CHAPTER 3 - PART 3

Crossing the threshold of my home, a profound sense of relief took hold of me. The past days had drained me, both physically and emotionally, as I still carried the weight of recent grief.

As soon as I entered, the soothing echoes of Aria, my sister, caressed my ears, and her eyes lit up with joy at the sight of me.

"Bwouad, you're finally here!" she exclaimed, leaping towards me to offer a welcome where human warmth blended with deep affection, her arms wrapping me in an embrace that seemed to want to erase all fatigue.

"Hey, Aria," I replied, a tired but genuine smile lighting up my face. "What's been happening around here while I was gone?"

"Nothing extraordinary, the same routines, you know," she returned a smile that seemed to light up the room. "Mom has talked about you a lot. She'll be so happy to see you."

Guided by Aria, I climbed the stairs to our mother's room. The tranquility of the place seemed a sanctuary against the tumult of the outside world. Mom, lying with a fragile serenity, turned towards us a look filled with tenderness upon our arrival.

"Bwouad, my child," she said in a weakened voice, betraying the marks of illness but vibrating with unwavering love. "You're back with us."

"Yes, mom, I'm here," I stepped forward, gently taking her hand in mine, my eyes not hiding the emotion that overwhelmed me. "Has Aria taken good care of you?"

With a nod, Aria confirmed: "Everything went well, Bwouad. We've taken care of everything."

This moment spent with mom was a balm on our wounded hearts. Her illness had turned our daily life upside down, but our family bond remained our anchor.

Later, as the night wrapped the house in a comforting tranquility, Aria, driven by a burst of sincerity, broke the silence that had settled between us.

"Bwouad, I'm worried about you," she began, her voice betraying palpable concern. "All these expeditions into dungeons, for us... it's so risky, you know?"

Facing her hesitation, I reassured her, sharing the confidence I had gained. "Don't worry, Aria. I've learned to manage. With what I'm earning now, we can not only meet our needs but also ensure mom's care."

Her smile, tinged with relief, a hint of skepticism, and undisguised pride, illuminated her face. The night slowly settled in, wrapping our home in a welcome peace. Gazing at the stars through the window, I reminded myself that, no matter the obstacles, the unwavering support of my family would always await me at home.