The rhythmic hum of the bus engine had become almost hypnotic, lulling Daniel into a light doze. He blinked awake as the bus slowed, pulling into Igualada's small but lively station. The overhead announcement crackled in Spanish and Catalan, confirming their arrival.
Daniel stretched his legs, slung his duffel bag over his shoulder, and stepped off the bus. The air was different here—crisper, carrying the faint scent of bakeries and distant hills. The sun was beginning to dip, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. A message from his uncle.
"Where are you? I'll pick you up near the station."
Daniel glanced around. A few taxis waited by the curb, and travelers hurried toward their destinations. Across the street, an old man sat outside a café, sipping from a tiny espresso cup while flipping through a newspaper. The atmosphere was calm, a stark contrast to the rush of Barcelona.
He typed a quick reply. "Just arrived. Where should I wait?"
A reply came almost instantly. "Walk toward the small plaza. I'll be in a blue car."
Daniel made his way past small shops and apartments, his boots clicking against the pavement. The town was quieter than he remembered—though, to be fair, his memories were hazy, stitched together from summers long ago.
Then, he spotted it. A dusty blue car idling by the plaza, its driver leaning against the hood, arms crossed.
Uncle Mateo.
His hair had thinned a little, and his beard was now streaked with gray, but his posture was the same—strong, confident, like a man who had seen more than he let on. As soon as he saw Daniel, his face broke into a wide grin.
"¡Hombre! (Man) Look at you!" Mateo's voice boomed as he stepped forward and clapped Daniel on the back. "You've gotten taller. And you finally decided to visit!"
Daniel chuckled, adjusting his bag. "Yeah, long overdue."
Mateo gestured toward the car. "Come on, let's get home. You must be starving."
Daniel didn't argue. He threw his bag into the backseat and climbed in, feeling a strange sense of comfort. This wasn't just a visit—it was a homecoming.
As they drove through the winding streets of Igualada, Mateo glanced at him. "So, tell me, nephew… what really brings you here?"
Daniel hesitated. He had his reasons—reasons he hadn't fully explained yet.
But he'd get to that.
For now, he just smiled. "Let's start with dinner first."
Mateo laughed. "Good answer."
And with that, they disappeared into the heart of the town, where old memories waited to be uncovered and new ones were just beginning.