Redemption

Chapter 1

5 years later.

An old bus made it's way across the narrow street. It was actually a majestic sight,as it resembled a prized antique. It made slight creaking sounds as it slowed down,then came to an abrupt stop.

People flooded out. It was a peaceful and lively sight. Some wearing suits,some barely putting on a shirt,but everyone seemed to find their place in this little picture.

In less than 10 minutes, everyone had made their way out. The bus driver was about starting his engine, when he remembered something.

"We've arrived John." He said, slightly twisting his frame to look into the bus.

No answer.

Just as he was about to call out again,he heard sounds of someone standing up from the seats.

"Thanks. I slept off."

A man stepped out of the bus. He walked to the driver's window,as if awaiting his scolding.

"You're lucky I remembered you. Otherwise,you would have had to walk halfway across town to get home."

"Thanks a lot. Next time, I'll make sure I don't doze off." He said with a smile.

"That's what you said the last time." The driver said and started the engine. "We'll see tomorrow then."

He drove off.

He began his walk home. Even after taking the bus,he still had to walk for another twenty minutes before getting home. He never complained about it though.

He never complained about anything.

He was married,and had two kids. He wasn't rich,but he never seemed to mind. His job paid him enough to take care of his family,and he was okay with that.

On his way home,he passed the town's parish. He always did,and walking by,he said a slight prayer. It was his habit;he had been doing this for as long as he could remember. There was only one church in this part of town,and this was where he worshipped with his family.

It was late. The sun had set,but a little light still spread about the sky. He took peaceful steps across some stores,then came to a group of residential buildings.

A little boy was playing in the yard across. He sighted John coming over and ran towards him.

"Daddy!" He shouted and jumped into his arms.

"It's late. First off,you shouldn't be shouting at this time. Secondly, shouldn't you be inside?" He said, rubbing his head with a smile.

"Sorry dad." He replied with his head down. Almost immediately,he raised his head and clung onto John's neck. "Mommy said that you were going to buy the book today,so I decided to wait outside for you."

"Let's go in."

He opened the door. The smell of spices rushed at him,but he didn't feel nauseous. It brought,on the other hand,a comforting feeling.

The smell of home.

He put his son down,then knelt and said a slightly long prayer. When he opened his eyes,he saw his son, also kneeling beside him, with his eyes closed,and his lips were moving.

His heart felt warmth. Felix was five,but he was already more devoted than more than half the kids in church. John's pride didn't come from comparing him with those without a solid faith,but from knowing that his son was on the right path.

Felix opened his eyes after a while. He ran into the adjoining room,and then returned with a girl of about twelve. She had long black hair,and under the slightly dim light of the bulb above,she looked a little pale.