Homebound

As Everard went through the contents of the scroll, he started to get chills in his heart. His palms trembled slightly, and his breathing started to get irregular as though he was trying hard to control his emotions.

“Eve?” Alexander walked closer to his friend and asked, “How’s your father?”

“Umm…” Everard cleared his throat and wiped his nose. “He’s being looked after by the royal physicians.” He looked at Alexander with glistening eyes, but gave a subtle smile to his friend. “He’s going to be fine. I think he’s just overreacting and calling me there because he missed me.”

Alexander nodded and said in a melancholic tone, “I also hope that it’s nothing bad. I wish that he will recover soon.”

He then spread his arms and gave Everard a tight hug.

Everard was trying hard to maintain his composure. But as soon as he felt the warmth of his friend, streams of tears rolled down his eyes. He closed his eyes and buried his face into Alexander’s shoulder.