No
Chapter 61

Chapter 61

Dustin was back, and it was as much a surprise as him remembering that old landline number of my dad’s

Herschel and Jacqueline were just as shocked staring at Dustin for what felt like forever

without offering a single word

Dustin had been gone for four years, not once coming back home during that time. His sudden return caught me off guard, but it was a pleasant surprise too

“What’s the matter, Mom, Dad? Don’t you welcome me back?” Dustin asked with a smile as he approached.

Dustin was the kind–hearted soul everyone knew him to be. During my decade with the Wagner family, Dustin was the source of warmth in this house before he left.

But unlike Conrad, who was all about grand gestures, Dustin preferred actions over words, and his kindness was not always in the spotlight.

“Dustin,” I called out to him.

That seemed to snap Herschel and Jacqueline back to reality. Jacqueline let go of me and walked to Dustin, giving him a few gentle smacks, “So, you finally remember your parents, huh?”

Herschel added, “Couldn’t you have given us a heads–up?”

Dustin glanced at me, offering a soft smile. “Wanted to surprise you all.”

Tears welled up in Jacqueline’s eyes as Dustin hugged her. “Mom.”

That word made Jacqueline gently hit Dustin again before pulling him into a tight embrace, mumbling, “We thought we did something wrong, that you were holding a grudge for not coming back all these years.”

“Mom, what are you talking about? I’ve just been busy overseas,” Dustin explained, his gaze still fixed on me. His intense look sent my heart racing. Was he back because of

me?

Dustin’s arrival swiftly changed the subject from me and Conrad. Although Herschel seemed to come around, Jacqueline was still hesitant. With Dustin and Herschel’s persuasion, I believed she would eventually accept it.

Dustin mentioned he was hungry and was longing for some homemade food. That instantly got his parents bustling into the kitchen, insisting I join them for the meal, too.

Left alone in the living room with Dustin, and having said everything over the phone, we were at a loss for words.

Breaking the silence, Dustin said, “I was starting to think you wouldn’t come here

1/2

Chapter 61

anymore.”

“What are you talking about? Here is my home. I can come whenever I want,” I replied, my thoughts drifting to packing my things.

Seeing the busy figures in the kitchen, I realized it was the perfect moment to pack my stuff and move it to the car, avoiding further sadness or persuasion from Herschel and Jacqueline when it was time to leave.

“Dustin, I’ll help you with the luggage,” I offered, getting up.

“No need!” Dustin immediately protested, reaching out.

Our hands touched, and I quickly pulled back, a jolt running through me.

Dustin hesitated, “I’ve never let you carry my bags, and I’m not about to start now.”

It was true. Dustin always ensured I never had to lift a finger when we were together.

“Dustin, you always treat me well,” I said, smiling at him like I used to.

“I thought you might have forgotten,” he replied.

At a loss for words, I reached out my hand. “Let me help with your bag.”

This time, he didn’t resist. Together, we headed upstairs with his luggage.

His room was next to mine and Conrad’s, tucked away at the far end, with mine in the middle and Conrad’s closest to the hallway. Due to some renovations, Conrad’s room was still a work in progress, a reminder of the ongoing changes in our lives.

חום