"By the Lord above, it's my dear Julian come home!" A figure rushed past him, pushing a grinning Mason aside, and wrapped Julian in a fierce embrace amid a flurry of green floral fabric.
Julian gently patted his mother's strong, sturdy back. "Yes, Mother, I'm back." He looked over at Mr. Kesma, who had quickly composed himself, settling into a chair, taking a swig of water, and lighting his pipe. He gave Julian a sidelong glance.
With Mrs. Kesma's joyful exclamations, the whole house seemed to come alive. Siblings, both older and younger, seemed to appear from hidden corners like summoned magicians, all at once rushing to Julian with a barrage of curious and exaggerated questions, to which he responded with little more than a smile.
After time apart, their reunion was not only joyful but also laced with a hint of unfamiliarity.
