As the plane touched down, Tina felt a mix of emotions: excitement to reunite with her family and worry about her uncle's health. She collected her luggage and made her way to the taxi stand, providing the driver with the familiar address. It'd been so long since she'd told anyone where she lived.
The streets and neighborhoods she passed seemed frozen in time, memories of her past flooding back. She felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her as the taxi pulled up to the house.
Tina took a deep breath, paid the driver, and stepped out onto the sidewalk. She walked up the path, her heart pounding in anticipation after she knocked. The front door swung open, and her aunt's face lit up with surprise, backing up a bit.
"Tina!? Tina! Oh, it's so wonderful to see you!" Her aunt enveloped her in a warm hug which she reciprocated.
She'd been a bit nervous, but her aunt didn't seem bothered, neither did her cousins and uncle, who was seated on the couch, looking a bit frail but smiling. They hugged her, too. Shocked, but excited. So happy to see her, the same way she was happy to see them. So happy she could cry.
The evening unfolded with a delicious dinner, filled with stories of where they'd been and how they'd been. Tina shared updates about her company after it was brought up, while Diane and Lawrence talked about their jobs. Her uncle listened intently, his eyes shining with love and gratitude.
As the night drew to a close, they were all dismissed by her aunt who said they could talk more then next day. So Tina retreated to her old room, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. For some reason, the room was really clean, not dusty, but everything looked untouched. She explored the space, running her fingers over old photos and books. Gazing out the window, she watched the stars twinkling to life.
Reaching for her phone, Tina sent a quick text to Trevor, Lamont and Andrew, letting them know she'd arrived safely.
Trevor was the first to respond, with a simple heart emoji and a 'I'll call you tomorrow. Good night.' His response was kinda all she needed to go to bed, really. So she ambled towards her old bed, tracing the sheets before getting comfortable.
As she drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the memories of her past, Tina felt a deep sense of peace and connection to her family.
***
Tina woke up feeling refreshed, the warmth of the sun peeking through the curtains. She went through her morning routine, savoring the familiarity of being home. After dressing in comfortable clothes, she headed downstairs to join her family for breakfast.
The kitchen was filled with the delicious aromas of freshly brewed coffee, scrambled eggs, and toast. Her aunt and cousins were sat around the table, not exactly chattering, but not acting the way they were the other night. She wouldn't ask though, because she knew why. Tina's stomach growled in anticipation as she took a seat and joined in the conversation.
As they ate, Tina noticed her uncle's absence. "Where's Uncle?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Her aunt's expression turned concerned. "He's still resting. The doctor said he needs to take it easy for a while." She added, "He's in the sunroom, sleeping."
After finishing breakfast, Tina got up to visit her uncle. She walked quietly to the sunroom, not wanting to disturb him. The room was filled with warm, natural light, and the sound of birds chirping outside created a soothing atmosphere. It'd always been her favorite spot at home. No one really came here. No one but Uncle Paul.
Tina approached her uncle, who was reclining on a comfortable chaise longue. He looked pale but peaceful. She sat down beside him, taking his hand gently.
"Uncle?" she whispered, trying not to startle him.
He opened his eyes, a faint smile on his lips when he saw her face. "Valentina. I'm glad you're here." His voice was weak but warm.
Tina's heart swelled with love and concern. "I'm glad to be here, Uncle. Andrew told me what happened. How are you feeling now?"
Her uncle took a deep breath, his eyes gazing into the distance. "I'm feeling good...grateful. Grateful for this family, for you kids, and for the time we have together." He continued, "Grateful to be alive."
Tina's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to her uncle's words. She squeezed his hand gently. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.
Tina's uncle smiled weakly, his eyes misty. "You know, kiddo, I still remember when you were a young teenager, running away from your parents' house, begging to stay with us."
Tina's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was so scared. I didn't know what else to do, but I just knew that coming to you was my best bet."
Thinking about it, running away like that was a risk. What if something had happened to her? If she got kidnapped? At some point, she remembered that she lost her way. God. Her and her uncle weren't even close enough for her to show up unannounced like that. But yet, they took her in, not much questions asked.
Her uncle's expression softened. "We were happy to take you in, Tina. We loved having you here. We still do."
Tina's gaze drifted upward, her eyes locking onto her uncle's. "You and Auntie were always so kind to me. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Her uncle's voice was gentle. "You're like a daughter to us, Tina. We were proud of the person you were becoming."
Tina's face crumpled, tears streaming down her cheeks. "But then I left," she sobbed. "I never came back because... because I thought you hated me because of my parents."
Her uncle's expression was shocked, his eyes filled with pain. "Tina, no! We never hated you. We were worried about you, yes, but we loved you no matter what."
Tina's body shook with sobs as she poured out her heart. "I thought you'd be angry with me for taking the inheritance. I promised myself I'd never take anything from them, but...but I needed it to start my business."
Her uncle's face contorted in anguish. "Oh, Tina. We had no idea. We thought you'd just moved on with your life and... didn't want anything to do with us anymore."
The two sat in silence for a moment, the only sound Tina's ragged breathing. Then, her uncle reached out, his frail arms enveloping her in a warm hug.
Just then, Tina's aunt walked into the sunroom, a look of concern on her face. She took in the scene before her, Tina sobbing in her uncle's arms.
Auntie rushed over, wrapping her arms around Tina, holding her close. "I'm so sorry, Tina. We're so sorry. We had no idea you felt that way. Don't cry."
Tina pulled back, her face streaked with tears. "I'm sorry, Auntie. I'm so sorry. I came here to apologize."
Auntie's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged Tina tightly. "You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetie. We're just glad you're home."
The three sat there, holding each other, the tension and misunderstandings of the past slowly unraveling.