a surge of tension twisting inside him, his pulse quickening. He gazes out the window, memories flooding back- childhood walks with his dad along these same streets, school days spent with Philip and Bea.

"Sir, we have reached your place." the driver announces, pulling Henry from his thoughts. He nods, blinking away the nostalgia, and steps out of the car. Together, they move slowly toward the imposing mansion before him-his family house, heavy with memories and the weight of the past.

As Henry steps forward, he spots his sister waiting by the gate, her expression filled with relief. "Henry!" she exclaims, rushing to embrace him tightly. "Thank God, you're here."

"I missed you, Bea. I miss you every day." Henry replies, his arms wrapped around her just as tightly. They pull back after a moment, and Henry's face grows serious. "How bad it is?" he asks. Beatrice sighs. "Very bad. Mom remembers she has a family, but... she can't recognize us. She's acting so strangely." she replies.

"Oh God!" Henry breathes out, concern heavy in his voice. Diana, observing quietly, looks up, a little unsure. Beatrice notices and smiles, crouching to greet her. "Hey, little, remember me?" she asks. "Yes, Aunt Bea." Diana smiles.

"Great! Come inside-I made something special for you." Beatrice lifts Diana up, her tone comforting. She glances back at Henry, gesturing him to follow. "Let's go Hen!" she insists.

>>>>>>

The three of them enter Catherine's room quietly, with Henry leading, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. He steps closer and whispers. "Mom..." his voice trembling with hope and sorrow.

Catherine stares back at him, her face unreadable. "Mom, it's me, Henry. Can you remember?" he asks softly, gently holding her hands. "Yes, Henry!" she says after a moment, nodding slowly. "He is my son, you know?" her gaze shifts toward him, and Henry's heart sinks as he realizes she doesn't truly recognize him.

"Mom! He is here, he is your son Henry." Beatrice tries to explain, her voice gentle yet insistent. Catherine's face contorts with confusion. "No... how is this possible? Henry is so small right now. Arthur took him to school, didn't you see?" she looks past them, her memory fading into fragments of a time long gone.

Henry closes his eyes tightly, a wave of emotion crashing over him. Catherine studies the door, her gaze distant as she speaks softly, lost in her memories. "You look like him." she says, her voice wistful. "But my boy is so small right now. You'll see when they come back." she's trapped in her past, clinging to the hope of a time long gone.

"Is there any cure for it?" Henry's voice quivers as he glances at Beatrice, who wipes away tears and shakes her head. "I don't know..." she whispers, her heart aching as she looks at her mother.

Henry takes Catherine's hand gently, bringing it to his lips. "You'll be fine soon, Mumma. I promise." he speaks tenderly, though Catherine remains transfixed, her gaze still on the door, as if waiting for her late husband to return, young Henry by his side.

"Anyways, Diana, let's go to my room, okay? You must be so tired, right? Let's go." Beatrice says, gently taking Diana by the hand and leading her away, leaving Henry alone with Catherine.