Family Bonds
My stomach was in a knot as I walked the path towards my home, well soon to be my former home, well maybe it already was my former home. The sky was purple on the edges while changing suns as I reached the edge of town where my house sits. I crawled up, peeked inside and saw my mum wandering behind the windows with the flicker of weak gloswams lighting the room.
My mind spun in circles. Should I actually say goodbye? How will they react? What about my brother? This is stupid. I dunno. I should just go in the front door. What if they call the guards? Eh, I’ll just leave.
“Big sister!” A voice said from behind me.
Oh no. I jumped and spun around quick. Its my little brother. “Hi.” That was the most I could muster in between nervous giggles.
“You came back.” He said while walking up to me with a smile. He then grabbed my hand and tugged. I walked a few steps and pulled back.
“Wait.” I caught myself just before panicking. “How is mum and dad doing exactly?”
He gazed back with a confused look which shifted to sadness. “They’ve been staying home which is nice. But people have been coming around asking questions. I just get sent to my room.”
Probably the guards. I’ll have to make this quick, which didn’t make me upset. If they are staying home does that mean they are sad I’m gone? I looked down at him. “Lets go.”
He smiled and we walked in to those familiar pine walls. I saw mum making dinner and father sitting at the table.
“Big sister came back.” He yelled while running in. He never was one for timing.
Both my parents turned around and froze in place upon seeing me. Their wide eyes meeting mine. I couldn’t bring myself to say anything with my heart feeling like its gonna burst.
“Your safe.” Dad broke the silence. His arms shifted back onto the table.
I nodded. “Um, uh, ya. I am.”
Mum walked over and hugged me. “Thank goodness.” She said.
I was both shocked and confused. I really had a hard time believing she wanted me back. With her warm arms around me I couldn’t help but return the embrace. I was completely undeserving of this after what I’d done.
What I had done. Oh ya, I still needed to tell them that.
Mum released her arms and said “Dinner is just about ready now come and sit down for it.”
I took my seat like any normal day, father sitting right across from me. “How have things been?” I asked.
He rubbed his head. “Well you know working on those bow and arrows. The chief really likes the idea.”
“I thought they were great.”
“I’d love you to come work there again, darling.” He smirked.
Before I could cringe Mum dropped dinner on the table. It was elinowe leg fired in sasdo oil. Dinner was eaten with nary a word. Having not had anything decent in a while I was still thankful.
A little after we got done. “So why did you go into the cave?” Father said with a stern look.
This took me by surprise and panic shot back into me. What do I say? I don’t want to drag Arwita into this. My eyes spun around while I froze up. “I-”
Knock, knock, knock. A rap came from the door.
“Go hide.” Mum said in a loud whisper while pushing me. My brother ran to his room.
I ran out back. I couldn’t hear a word. My stomach churned and I began to pace all around. Switching between that and putting my ear up to the door. I couldn’t take it. I was gonna pop.
“How dare you keep accusing our daughter of that.” My panic was broken by father yelling.
Someone else started to reply. “We’ve just been asked-”
Mum interjected. “She’s been missing for weeks and your still coming here harassing us.”
“Someone blighted a root cellar and we are going to find them. She went missing right after.” A stern voice shouted over the others.
A crash happened. “I will not have you lot making my wife cry. She would never-”
“I did!” I rushed in and shouted.