BXBX NOVEL Chapter 356 Cold Home
The car moved steadily through a neighborhood that held a peculiar blend of familiarity and foreignness for Allen. The sight outside seemed to blur as his stomach twisted into a knot of tension, and an invisible weight settled heavily upon his shoulders. It was a sensation that resonated deep within him, an uninvited companion that had joined him on this journey.
Nausea gnawed at his gut, its intensity increasing with every passing moment. He wanted to turn away, to flee from this place that was both a part of him and a reminder of the pain he had endured.
His subconscious mind whispered a plea, urging him to escape the place that held so many bitter memories. Each street corner, each familiar building seemed to echo with the ghosts of the past – moments he had tried to bury, memories he had longed to forget.
Rejection. Neglect. Loneliness. Hopelessness.
In the midst of this emotional maelstrom, Allen\'s thoughts waged a war against his body\'s reactions. His fists clenched at his sides, fingers digging into his palms as if grounding himself in the present moment. \'Calm down. Keep it simple. Say what you need to say and leave before you\'re caught in the tangled web of emotions.\'
His eyes fell on a two-story house not far away. The garden was well laid out but with well-tended bushes. The house was taking on a classic exterior house dominated by white and beige. The house looked simple and well-maintained. It looked like a perfect house in the neighborhood. Yet it looked cold for Allen.
Getting out of the car, Allen went to the house reluctantly. After a deep exhale, he pressed the ring bell at the entrance.
A few seconds later, the door swung open. Standing before him was Evan, his younger brother, with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.
"Evan!" Allen exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and joy in his voice.
"Allen!" Evan\'s voice held a jubilant note, his eyes lighting up as he took in his older brother\'s presence.
"You look awesome," Allen said, his words tinged with pride.
"Thanks!" Evan\'s reply was accompanied by a sheepish grin.
Allen stepped into the house. The familiar interior entered his sight. Evan led the way, his steps confident as he navigated the space Allen once called home. The living room was bathed in warm light, the cozy furniture was arranged in a way that invited conversation and relaxation. The scent of something delicious wafted from the kitchen.
Just as Allen\'s senses were settling, a voice broke the calm air. "Who\'s coming?" the voice inquired, drawing Allen\'s attention. From the kitchen emerged a figure whose presence commanded attention.
Carla, Allen\'s mother, moved into the living room. Her eyes, once she saw Allen, widened in surprise, her pace slowing as if time itself had momentarily halted. The air was thick with the weight of their shared history, the unspoken emotions that lingered beneath the surface.
A bittersweet smile tugged at Allen\'s lips as his gaze met Carla\'s. The awkwardness he felt was palpable, an undercurrent that pulsed beneath the surface of his exterior composure.
"Hello, Mom," Allen greeted, his voice tinged with a mix of familiarity and unease.
"Allen," Carla\'s voice held a blend of surprise and warmth. Her eyes bore into his, as if seeking answers to unspoken questions.
Despite the years that had passed, Allen couldn\'t help but feel like the awkward teenager he had once been in her presence.
Carla\'s gaze softened as she took in her son\'s appearance. "You\'ve grown," she commented, her words laced with a mix of pride and something else – a depth of emotion that hinted at a more complex narrative.
Allen offered a bitter smile in response. "Yeah, time has a way of doing that." The exchange was tinged with a sense of awkwardness.
With the weight of their shared history lingering in the air, Allen took a deep breath and found his voice. "Oh, right. I came to wish you both – Evan, congratulations on your graduation, and Mom, happy birthday."
Evan\'s eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Thanks, Allen. It means a lot that you\'re here."
Carla\'s gaze softened, and a smile graced her lips. "Thank you, Allen."
Reaching into his bag, Allen retrieved a neatly wrapped package. "Evan, I got you something." He held out the package, his eyes meeting his brother\'s.
Evan\'s curiosity was evident as he accepted the gift, his fingers deftly unwrapping the paper. As he revealed the contents, a new headset emerged. Allen knew that Evan often found solace in music, using it as a soundtrack to his studies and moments of reflection.
"I remember how you used to listen to music while studying," Allen explained with a grin. "So, I thought this might be an upgrade."
Evan\'s face lit up with delight, a genuine smile spreading across his features. "Dude, this is awesome! Thanks so much!"
Turning his attention to Carla, Allen retrieved another package from his bag. "And for you, Mom."
Carla\'s expression was a blend of curiosity and anticipation as she accepted the gift. Her fingers deftly opened the box, revealing a sweet purse nestled inside. The design was elegant yet practical, a reflection of the thought Allen had put into selecting the perfect gift.
"I hope you like it," Allen said with a touch of uncertainty, his gaze meeting Carla\'s.
"Allen, I appreciate the thought behind the gift," Carla began, her voice carrying a note of unease. "But you know how your stepdad can be..."
Her words hung in the air, a reminder of the complexities that existed within their family dynamic.
Evan\'s eyes narrowed thoughtfully, his expression one of determination. "Don\'t worry, Mom. I\'ve got an idea. I\'ll tell Dad that the purse is a present from me. That way, he won\'t be mad at you."
Carla\'s gaze shifted to Evan, a mixture of surprise and gratitude in her eyes.
"Evan, that\'s really thoughtful," Carla\'s voice held a mixture of emotion. "But I don\'t want you to feel obligated..."
Evan\'s grin was infectious, his determination unwavering. "No worries, Mom. It\'s the perfect plan."
Carla\'s eyes held a mixture of gratitude and warmth as she accepted the sweet purse. "Thank you, Allen. This is really thoughtful."
Allen\'s smile matched her appreciation. "I\'m glad you like it, Mom."
As the exchange took place, a fragrant aroma wafted through the air, carrying with it the promise of something delicious. Carla\'s gaze shifted momentarily toward the kitchen, and she turned back to Allen with a smile.
"I just finished baking a pie," she offered, her voice warm. "Would you like to stay for some?"
Allen\'s expression was a mixture of gratitude and hesitation. "Thanks, Mom, but I\'m actually just dropping by. I wanted to talk for a minute."
Carla\'s curiosity was piqued, and she motioned toward the couch. "Of course, come sit."
They settled onto the couch. Carla\'s gaze held a mixture of warmth and concern. "What did you want to talk about, Allen?"
He took a deep breath, his eyes meeting hers as he spoke. "I wanted to ask about the man who came by last week."