Ethan's heart was racing even faster than it had in the gate and the tower as a series of questions bounced around his mind.
'Will they recognise me?'
'Even if they do, will they care?'
'What do I even say?'
He clenched his jaw slightly.
'I guess there's only one way to find out.'
Ethan took a deep breath, suppressing any further thoughts.
If he could fight giant beasts with his life on the line and stand beside A Ranks, then he could do this. There were no more excuses he could use, as Mark unlocked the door and stepped aside.
"Go ahead."
He gave Ethan a slight push as he hesitantly entered the home. Elara, on the other hand, feeling the tension, didn't enter and hung around outside instead.
It was warm, clean, and, despite all the changes, was familiar.
He slipped off his shoes automatically, the motion ingrained into him after years of repetition. His feet carried him forward, into the living room, memories flashing with every step.
