Chapter 63: Reunion
TERESA’S P.O.V.
The city of Redfield was just as I remembered—vibrant, chaotic, and perpetually smelling of fresh bread and car exhaust. It was the kind of place that had its own personality—like a quirky old uncle who was always too loud but deeply lovable. My hands tightened around the steering wheel as I navigated through the familiar streets. Every stoplight felt like a judgmental pause, as if the city itself was questioning me. Two years. Two years and some months since I had vanished like a magician pulling a final trick, leaving behind everything I loved. Chief among them? My sweet, Luke, the one person I had always counted on.
The closer I got to Luke’s house, the more my heart thudded against my ribs like a prisoner rattling his cell bars. His home, a cozy, modest affair with a wide porch that screamed family gatherings and lemonade summers, came into view. My stomach churned.
From the backseat, Mai and Ollie, were baby talking and giggling. Clearly, they weren’t feeling the weight of the moment. Must be nice to be one and half and oblivious. I wished they could be this innocent for life.
"Alright, guys, wish me luck," I said, glancing in the rearview mirror. Mai gave me her trademark tilted-head smile, clutching her slightly bedraggled stuffed rabbit, Sir Flopsalot. Ollie, my stoic little man, nodded gravely as if he understood what I just said, like a pint-sized general sending me into battle. His seriousness cracked a smile on my face despite the nerves threatening to eat me alive.
The car rolled to a stop in Luke’s driveway, and there it was—the house that hadn’t changed a bit. Warm yellow lights glowed behind familiar curtains, and faint laughter spilled out like a welcome mat. My hands trembled as I unbuckled the twins, hoisting Mai on one hip and Ollie on the other.
Deep breath. One step. Two steps. Knock, knock.
The door opened so fast I was startled. And there he was—Luke.
For a split second, he looked like he’d seen a ghost. His jaw dropped, his eyes darting between me and the twins as if he was trying to piece together a puzzle with too many missing pieces.
"Teresa?" His voice was a mash of disbelief, relief, and a pinch of are-you-serious-right-now?
"Hi, Luke," I squeaked, my voice embarrassingly wobbly.