I picked up my travel bag and quietly opened the door. The hallway was silent since everyone else was still asleep.
When I got on the train, I sat by the window and watched the fields rush past. For the first time in a long while, my heart felt completely calm.
Three hours later, the train arrived at the station.
I turned on my phone and found dozens of missed calls and messages pop up. Some were from Daniel, some from Wanda and a few from relatives.
I ignored them all and dialed a friend instead. “Luke, I’m back. I’ll stop by this afternoon to finish the travel group paperwork, if it’s still possible to rejoin.”
My friend laughed on the other end. “I told you before, your kids have their own lives. Stop worrying so much. Come on back, everyone’s been waiting for you.”
When I stepped out of the station, the sunlight felt warm. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight in my chest finally lift.
Back in my hometown, the neighbors looked surprised to see me. “Damien, you’re back already? Weren’t you planning to stay with your son for a while?”
I smiled. “Home is still the most comfortable place to be.”