The end of Lucien's one-week leave from the college was quickly approaching. The aftermath of the war and dealing with two marriage proposals took the majority of everyone's time.
By the time the necessary arrangements had been done, only two days were left before Lucien had to go back.
After spending quality time with his sister and mother, Lucien still had one person to visit. His father, Gordon Clearwater.
Gordon Clearwater, the former Alpha of the Silent Walkers Pack, lived in a special nursing home for werewolves since three years ago. Sporting the name "Wolf Valley Recuperation Home", the nursing home was located at North Ridge Forest and was directly managed by the Werewolf Council.
It was the last resting place for werewolves with incurable afflictions. Some of them departed within days, while some had longer years to live and thus became "permanent residents" of the nursing home. Gordon Clearwater was one of these permanent residents.
The former Alpha was very emotional about his condition in the first months of his stay at the nursing home. The years of ruling a pack as an Alpha had taken a lot from the man, including his ability to let go of things that he no longer had an influence on.
The transition time was always the hardest. Gordon felt as if he lost the ground under his feet and fell into a deep depression.
Thankfully, the Healers in the nursing home were used to treating retired Alphas and were able to properly listen to them and attend to their emotional needs.
The Healers constantly reminded Gordon that he had fulfilled his roles and responsibilities within the pack and that it was his time to kick back and relax. He should see the coming days as a chance to heal and pursue a new life instead of a downgrade of his previous occupation as an Alpha.
After a while, he came to appreciate the tranquility and peace that the nursing home had to offer.
Unlike sick patients that required supervision 24/7, the permanent residents were given little houses to be able to live like normal, healthy people. The management of Wolf Valley Recuperation Home encouraged them to pursue hobbies and interests to keep themselves engaged at all times.
When Lucien and Annalynne arrived at the reception hall of Wolf Valley Recuperation Home that weekend, they were led to Gordon Clearwater's little house.
Artistic blood ran in the Clearwater family. Both Gordon and Lucien had natural talents and also a high interest in art and music. Annalynne on the other side had zero talent in both. Her best art was stick figures and she was given the triangle for a musical instrument in the school orchestra because it was the only thing she could play without messing up the whole performance.
As a child, Annalynne often wondered whether she was adopted. Lucien kept admonishing her for the silly thought. Because how did they look so similar if they were not twins?
Later on, she came to terms with her lacking talent after finding out that her mother was also an untalented artist. It seemed that zero talent for art was also a trait that ran in the family. It was either the genius or the complete idiot.
The little house was but a little building in a huge yard full of potted plants of various sizes and a few apple trees. There was also a small lotus pond with several fat fishes swimming inside. A painting easel and bench stood on the porch overlooking the green surrounding.
When the door opened, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog ran out excitedly. Having recognized Annalynne with one glance, it jumped at the woman who laughed and hugged the energetic dog to her chest.
When Lucien extended his hand to pat the dog's head, it gave a little whine and shrank back. Lucien thus withdrew his hand.
"He is shy when meeting a new person for the first time," a voice rang out from the door. Gordon Clearwater had one hand against the door frame while the other was supporting his body with a cane.
"Dad!" Annalynne cried. She rushed toward Gordon and the latter patted her head lovingly.
"Anna, how are you?"
"I am good. Dad, Lulu is back..."
A tiny smile formed on Lucien's lips. "Hi, Dad."
"Lucien..."
Gordon extended an arm toward Lucien. The latter walked toward him and was pulled into a tight embrace by him.
"Lucien, how are you?"
"I am fine," Lucien answered.
After leaving the pack, Lucien had only visited Gordon two times. One time when he was in the hospital, and the other time when he entered the nursing home.
The corners of Annalynne's eyes quickly became moist from tears. "You two talk!" she exclaimed. "I am going to buy us some food!"
Before Annalynne disappeared, Gordon called, "Anna, wait."
"Hmm?"
The elder werewolf turned to Lucien with a smile. "I missed your cooking. Do you mind cooking us some dinner?"
Annalynne answered in Lucien's stead. "Of course, Dad! What do you want to eat for dinner???"
"Hmm... What about chicken salad, beef lasagna with four kinds of cheese, and chocolate creme pudding for dessert?"
All of these were not Gordon's favorite dishes but Annalynne's.
"Oh, yes!" Annalynne agreed excitedly. "I will also get some almond slices for the pudding!"
She did not even wait for Lucien to say yes or no before she dashed away at lightning speed.
Lucien lifted his eyes to look at Gordon.
"You sent Anna off on such a huge errand list. I reckon you want to talk to me alone?"
The happy smile on Gordon's face was slowly replaced with a sad one. Gordon sighed and muttered, "Sharp as always."
Gordon beckoned Lucien to come inside the house. Lucien waited until the Corgi got inside before he closed the door.
Gordon sank on top of a recliner and sighed. Lucien took a seat across him and leaned forward in expectation of Gordon's explanation.
"Lucien, Dane Silverback called yesterday."