The crisp autumn air rushed into the car the moment I rolled down the window. Sweet, nostalgic, and full of memories. Memories of my childhood summers spent at my grandparents' house, where excitement bubbled as soon as I arrived—Granny's best cookies, Grandpa's warm smile, and the little joys that made everything feel perfect.
That was before the argument. One day, my mom had a falling out with them, and after that, I never went back. But now… I was going back. Not with a happy heart, though. Maybe it was my mom's guilt that pushed me.
That morning, Mom had received a call from Granny—after years of silence. But it wasn't just a casual check-in; it was the news I dreaded. Grandpa had passed away. Mom didn't have the courage to attend his funeral, so I was going in her place. After twelve long years, I was finally returning. But it wasn't for a joyful reunion; it was for a funeral. I told Mom I would stay with Granny, and thankfully, she agreed. As for my work, my company let me transfer to their main branch in that city.
I parked the car in front of the chapel and stepped out, my heart heavy. Inside, the funeral was already underway. And then I saw her—my Granny. Gray hair, faint wrinkles etched across her face, yet still beautiful.
I walked toward her cautiously, knowing she might not recognize me; after all, it had been twelve years. But the moment she looked at me, her eyes softened, and with a broken, gentle voice, she called my name: "Luna."
I froze for a second, surprised she recognized me. Then I hugged her tightly, whispering, "I'm back, Granny."
After the funeral, I drove Granny back home. The ride was quiet, heavy with memories and loss. When we arrived, I pulled into the courtyard of her house. As Granny went inside, I went to the trunk to collect my bags.
Just as I was stepping toward the door, I bumped into someone. My things scattered across the doorway. Looking up, I saw him—a tall man with black hair and piercing grey eyes, handsomely intimidating. His voice, deep yet gentle, cut through the silence.
"Are you okay?" he asked, crouching to help me gather my things.
I blinked, slightly taken aback, but somehow, that moment felt… strangely familiar.
I nodded and stood up, glancing at Granny to understand who he was.
"Oh, um… he's Kael," Granny said softly. "He was living with me and your Grandpa. He rented one of the rooms upstairs."
I looked at him as he handed me my bags. "Thank you… I'm Luna, by the way—her granddaughter."
He nodded, giving me a small smile. My heart skipped a beat; there was something breathtaking about it.
"Granny, I'll go put my things in the room I used to stay in upstairs… and freshen up," I said.
Granny nodded. I walked upstairs toward the room I had stayed in as a child. Slowly, I opened the door. Nothing had changed. My drawings still decorated the walls, my old toys sat on the bed. I placed my bags near the bed and opened the window. The autumn air rushed in, filling the room with life and memories I thought I had left behind.
For a moment, it felt like I had traveled back in time—a bittersweet reminder of everything I had missed.