Home at last

The train screeched to a halt, waking Mandy from her slumber almost immediately. Her head was still turned to the window, so when she opened her eyes, she was met with an all-too-familiar train stop.

She sat up at once, rubbed her eyes, and leaned forward to get a better look. It was a little dark, but it wasn’t a dream.

This was it—she was really home.

A voice caught her attention. “You’re awake.”

She looked over to find Mr. Jones already up and putting his things together. “I believe you owe me a tour. Like I said, I really know nothing about this place.”

Mandy chuckled, grinning from ear to ear. “Don’t worry, Mr. Hamburg. I’ll take special care of your stay here—you have my word.”

She could barely contain her excitement. She had only brought a small hand luggage, so all she had to do was fold the shawl she’d used as a blanket, tuck it inside, and she was good to go.

Once their items were packed, they stepped out of their cabin, Mandy in front. The moment she stepped out of the train and her foot touched the ground, a wave of nostalgia rushed through her.

Goosebumps tingled along her arms as she looked around the train station.

It hadn’t changed a bit.

Was I too worried for nothing?

“So, how does it feel to be back home?” Mr. Jones asked, his voice warm. Mandy shot him a quick glance—he was smiling knowingly, already anticipating her answer.

She looked away, clutched her luggage with both hands, and took in the early morning breeze with her eyes closed.

“It feels... GREAT!” she replied, beaming. “Now come on, Mr. Hamburg. We’ve got no time to waste. It’s best to catch an early ride, or we’ll be stuck here till noon!”

Giggling, she darted across the station, and Jones hurriedly followed behind, yelling for her to wait up.

They were fortunate enough to catch a ride on a truck. The kind fellow driving it explained that the bus was delayed that day, and since few vehicles passed through the area, he offered them a lift in the back of his truck.

They gratefully accepted, and soon they were bouncing along the rough country roads.

The early morning breeze brushed against them, but it was bearable thanks to their shawls. Mandy noticed how uncomfortable Jones looked and couldn’t resist teasing him about it.

Could you blame him, though? He’d lived in the city his entire life and had never ridden in the back of a truck before.

As the sun began to rise, they both watched in awe as the light slowly spread across the countryside, casting a golden glow on the trees and grass. Even the modest homes around them looked cozier under the soft morning light.

Mandy excitedly pointed out places she remembered—the road to the market, the field where festivals were held, and the hill where she and her friends used to play.

The more she spoke, the brighter her smile became.

Her hometown hadn’t changed as much as she’d feared.

Soon, the truck neared a familiar path—one she could never forget, even if she was struck with amnesia.

She quickly asked the driver to stop. They climbed down, thanked him sincerely, and watched as he drove off.

Mandy stared at the path ahead, her heart racing. She clutched her luggage tighter, nerves dancing in her chest.

A hand landed gently on her shoulder, making her jump. She turned to find Mr. Jones giving her a reassuring smile.

Her nerves eased, she smiled back and began leading the way.

They walked down the path lined with trees on one side and a lake on the other.

...The path home... It’s been so long, yet it feels like I was here just yesterday. ...

...Mom, Dad, Kyle, Lucas... will you be happy to see me?...

Lost in thought, she barely noticed when the house came into view. They stood just a few paces away from her family’s home.

Its wooden foundation had been replaced with bricks, although the small food storage cabin remained the same, the flowers and little trees had grown tall, and a small pond sparkled in the distance—just as described in the letters.

It still felt like home.

She smiled, her hair, shawl, and dress fluttering in the breeze, while Mr. Jones held onto his hat, shielding it from the wind.

As she took a step forward, the door burst open and a little boy came dashing out.

He seemed in a hurry but froze when he spotted Mandy.

“Big sis?...” he asked, eyes scrunched, unsure if it was truly her.

With a wide grin and her arms stretched open, Mandy called, “LUCAS! I’M BACK!”

He lit up and rushed toward her as if afraid she’d vanish if he didn’t hurry.

He jumped into her arms and she spun him around, both giggling like little kids.

A voice rang out from inside the house. “LUCAS! WHAT IN THE WORLD IS TAKING YOU SO LONG?! All you had to do was—” She stopped.

Mandy stood there, holding Lucas, all smiles.

“Hello, Mom,” she said softly.

The woman’s hands flew to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes.

Mandy set Lucas down and rushed into her mother’s arms.

But their emotional reunion was cut short by a shriek from Lucas.

The little fanboy had just realized who was standing nearby. He pointed and screamed, “OH MY GOSH! BIG SIS! IT’S MR. JONES!”

Mr. Jones looked… mildly horrified.

“Lucas! Manners!” Mandy scolded, flustered.

Her mother blinked at the man in confusion. “Jones? Like, the guy Lucas wouldn’t shut up about? Is he... your boyfriend?”

“MOM?!” Mandy squeaked, her face blazing red.

Realizing she hadn’t done the proper introductions, she quickly explained who Mr. Jones was.

He bowed respectfully, and Mandy’s mom warmly welcomed him, ushering him inside. Lucas, still starstruck, practically glued himself to Mr. Jones’ side, firing off a million questions.

Well... I guess there won’t be any fainting today, Mandy thought.

She asked about her dad and older brother, Kyle, and was told they’d gone to the farm early to harvest some crops.

Everyone else was inside now, but Mandy lingered outside a little longer. She stood with her luggage in hand, taking in everything.

The birds chirping in the distance, the rabbits frolicking in the garden, the falling leaves, the butterflies dancing in the air, and the chill breeze carrying that unique countryside scent.

Everything was beautiful. Calm. Nostalgic…

She was home.

I'm so glad I decided on my journey home…

With that thought, she walked inside and closed the door behind her, heart full and spirit light.

...---...

...And that's It folks 😁 ...

...You can check out my other works on Wattpad '@writingfortheLols'...

...I hope you enjoyed this 🥰...

...Writing this was so much fun! ...

...I picture it being in a short Ghibli movie 🍿😚 ...

...(I hope that happens 🥹)...

...Anyways, thank you for coming this far! Hope to see you in the next one 🤗...