Coming home...

Now, in Loch Fog.

Merette pulls into the driveway, her grip tight on the steering wheel, her heart pounding in rhythm with the hum of the engine. Her eyes roam over the familiar sight of her childhood home, taking in the changes that time has wrought. It's only been three years since she fled here, seeking shelter from the chaos of her world, but it feels like a lifetime ago.

She exhales slowly, releasing the tension that has knotted her muscles during the long drive. With practiced ease, Merette unbuckles her sleeping daughter from her car seat, cradling Leisl close to her chest as she steps out into the crisp afternoon air. The scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers fills her nostrils, triggering a flood of memories that threaten to overwhelm her.

Merette's gaze sweeps over the familiar landscape, her mind cataloging every detail—the swing set in the backyard, the oak tree she used to climb as a child, the flower beds her mother tended with loving care. It's as if time has stood still in this corner of the world, preserving the essence of her past self in amber.

A bittersweet smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she takes it all in, the weight of nostalgia settling heavily in her chest. This place holds a piece of her heart, a fragment of her identity that she thought she had left behind. But now, as she stands on the threshold of her past, she realizes that she can never truly escape who she is.

With her daughter snuggled against her chest, Merette takes a hesitant step forward, the gravel crunching beneath her feet. This is more than just a home; it's a sanctuary, a refuge from the storms of life that rage beyond its walls. And as she crosses the threshold, she knows that no matter where life may lead her, this place will always be her anchor, her North Star guiding her back to herself.

Now she realizes that she is not running away anymore.

No, she is coming home.

Just as Merette takes that hesitant step forward, the front door creaks open, and her mom steps out onto the porch. A wave of emotion washes over Merette as she meets her mother's gaze, her eyes mirroring her own in their depth of feeling.

"Merette," her mom says, her voice soft with warmth and affection. "You're finally here."

Tears well up in Merette's eyes as she crosses the distance between them, her daughter still cradled in her arms. Without a word, her mom wraps her in a tight embrace, the familiar scent of her perfume mingling with the crisp air.

"I've missed you," Merette whispers, her voice catching in her throat.

"I've missed you too, darling," her mom replies, her arms tightening around her daughter in a gesture of unconditional love.

For a moment, time stands still as they cling to each other, the years of separation melting away in the warmth of their embrace. In that moment, Merette knows that no matter what challenges may lie ahead, she has finally found her way home.

Merette's voice trembles slightly as she pulls away from her mother's embrace, her gaze wandering over her mother's face. "Is Dad home?" she asks, her heart pounding in anticipation of the response.

Her mom's smile falters slightly, a shadow passing over her features. "He's not here right now," she says gently with a smile. "But he'll be back soon. He's been looking forward to seeing you."

Merette nods, a mixture of relief and apprehension swirling within her. It's been so long since she last saw her father, and since she left, despite how much she wanted to come back home she wasn't ready to face Kaiser again, not after all the hurtful words she rained on him.

She wonders what her father will say, and how he'll react to Merette's sudden return.

Taking a deep breath, Merette steels herself for the reunion that awaits, knowing that whatever may come, she is ready to face it head-on.

"Is my little angel sleeping?" her mother asks, tilting her head forward to peek at the sleeping baby nestled in Merette's hold.

A smile tugs on the corners of Merette's lips. "Yeah, she fell asleep halfway through the ride here."

"Is that so?" Her mom hums. "I can't wait for her to wake up already." She says with a laugh, eyes crinkling at the corners.

"She'll be surprised to see you." Merette provides.

"Like I am to see you. Dad's going to be overjoyed when he sees you. I hope he gets home fast." Merette's mom, Martha, says. Her voice drips with unhidden joy.

"I can't wait to see him too, Mom."

"Yeah— oh god! I completely forgot. Come on in! I was so surprised by seeing you here after all these years that I forgot the simple gesture—"

"Mom, it's fine." Merette cuts her mom off gently, reaching over to take her hand in hers, overwhelmed by the emotions swimming in her heart.

Merette's mother smiles a smile that reaches her eyes and makes them glow, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, her touch grounding and familiar. "Come inside, sweetheart," she says, her voice gentle yet firm. "It's getting cold out here."

Merette nods, a sense of gratitude welling up within her for her mother's comforting presence. With a small smile, she follows her inside, the warmth of home enveloping her like a familiar embrace.

Leisl makes her presence known by wriggling in Merette's hold, eyes squirming shut as she rearranges her head on her mother's shoulder, letting out a contented sigh when she finds the right spot. Merette leans down and kisses her soft hair sticking to her forehead.

As they step through the doorway, Merette feels a weight lifting from her shoulders, replaced by a sense of belonging she thought she had lost. With her daughter nestled in her arms and her mother by her side, she knows that no matter what challenges may come, she is not alone.