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A Heartwarming Homecoming |
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It was early spring and the winter snow was melting. Seated before the glowing
hearth as the firewood crackled softly and gently, Lauren and Mitch, an elderly
couple, were listening to the radio as the jubilant broadcaster rejoiced over
the end of the war. Like any other parent, they were grateful, immensely
relieved, that their prayers had been answered. Their only child, Tom, would
finally be coming home.
During those weeks of eager anticipation, the elderly couple kept their eyes on
the rickety gate ever so often, hoping that their beloved son would appear at
the gate. The image of his smiling face had appeared a thousand times in their
minds. Yet, that scenario did not materialize. Despite a nagging fear that they
would never see him again, Lauren and Mitch remained hopeful.
That day was just like any of those days for the elderly couple. Their unspoken
thoughts pervaded the silence of the room. The sharp ringing of the telephone
shattered their train of thoughts. Lauren answered the call.
After a long time, a hesitant voice asked, "Mum?" Lauren's eyes were brimming
with tears and her heart leapt at the familiar voice of her child. She missed
him so much!
"Mum, I have a friend. He's been maimed. He does not dare to go home. He does
not dare face his parents. He is unsure if they would find him a burden." As
Lauren listened attentively, she heard Tom draw in a sharp breath. "May he stay
with us, just for the time being?" Tom asked hesitantly, sounding almost
hopeful. Lauren pondered for a moment. Were they ready to take in another boy,
another mouth to feed? "Sure, Tom. Your dad and I would love to have him over.
I'm sure his parents love him though. They would accept him too. But yes, he may
stay with us till he's ready to face them."
Tom did not reply immediately. Lauren thought she heard him sniffing. They said
their goodbyes and hung up.
The day dawned bright and cool. The birds were perched outside, singing their
melody. For the first time, the elderly couple heard them. It was as if the
birds knew their hearts and were singing their song. Their eyes strayed to the
gate and lingered there. When would their son appear?
Suddenly, the rickety gate creaked. The startled couple jumped. Eyes wide open
with hope, they fixed their eyes on the gate. A lone figure was hobbling on a
crutch. Too stunned for words, they watched him limp to the door. Then, there
came a hesitant knock.
The couple rushed to open the door. Looking straight at them were the familiar
grey eyes. The figure was gaunt and tanned, but undoubtedly, it was their
beloved child. Lauren's eyes moved to the missing leg and back to his face. The
reason for the telephone call dawned upon her; she understood the reason for his
call. Her heart ached at the thought of the pain and uncertainty her young son
had gone through. Reaching out to hug him, Lauren choked back her tears. All she
could say was, "I'm so glad you are home." |
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