(Jaxon)
When I finally pulled into my driveway, I felt relieved because of the traffic on the way but also weird. Like I was returning to something that didn't quite fit anymore. Not in a bad way. Just different.
I grabbed my bag from the trunk and the shopping bag with the stuff I bought for my parents and brother. I'd picked up a few things while we were out exploring different towns. Nothing fancy. Just some local stuff I thought they'd like.
The front door was unlocked. I could hear the coffee maker running in the kitchen.
"Mom?" I called out.
"In here!" she called back.
I walked into the kitchen and found her standing by the counter, in her work clothes but with slippers on. She looked tired but smiled when she saw me.
"There he is," she said, coming over to hug me. "How was th
