7 Home Town

I walk back into my old house and everything looks exactly the same. In the living area I can still remember sitting on that couch and crying my eyes out because of the bully at school. And I remember that couch as well that couch, that couch has a different story.

I had a boyfriend in high school and I thought that he was the love of my life but soon I realized that someone asked him, as a dare, to ask me out. That was a low blow. But I am happy to be back home with my dad and my brother. This is the place where I can find peace from my busy schedule in the city.

I make my way to my old room and they eagerly bring my suitcases to put down on my bed.

"I am so happy that you are back where you belong"

My dad has been begging me to come back home ever since I left. He never liked me being in the city all by myself. But what he does not know is that I am not alone. I have friends and hospital staff and also Jen to keep me company.

"I see you brought your entire closet"

It is only my brother that will make a comment like that. He always claimed that I have more than enough clothes and that I never have to buy clothes again. But clearly, he had not heard of retail therapy?

"Yeah, yeah why do you not just keep your comments for yourself?"

I playfully slap him on his shoulder and he pulls me in for a hug.

"You know that I am only kidding right?"

"Yes, I know"

"Now, if you two are finished can we please go and have some coffee in the kitchen?"

We make our way downstairs and we sit at the counter while my dad makes us a cup of coffee. I feel completely loved and relaxed. But there is one thought that I can not seem to get out of my mind. It is the man that I saw in the coffee shop. How can he make such a big impression on me if I have only but seen him once before? I try to get him out of my thoughts and focus on the conversation.

"Brandon did you see old man Walters today?"

"Yes, I saw him this morning but it looks like I am not needed anymore"

I have no idea what they are talking about and soon they fill me in on who old man Walters is. Then they continue their conversation.

"Why do you say you are not needed anymore you know that he is hopeless without you?"

"Someone else opened the door this morning and it turned out to be his grandson. He seems to be a really nice guy and did not have any hang-ups with me bringing groceries for him. Actually, he thanked me for looking after his grandpa"

You decide to jump into the conversation.

"So, is this the first time that someone came to visit old man Walters?"

"Yes, no one really goes and sees him because he is so stubborn and he doesn't like people to help him. But this man is not from around here he must be from the city if I am judging by the car that he drives and the clothes he wears. He said he will be staying here for a couple of days and that I do not have to worry about groceries"

I sit and listen to the rest of the conversation and I wonder who that guy is that came from the city. I know that gossip travel fast in small towns, like this. He will probably be the talk of the town tomorrow. I decide to go and visit my old hangout, where we used to visit as friends. I might just find an old friend or two there, as most of them decided to stay here and make their living around here.

LUKE POV

I see my grandpa's face and he looks like one of those adverts on TV. About those old grumpy men and now I am standing next to one. I always knew that my grandpa was stubborn but I didn't know to what extent. This man Brandon, obviously only wants to do something good for him and here he is telling him to his face how much he irritates him.

"I am so sorry. It's Brandon, right?"

"Yes, that is right and you are?"

"Sorry, I am Luke, I am this grumpy old man's grandson"

"I am not grumpy!"

"Yes, you are a grandpa. It is clear that Brandon here just wants to help you so that you do not have to go to the shops every day?"

I watch him throw his hands in the air, turning around and going back to his room. I turn back to Brandon.

"Did you bring those groceries for my grandpa?"

"Yes, I did. I am sorry if I have caused you any trouble"

"No, you did not cause me any trouble. I know how difficult my grandpa can be. Do you come by every week?"

"Yes, only because I know how he struggles to go to the shops. I did not mean him any harm"

"No, not at all, I really appreciate you looking after my grandpa when I can not be here, to look after him myself. It was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you once again"

Then we greet each other and he turns around to go back to his house. I forgot how small-town people work. They like to look after each other. I must say I miss those things in the city. I spend a few more hours with my grandpa and then decide to go and have a beer at the local bar.

I open the door to the pub and to my surprise, I see one of my long lost friends sitting at the bar.

"Luke!"

John comes up running to me and hugs me.

"Man, when last we see each other?"

"I am not sure, it must be longer than 10 years ago. It is so good to see you!"