A Zusi's Path

Chapter 4: Not Many Answers

(Art of Re3x0 by me (c) ) 

  Upon hearing the news that his father is returning he could feel his stomach churning. "I have never met my father... Will he like me?", he thought to himself. Him wanting the moment that seemed to be going in slow motion to just speed up. "Alright mama!", he tried to sound enthusiastic. But his mother did not buy it, "What's wrong dear?", she asked him. E4r1c groaned. "What isn't wrong with him?", he muttered before their mother giving him a sharp glare before turning her soft gaze to Re3x0. Taking a breath he said what was on his chest.

"Momma.. I never met dad.. I was wondering if he would like me or not", he muttered to her. "Oh sweetie, of course he will like you. You're his son, you look so much like him, you remind me of him every time I see you", she smiled. His ear flicking he tilted his head, "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?", Re3x0 asked. "Bad, because you're nothing like him. Dad's cool and awesome while you're a wimpy runt!", E4r1c cackled. "I thought I told you how to talk to your brother! You know why too!", she scolded giving him a smack behind the head.

Groaning as he rubbed his head, "Sorry mama..", he muttered just so she could hear before he left the room to go outside. Re3x0 turning to look at his mother. "Why is he so mean to me!", he asked. "That's just the way siblings are.. It's the way they show their love for you!", she encouraged.

"Anyway, go run along now. While I go to my shift at town tomorrow your father should be home soon after I leave. That'll leave you three a lot of time to bond!", she smiled. Giving a faint smile in response he nodded. "Alright! Just for you mama!". He said wagging his tail slightly.

"Now go hang out in your room for a bit. Dinner will be ready in not too long as soon as I get started on it". "Alright! Can I help?", he asked. "Sure thing", she answered.

The two went and entered the kitchen, to prepare dinner. "Re3x0, while I finish up things around here why don't you go set up the table?", she asked. Nodding and wagging his tail, "Alright mama!", he said as he went to go set things up. Placing a tray, napkin, and utensils by each tray.

Getting things ready for Ar10L and dinner. Not long after she came out with the meal and proceeded to place the food onto the trays and tables Re3x0 had set up. "You did a very good job dear!", she praised him giving his head a gentle pat. "Now go get your brother and tell him dinner is ready!", she instructed.

Rolling his eyes slightly, he sighed and went along to inform his brother that dinner was ready. Knocking on the door, "Come there's food!", he said before going back to the kitchen and sat down next to his mother. About to dig in he got a harsh look from his mother, "Wait for your brother", she insisted. "Oh.. Sorry mama", he apologized. Giving a smile again, "It's alright".

E4r1c made his way into the kitchen before sitting down on the other side of their mother. "Alright, let's eat!", he exclaimed as they finally began to eat. Halfway into the meal there was a knock at the door.

Turning his attention in the direction of the door, "Who's there mama?", Re3x0 asked. "Not sure..", she responded before getting up to go check who it is. A scream coming from their mother as soon as she opened the door. E4r1c immediately rushed over, ready for a fight when Re3x0 could hear him shout. "Dad!". Re3x0 could feel his heart drop into his gut. Slowly getting out from his chair he went to see what was going on.

Upon taking a glance at the door he saw his mother and brother hugging someone who looked like him. It was their father.