AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Billy stays by my Mom's side. "Hi." He clears his throat. "I've heard a lot about you."
I stare at my little brother. God, I can't believe this is real.
"Hey." I walk over and cuff his shoulder. "I hope you're making use of that tree fort. It's a great place to read."
The boy's eyes widen. "You like to read there, too?"
"Oh yeah, I did." I gesture to the fort. "Comics, mysteries, even romance. I brought my caterpillar stuffy up there every day and snuck in a book while Mom prepared dinner." Fun memories flash through my mind. "It was thebest."
The boy pulls a tiny pterodactyl stuffy out of his pocket. "I bring my stuffy up there, too. We read Hardy boys together."
I squeeze Billy as tight as I can. "I think you're reading my old Hardy boys, bud. Those are great books."
"Which one’s your favorite?" My little brother stares into my eyes.
I bring my fingers to my chin. "I loveWhile The Clock Ticks. That's definitely a good one, with a secret murder room and everything. I also adore the one where they keep the dead woman in a plaster statue."
"I like both of those." My little brother spins in a circle. "We'll have to go through Hardy boys together."
"That's a great idea." I tousle his hair. "We can pick out the ones we like."
That's when my mother motions to something inside the house. "Come out, baby." She pats her thigh, then drops to her knees. "Your brother’s home. He wants to see you."
I raise my eyes. What's my mother talking about? But when the tiny figure limps out of the door and sees me, I know.
My childhood cocker spaniel.
She's older now, no longer the spring chicken she once was. She teeters and totters as she walks to me, taking her time. But when she gets close enough and catches my scent, she bursts into a run and thrusts herself against me.
"Oh my Gosh." I heave her into my arms and plant a kiss on her tum. I forgot how much I missed her. "Hi, Bella. It's so nice to see you."
Bella lets out a woof as she licks my cheek. She wags her stubby tail so happily, swishing it back-and-forth against my arm.
Tears well in my eyes as I stare at my family. "I'm so grateful you didn't forget me." I squeeze Bella tight, fending off more sobs. "I was gone for so long. I was sure you'd moved on."
My little brother shakes his head. "We kept your room exactly the way it was."
"That's right, son." My father places his hand on my shoulder. "Your caterpillar sheets are still there as well as your pajamas. We keep the door open so it feels like you're still here."
Mom squeezes me tight. "We're glad you're back. Why don't you and your Daddy come into the kitchen for a slice of apple pie? The crust is flaky. I baked it with lard."
My heart swells in my chest. "I'd love to, Mom."
Mom. It's such an odd thing, having a Mom. For nearly a decade, I didn't even remember I had a family. Now I discover that not only did my parents not forget me, they even kept my room the same way, refusing to change a thing in hopes that someday I’d return home.
Benedetto drapes his arm around me. "You’re loved, sweet boy." He tilts my chin up and plants a kiss on my lips. "And you have a new brother to love, too."
I hug Benedetto as tight as I can. "I love you, Daddy. You give the best surprises."
Benedetto winks at me. "Let's head in for a slice of pie." He rubs his belly and lets out a groan. "We’ll see how it compares to mine."
EPILOGUE
BENEDETTO
One month later
Callum's memories returned in full force.
