Ethan’s Path

Flight 305 had just landed.

Rumble, rumble.

The sound of suitcase wheels echoed in the bustling airport as a handsome, thin boy emerged into the open air, scanning the area as if searching for someone. His heart raced with anticipation, and just when he thought he might have to call out, he heard it…

The sharp click-clack of high heels on the tile floor. A girl suddenly dashed towards him, her voice ringing out, "Ethan!"

She was running so fast that, just as she reached the boy, she tripped. The crowd around them braced for the fall, but Ethan, looking about 15, caught her effortlessly, his instincts kicking in.

"For God's sake, Suzy, be more careful," he scolded, a mix of concern and teasing lacing his tone.

Suzy scratched her head, embarrassment flooding her cheeks. "I just missed my little brother so much that I wasn't watching where I was stepping." She looked up at him, amazed at how much he had grown since the last time they had seen each other. Overcome with emotion, she quickly masked it by teasing him, wrapping her arm around his neck and ruffling his hair. "Let's go home, baby brother."

"Hey, easy! You're messing up my hair, sis," Ethan said, laughing as he gently pushed her off. As they stepped out of the airport, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He sighed, realizing just how much he had missed moments like these with his sister. It was the little things that made their relationship so special.

In the car, Ethan gazed out the window, taking in the changes around Korea. So much had shifted since the last time he was here. He marveled at the familiar streets, now dotted with new shops and vibrant colors. Even though everything felt different, he was glad to be back. He didn't want to live abroad anymore. Thoughts of how often his dad's job had uprooted them, just as he was starting to feel settled, tugged at his heart. Letting out a quiet sigh, he muttered to himself, "I hope things will be different this time."

Suzy, noticing the pensive look on her brother's face, gently broke the silence. "Ethan, I've already sorted out all your school stuff. You start tomorrow, okay?"

Snapped out of his thoughts, Ethan turned to her and smiled, a hint of excitement returning. "Okay."

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at a beautiful neighborhood. Suzy pulled into the driveway of a medium-sized house, the sun casting a warm glow on its freshly painted exterior. She hopped out of the car, a grin spreading across her face as she opened Ethan's door. "Come on in! This is our new home."

Ethan stepped out, eyes wide with wonder as he took in the sights. The neighborhood felt alive, with children playing in yards and neighbors chatting on their porches. "This is our house? I love it! Did you pick it?" he asked, a note of genuine admiration in his voice.

Suzy beamed, her confidence shining through. "Of course! Who else in our family has such good taste?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow, playful mischief lighting up his expression. "Mom."

They both froze for a second, exchanging knowing glances before bursting into laughter, the sound echoing around them. Suzy playfully pulled him toward the house, eager to show him inside. As they entered, the house was pitch dark, an eerie silence enveloping them. Ethan fumbled for the light switch, but before he could find it, the room suddenly lit up, and a chorus of voices erupted, "Happy birthday, Ethan!"

Ethan jumped, startled, his heart racing in surprise. His eyes widened as he took in the scene before him—his whole family was there, gathered together in celebration. Even his dad, who beamed at him through a video call, made the moment feel even more special. It had been such a long time since they were all together, and the sight of them filled him with joy.

Lately, Ethan had often felt lonely, and laughter had become a rare sound in his life, but today was different. Today, he laughed more than he had in years, his heart swelling with warmth and happiness.

Now, officially 16, Ethan went to bed with a smile on his face, feeling content and embraced by the love of his family. As he drifted off to sleep, little did he know that this day would mark the beginning of a life-changing journey, one filled with new experiences, friendships, and adventures that awaited him in the days to come.