The Way Back Home's

Visits

“Today we will be on vacation to Eden’s Lodge. I haven't been there in a long time. Last time when Milo was a kid.” Farrell Eden spoke softly beside mother's bed.

Both had brown hair and black eyes, though Farrell's property was darker. Mother's eyes stared blankly ahead, while Farrell's eyes stared fixedly at the mother. Farrell could feel his face warming up and his lips quivering, perhaps his eyes were also flushed red.  Everything about mom always makes her heart feel twisted. It felt stronger when there was no one there but her and mother. No uncles, aunts, sisters, or nurses. Farrell knew he shouldn't have to wait for a reply. But in her little heart, she couldn't lie if she still hoped she would smile or at least look at herself. The last time I talked to him was over ten years.

“I hope I still know the way there.”

Farrell reached out, clasping mother's hand. His eyes were fixed on the mother's fingers, skinny and cold. Mother's body is getting thinner by the day. Her skin was pale and her hair was unraveling tending to fall apart. Even so, his mother still looks beautiful. Farrell let the silence shade them for a while before he spoke again.

When he looked back at his mother's face, Farrell somehow felt a slight movement in his hand. Mom's hand twitched as if she wanted to hold her hand back. His eyeballs also shifted slightly as if he wanted to stare at his first son's face. But that's all. There is no big movement. Farrell didn't expect more. He gave a kiss in his mother's hand and said goodbye.

"See you later, mother." Farrell threw a smile at the mother. He got up to the door. Before actually leaving the room, Farrell still had time to turn to his mother. “See later.” Farrell repeated his words.

The atmosphere outside my room was so different. Her sisters Milo and Libby are chatting with the nurse, Carla. They were at uncle's house. Ever since my father disappeared and my mother got sick, I've been in the care of my uncle's house. There was a nurse there, too. They can pay attention to the mother for twenty-four hours.

“You should have seen my match yesterday!” Milo spoke with great pleasure. “Coach says that I can be an athlete if I want.”

“It sounds very exciting.” Carla's got fat body and curly hair. He was always friendly to anyone. When he heard that they were coming, he immediately prepared tea and cake without needing to be ordered by aunt.

My uncle and aunt left a few days ago. They promise to meet at the family-owned inn, Eden’s Lodge. Before he disappeared, his father managed the inn. Now, uncle and aunt became managers of lodging on the snowy mountain.

Milo continued. “Imagine it.. Professional athletes. Milo Eden, MVP of the year! People will come to Farrell and Libby to ask about me.”

Carla cringing. “Why didn't they come to you?”

“Because I'm too busy for a photo session. So, they interviewed my brother instead. Then, I'll pull Farrell and Libby out of the crowd. I took them photos together in the middle of the field. We will decorate the front page of the newspaper.”

“I don't want photos with you after the game. Sweatiness. Odor.” Libby frowning. Her hands hugged the pink-billed rabbit doll, the same color as her current band.

Farrell grunts amusedly. “Good, Libby.”

Libby's spontaneous answer made Carla laugh. Milo was made to frown because of it. Unlike Farrell, Milo also Libby has jet black hair and brown eyes. Farrell's skin also tends to be more yellow than his two younger siblings. If Milo is already in high school, Libby is still in fifth grade elementary school, Farrell himself has graduated from university.

Milo folded his hands to the front of his chest. “Hey, come on. I'm happy because yesterday I just won a national match. I'm the youngest core player on the school basketball team. I mean, I just went to school six months ago and was picked for a school match. I am the biggest contributor to numbers. Whether it's his name is talented or what.”

“Or what,” sahut Libby.

Farrell punched his sister slowly on the shoulder. “That's because your captain was injured in the tenth minute,” Farell said.

“Yes, yes, yes. Up.” As if aware of something else, Milo turned to the older brother. “How's mom? She said something?”

Farrell frowning. That was not the question he expected from Milo.

Carla berdehem's. “You should give him time to recover.”

Farrell nodded slowly. Every day Farrell always took the time to see the condition of the mother. Sometimes after he dropped off his siblings, sometimes in the empty hours of rest, or sometimes even after dinner. He doesn't care even if the place where mom is treated is different from the workplace. Because of his longing and love, Farrell never considered his habit as a burden. To be honest, so far, Farrell has seen no significant changes to the mother's condition.

Libby jumped off the couch. “I'm ready!” His wide eyes sparkled at the elder brother. Libby's long hair is exactly the same as yours. Very smooth also easily messy.

Milo snatched his backpack. “I too. I've been ready to sleep the whole trip.”

“Oh? Don't you need to learn the route to Eden’s Lodge from your sister?” Carla grunts. Both of his hands were on his waist. He did not seem to believe the words of the second child. “By the way, you haven't finished your tea, Farrell.”

“Don't worry, Carla. I can study with my eyes closed.”

“Very funny, Milo. I wonder what it is you told your basketball coach.”

“Do not envy. I am a genius.”

Carla smiled amusedly as she clucked. Milo's behavior is very different from Farrell's. The difference of seven years makes Milo look so childish compared to Farrell. Right now, the elder brother is not only a teacher, he is also planning further studies.

“Do not worry, Carla.” This time it was Farrell's turn to speak. He had just finished sipping his tea. “I'd rather Milo sleep all the way. There is no story. There's just me and calmness.”

“Si small Libby also sleep?”

“They always disappear when the car has gone.”

“They believe in your driving ability.”

“Please just like that.”

Milo and Libby had already rushed to the front door. Farrell was still wearing his sling bag. Carla accompanied him to the door.

"I'll look after him, Farrell.” Carla talks about mom.

“I know. I'm not worried that you're with mom.”

“I take that as a compliment.”

“It was indeed a compliment.”

Both arrived at the front door. Milo and Libby are ready to go. Milo teases his sister, as if not allowing her to get out first from him. Large hand How to turn the knob, open one of the twin door leaves.

“Enjoy your day, kids!”

“Thank you, Carla!” Libby out first. A quick small step led him towards the metallic blue double cabin parked in front of the house.

Milo didn't say anything, just saluted the soldiers. Farrell followed behind, shaking his head with a smile spreading across his face.

Before the three sisters got into the car, Carla had time to correct her words. “Oh, I was wrong. I mean, enjoy your holidays, kids!"