The evening air was laced with the quiet hum of cicadas as the front gate to the mansion buzzed open, and a sleek, dark car glided smoothly down the driveway. As the car approached, David and Sarah stepped out onto the front steps, curiosity lighting up their faces.
David, a man with an eye for the finer details—especially in his role as a politician—recognized the car immediately. The design, the gloss of its body, the soundless purr of the engine as it came to a stop… it was one of Power Gen's latest models, and it was no small investment. He leaned closer to Sarah, whispering, "Do you know how rare that car is? Alex must be doing well—this is top-of-the-line. Luxury, power, safety, and all the latest specs."
Sarah's face softened with a proud smile, her heart swelling as she saw her son stepping out of the car. "Well," she murmured, "our Alex has always been full of surprises." She took in the sight of him, taller and sharper than she remembered, though he still had the same calm and easy presence about him.
Alex caught sight of them both and, for a moment, he was struck by a rush of emotions. It had been years since he'd seen his parents in person, and while they often spoke on calls, there was nothing quite like seeing them face to face. He felt the warmth of memories wash over him—their old home, the safety he felt as a kid, and the laughter that always filled their home. He felt as if no time had passed, but also that so much had changed.
With a wide smile, he stepped forward, his arms outstretched. "Mom! Dad!"
David took a step forward, wrapping his son in a hearty embrace, his usually reserved demeanor giving way to pure, unfiltered joy. "It's good to see you, Alex! And look at you, driving in like some sort of movie star!"
Sarah joined the embrace, her warmth enveloping him. She pulled back to look him over, her gaze scanning him carefully, as if searching for the boy she once knew in the man standing before her. "You look wonderful, Alex. And this car—my goodness, you're really thriving out there!"
Alex chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just trying to keep up with things. Thought it was time to upgrade a bit. But enough about the car—how have you two been? It's been too long."
They shared a few more light remarks as they walked toward the house, the easy rhythm of their family dynamic falling right back into place. Inside, the familiar warmth of his parents' home wrapped around him, with soft lighting illuminating the tasteful, cozy decor. The dining table was set, a spread of his favorite dishes waiting.
As they settled down to eat, the conversation picked up effortlessly. Alex listened as his parents filled him in on Central Heaven and its recent changes. David's political work kept him at the center of a lot of social developments, and Sarah updated him on the many volunteer projects she'd been taking on, working with community groups and outreach programs. It was a life filled with purpose, and seeing their passion and happiness left Alex feeling a comforting sense of peace.
At one point during dinner, Sarah gave Alex a knowing look and said, "There's something we've been meaning to talk to you about." Her voice softened, almost hesitant.
David chimed in, his eyes twinkling. "Your sister, Amelia… she's seeing someone. A young man named Aris. He's an ability user, though his skills are… well, they're unique."
Alex paused, taking in the news with surprise, but he quickly composed himself, nodding thoughtfully. "Oh? Amelia's always kept things close to the chest," he remarked, amusement in his tone. "What's he like?"
Sarah chuckled softly. "You know how she is—she told us very little at first. But Aris is… he seems like a good man. He has this strange ability, something to do with illusions, bending reality or something. Quite the talent."
David added, "He works in administration with her, but I think what matters most to Amelia is that he treats her well. Your mother and I have our worries, of course. Ability users, especially those with unique skills, come with… uncertainties." He exchanged a glance with Sarah, who gave a gentle nod.
Alex could sense the subtle worry lingering beneath their words. "I understand," he replied, his tone reassuring. "I'll make sure to meet him. But if he's good to her, then that's what matters most."
His parents exchanged a look of relief, and the atmosphere around the table softened. They continued sharing stories, and Alex spoke a bit about his life since leaving them, omitting any heavy details but mentioning, almost casually, that he'd awakened an ability himself—a fire-based one. He downplayed the technicalities, leaving out the intensity and intricacies he'd developed with his matrix training, but it was enough to impress his parents.
"That's incredible!" David said, a glint of pride in his eyes. "To think our own son has awakened as well. I always knew you had something special in you, Alex."
The conversation moved forward, winding around topics of family, life, and the changes sweeping through the world. They laughed, reminisced, and reconnected. For Alex, it was like stepping back into the security of his childhood, yet with the new realization of his own growth and his family's unwavering pride and love.
As the night drew to a close, he found himself overwhelmed with gratitude. It was a night to remember, a reminder of the bonds that grounded him, even as the world continued to change.