The rain had softened into a gentle mist by the time Elena returned to the compound after two weeks away. She had not planned to come back so soon, but the pull of the house—of her children—had grown too strong to resist. She stepped through the gate at dusk, coat damp, hair clinging to her neck, carrying nothing but the small bag she had left with. The lights in every window glowed warm against the gray sky, like the house itself had been waiting, breathing, hoping.Theo saw her first. He was on the porch, leaning against the railing, staring out at the flooded garden. He froze when he saw her silhouette in the mist. Then he ran—down the steps, across the driveway, through the rain—until he reached her.He stopped a foot away, chest heaving, eyes wide.“Mom,” he said. Voice rough. Broken. Relieved.Elena looked at her oldest son.She smiled—small, tired, real.“I’m home,” she said.Theo closed the distance.He pulled her into his arms.He held her so tight she felt her ribs ache.He
Last Updated : 2026-02-01 Read more