Anthony turned to his parents, a warm smile gracing his lips.
But before he could utter a word, he felt a familiar embrace enveloping him.
Mitchelle's arms wrapped around him, firm yet gentle, her voice soft and filled with maternal warmth as it reached his ears.
"How have you been, my son?"
Anthony hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace, his arms encircling her with a quiet longing.
He had missed this, the comfort of family, the unspoken bond that had been his anchor.
A century spent in solitude, speaking only to the system, had taken its toll, testing his resolve in ways he had never imagined.
"I'm fine, Mom"
He replied, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of emotion.
"What's there to worry about?"
As he held her tightly, the weight of the years apart seemed to dissolve, replaced by the warmth of reunion.
