Chapter 22

As I looked over our neighborhood, a sense of familiarity and longing filled my heart.

I left my hometown in 2013, shortly after graduating from high school.

Since then, nothing much has changed in our neighborhood except for the houses that have been improved and the trees that are now bigger, higher, wider, and older.

The taxi I was in pulled up in front of our house. I paid the fare, exited the cab, and waited for the driver to retrieve my luggage. The vehicle instantly left after giving me my luggage, leaving me standing in front of our house.

I fixed my gaze on our house. It's been ten years since I left this house, and I haven't returned since, until today.

My parents will most likely be surprised when they see me. I've simply told my parents that I'll be returning home, but not when.

I'm already picturing their reactions. Their only child has finally come home, so I'm sure their faces will first be filled with shock and then joy.

For the past ten years, my parents have pleaded