Chapter Nineteen: Coming Back

Emily stood by the window of their home, her gaze tracing the city skyline as the sun dipped below the horizon. The soft hues of twilight painted the room in a tranquil glow, casting a reflective ambience that mirrored the thoughts that swirled within her mind.

Ares, her son, sat at the dining table engrossed in his studies. He was doing his homework.

She cleared her throat, drawing Ares' attention from the pages of his textbook. His eyes, a mirror of her own, reflected a blend of intelligence and curiosity.

As he looked up at her, Emily mustered a smile—a veneer that concealed the profound nature of the conversation that awaited.

"Ares," Emily began, her voice tempered with a mixture of determination and maternal warmth.

Ares closed his textbook, giving her his full attention. "What's up, Mom?" he inquired, a hint of curiosity colouring his tone.

Emily took a moment, her eyes locking onto his as she navigated the delicate balance between professional aspirations and the realm of motherhood. "I have some news to share, sweetheart," she started, choosing her words with care.

Ares, sensing the gravity of the moment, leaned back in his chair. The room, bathed in the muted glow of evening, became a witness to the unfolding conversation—a conversation that held within it the potential to reshape the trajectory of their lives.

"I've been offered a promotion, Ares," Emily revealed, her gaze unwavering.

A flicker of pride crossed Ares's features, acknowledging his mother's professional achievements.

"That's amazing, Mom! Congratulations!" Ares exclaimed, genuine admiration in his voice. The pride he felt for his mother's accomplishments resonated in the sincerity of his words.

Emily's smile widened, appreciating the genuine support that emanated from her son. However, the impending revelation cast a shadow upon the moment—a shadow that danced on the periphery of their shared joy.

"Thank you, Ares," Emily replied, her voice carrying a depth of emotion. The silence that followed allowed the weight of the unspoken decision to settle between them.

Ares, attuned to the nuances of his mother's demeanour, sensed a layer of complexity beneath the surface. "Is there something else, Mom?" he inquired, a subtle concern lacing his words.

Emily took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Ares' with a mixture of resolve and maternal tenderness. "The promotion comes with a catch, sweetheart. The new position is based in a country I've tried to leave in the past."

Ares furrowed his brow, his curiosity evolving into a contemplative expression. The revelation stirred a quiet introspection within him as he processed the implications of their potential relocation.

"So, we're moving back there?" Ares asked, his voice measured.

Emily nodded, acknowledging the unspoken truth. "Yes, Ares."

The room, now steeped in a contemplative quiet, bore witness to the intricacies of the mother-son dialogue.

"What do you think, Mom?" Ares inquired, a genuine openness in his eyes. His question wasn't a mere inquiry about the logistics of the move; it sought an understanding of the emotional undercurrents that guided his mother's decision.

Emily took a moment, her gaze locking onto Ares'. "It's a complex decision, Ares. Professionally, it's an opportunity to grow. Personally, it's a journey back to a place that I don't want to."

Ares, his eyes reflecting a blend of understanding and resilience, considered his mother's words.

"I trust you, Mom," Ares replied a quiet assurance that held within it the unwavering bond between them. "Wherever you go, I'll follow."

...----------------...

The spacious living room buzzed with the muted hum of activity as cardboard boxes, open and eager, awaited the possessions that would soon fill them. Ares moved with a determined efficiency, carefully folding clothes, organizing books, and securing electronic devices into the protective embrace of the boxes.

The room, bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting, bore witness to the meticulous process of preparation.

Emily, at her workplace immersed in the demands of her managing editor role, had entrusted her son with the task of readying their belongings for the imminent move.

As she navigated the professional landscape, her thoughts occasionally drifted to the forthcoming relocation—a journey back to a country that held both echoes of the past and the potential for a new beginning.

Ares, his agile movements a testament to his efficiency, worked methodically. The clothes neatly folded, the books arranged with care, and the electronic devices snugly nestled within the protective layers of bubble wrap—all spoke of an orchestrated effort to ensure a seamless transition.

As Ares meticulously packed his belongings, he pondered the intricacies of the upcoming move. The country to which they were headed held a complex tapestry of memories—a blend of joy and challenge that echoed the contours of their shared history.

"Ares, how's the packing going?" Emily's voice carried through the phone's speaker, reached Ares amid his task.

He glanced at the phone, a fleeting smile gracing his lips. "It's all coming together, Mom. We'll be ready for the flight tomorrow night."

Emily's voice, warm and appreciative, conveyed a sense of gratitude. "Thank you, sweetheart. I know it's a lot to handle, but I appreciate your help."

"No problem, Mom. We're in this together," Ares reassured, his words resonating with a steadfast commitment to their shared journey.

As the conversation unfolded, Emily and Ares discussed the practicalities of the move—the logistics, the essentials, and the anticipation that accompanied such significant transitions.

Amid the exchange, Ares detected a subtle undercurrent of emotion in his mother's voice—a mixture of excitement and perhaps a touch of trepidation.

"Mom, are you okay?" Ares asked, sensing the unspoken complexities that coloured the impending move.

Emily, a pause punctuating her response, replied with sincerity. "It's just... returning to that country brings a flood of memories, both good and challenging. But we're doing this for a fresh start, Ares."

Her words lingered in the air, a testament to the resilience that defined their collective spirit. Ares, understanding the significance of their journey, offered words of reassurance. "We'll face whatever comes our way together, Mom. Besides, who knows what exciting adventures await us there?"

Emily chuckled, the warmth of her laughter bridging the physical distance that separated them. "You always find a way to lighten the mood, Ares. Thank you for being my rock."

With the conversation drawing to a close, Emily and Ares exchanged words of love and anticipation for the days ahead.

With the practical aspects of packing concluded Ares retreated to his study—a haven where his intellectual pursuits found expression.

Seated at his desk, he gazed at the city lights that twinkled beyond the window, contemplating the intricate dance of decisions that shaped their lives.

In the privacy of his study, Ares initiated a secret call. The nature of the call, hushed and discreet, carried within it a directive to his subordinates.

"Ensure our movements remain discreet. I don't want any unnecessary attention," Ares instructed with calculated precision.

His subordinates, accustomed to the complexities of Ares' directives, acknowledged the order with an assurance of compliance.

As the night enveloped the city in its velvety embrace, Ares returned to the living room. The boxes, now filled with the tangible remnants of their lives, stood as silent witnesses to the preparations for departure.

Emily, upon her return, would find a home in transition—a realm where the echoes of the past intertwined with the anticipation of what lay ahead.

...----------------...

AT THE AIRPORT

"Let's go..." Emily holds Ares's hand with a smile.

They walked to the departure gate. Ares looks behind him and secretly signals a few men to follow them. He then looked at his mother and decided to shield her if she was in danger.

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