Spurred on by emotion, I gave them both a big hug. I was a fool to waste all this time thinking they were angry with me. In truth, both Earl and Noelle welcomed me back as if that night had never happened.
"I'm so sorry Ma, Pa. I know you did it for me. I am so sorry for not visiting you all this time. I was so ashamed of what I said that night. I didn't mean any of it. Please forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive, Dipshit. This is your home. And we are your family," Ma insisted.
Earl, on the other hand, patted me on the back as he then added, "We all make mistakes. I am proud of you for getting back up after you fell. That is all that matters."
I tried my best to hold back my tears and just hugged them tighter. It was funny, it was only after I died that I realized how much love surrounded me.
