Jackson was driving down to the suburban area of the city, the gentle hum of the car filling the otherwise quiet atmosphere. His phone dinged with a text message, breaking the stillness. Rubbing his brow, he briefly glanced at the screen, and a small smile tugged at his lips as he read the message: "Thanks for the meal." Simple, concise, and unmistakably Stella. He wasn't surprised by her straightforward response—it was just like her. Yet, the mere sight of it brought warmth to his expression.
In one fluid motion, he typed out a reply "your welcome". Jackson closed the message and refocused on the road, his hands steady on the wheel as he maneuvered the car with practiced precision into the familiar suburban terrain.
Earlier in the day, he'd stopped by Stella's office to personally deliver lunch, an excuse to see her, even if just briefly but unfortunately she is in a meeting. Now, he was taking a detour, heading toward a place that always brought him solace: the home of his adoptive parents.
Some months ago, this part of the city had drawn him back while he pursued answers about his past. Yet, no matter how many paths he explored, this home remained his anchor, the one constant in his life. Though his work and responsibilities had kept him away more than he liked, Jackson made it a point to visit his adoptive parents whenever he crossed a significant milestone.
As he neared the modest, welcoming house, memories of his childhood flickered in his mind—his parents' unwavering support, the warmth of home-cooked meals, and the quiet pride in their eyes whenever he achieved something, no matter how small. These visits weren't just about honoring them; they were a way for him to remind himself of where he came from, of the love that had shaped him into the man he was today.
Pulling into the driveway, Jackson took a deep breath, the tension from the day easing with the knowledge that he was about to step into the comforting embrace of home.
As Jackson turned off the ignition and stepped out of the car, a wave of nostalgia and comfort washed over him. He glanced at the familiar house, its modest charm standing as a testament to the love it housed. "This is home," he murmured to himself.
Looking up, he saw his adoptive mother, Susan Lloyd, standing at the top of the stairs with a radiant smile and open arms. Her presence alone was enough to fill the gaps of the many days he had been away. Climbing the stairs, Jackson stepped into her warm embrace, his heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and longing. No matter how grown he was, this embrace always made him feel like a boy again.
"Mom, how are you doing?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion.
Susan stepped back, holding him at arm's length as her keen eyes scanned his face. "Jackson, you're tanned again!" she said, shaking her head. "Didn't I tell you to stay away from hard labor under the sun? Look at you—your color, your thinness, even your hair! You haven't been taking care of yourself!"
Jackson chuckled softly, her worried tone a familiar tune. It amazed him how much love and concern this family poured into him, even after all these years.
"Come on, Susan, let the boy breathe," William, his adoptive father, called from inside, unable to bear her fussing. "Bring him in already, or he's going to get even more tanned standing out there!"
Relenting, Susan grabbed Jackson by the arm and pulled him inside. The moment they stepped into the house, the rich aroma of a home-cooked meal filled his senses. The savory scent of spices and roasted meat made his stomach growl in anticipation.
Jackson inhaled deeply, his weariness melting away. "Mom, what's that smell? It's heavenly," he teased, his grin wide.
Susan beamed proudly. "Your favorites, of course. You've been gone too long, so I made sure to make up for it."
William patted Jackson on the back as they entered the cozy living room. "It's good to have you back, son. Feels like the house is a little brighter when you're here."
Jackson looked around, taking in the warmth of the home that had shaped him, a deep sense of belonging settling in his chest. He knew no matter how far life took him, this place would always be his sanctuary.
As Jackson stood in the living room soaking in the warmth of home, a door creaked open, and Tracia emerged from her bedroom. The moment she saw him, her face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. Without hesitation, she dashed across the room and flung herself into his arms, wrapping him in a tight embrace.
"It's been so long since you came home!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with playful reproach. "I thought you might have forgotten about me!"
Jackson chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "How could I forget my favorite sister? I've just been busy, that's all," he said, his tone warm.
Tracia pulled back, her arms still loosely around him, and gave him a skeptical look. "Busy? Hmph. That's what you always say. You owe me for all the times you missed!"
Susan, watching the siblings' exchange with amusement, chimed in, "Tracia, you know how busy your brother can be. Besides, he's here now, isn't he? Let him breathe!" Her laughter filled the room, light and soothing.
William joined her, shaking his head as he added, "If you keep pestering him, Tracia, he'll run away again."
"Not a chance," Jackson teased, giving Tracia's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Satisfied for the moment, Tracia released him with a smile, and Susan called out, "Alright, enough chitchat. Let's get everyone to the table. Dinner's ready!"
Both Susan and William returned to the kitchen to bring out the dishes, their teamwork seamless and practiced. Soon, the family gathered around the dining table, which was laden with plates of fragrant, steaming food. The rich aroma of roasted chicken, seasoned vegetables, and freshly baked bread filled the air, making everyone's mouth water.
As they settled down, Jackson looked around the table, his heart full. The laughter, the light banter, and the simple joy of sharing a meal reminded him of what he was fighting for in life—a future where he could hold onto moments like this.
"Dig in, everyone!" Susan announced, her tone joyful.
With that, the family shared a hearty meal, the warmth of their bond filling the room and making it a night Jackson would treasure deeply.