Home Land

The atmosphere in my family's home was filled with the familiar sense of warmth and comfort that only being surrounded by loved ones could bring. The living room was alive with the laughter and joyful banter of my siblings, and it was as if I had never left. Despite my absence, the bond with my family remained unbreakable.

As I sank into the welcoming embrace of the luxurious sofa in the living room, Favour playfully administered a light scolding. Her teasing tone suggested that she had expected a little something from my visit.

"So you didn't bring anything for me," she teased, her pout evident.

"For us you mean " Theo chimed in as he and Tim returned back to resume their game.

Favour directed a sharp glare at Theo, but he responded with a cheeky gesture, sticking out his tongue in defiance.

I winced at the realization that I had broken my own tradition. I had forgotten the tradition l had established since I moved out – bringing goodies for my siblings. Whenever I returned home, I used to bring snacks and goodies, a ritual that had endured since I had left.

It was entirely my fault; if I hadn't allowed myself to be swayed from my original plan and had come home last night, I could have brought some late-night snacks. But the person who had changed my course last night had also driven me straight here this morning. The painful part was that I had been so distracted that I hadn't even thought about the goodie ritual.

In response to my apology, their reaction was rather indifferent, almost nonchalant. Their meh response stifled my humor and prompted a swift rephrasing about providing goodies on my next outing.

Favour's face immediately lit up with a bright smile. Meanwhile, the twins seamlessly transitioned back into gamer mode, their attention firmly fixed on the screen.

Curious about the whereabouts of our parents, I inquired, "Where's Mom and Dad?" Their responses were focused on their virtual soccer match.

Tim, absorbed in the game, responded without taking his eyes off the screen. "Looks like they're in their bedroom."

"They're at the backyard," Favour confirmed, mixing her teasing with a touch of scolding. She playfully slapped Tim on the head, jesting about his incessant focus on the screen.

"Oh, come on!" Tim protested, momentarily losing focus on the game as a result of the interruption. Theo took advantage of the opportunity for a counter-attack. However, he shot the ball just before a defender stepped in, attempting a long-range shot. It was a shot on target, but it rebounded off the crossbar.

"Ahh, so close!" Theo exclaimed in disappointment.

"Even with a cheap shot," Tim taunted in a provocative tone. He directed his player toward the rebounded ball to head it out of the defensive zone, but he missed, and the ball's speed proved too much.

"Noo!!" Tim shouted in disbelief. "Why would they allow that mistake in the 18-yard box?"

Theo seized the clear opportunity to volley the ball back at the goalkeeper, who stretched but couldn't reach the ball in time.

"Goal!" Theo yelled excitedly.

"What? Noo!" Tim cried out in frustration.

I couldn't help but smile at their brotherly rivalry as I turned away from the game.

Leaving the gaming room, I made my way to the backyard through the downstairs kitchen. I had a nagging feeling that my parents, with their keen attention to detail, had overheard my sister calling for me and were patiently waiting. Failing to make a prompt appearance would undoubtedly result in an endless stream of playful but affectionate scolding.

I walked through the back door of the kitchen and spotted my parents seated under the magnificent avocado tree. It was evident they were engaged in casual conversation, enjoying the fresh air while the shade shielded them from the afternoon sunlight.

As I approached my parents under the soothing shade of the magnificent avocado tree, Favour, my little sister, hurried out of the house to join us. She carried a couple of portable seats,

My mom looked up from her seat, and her eyes lit up with a mixture of joy and surprise. "Daniel," she exclaimed, "I didn't expect to see you today!"

My dad's stern expression also softened. "So you finally decided to visit us?" he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth.

When I reached the shade, I offered a light greeting, and they both acknowledged it. They sat opposite each other, an empty stool separating their seats. I went over to where my mom sat and offered a hug, feeling her comforting presence. "I missed you, Mom."

She pulled away, still holding my hands, and looked into my eyes. "We missed you more than you can imagine. Life just isn't the same without you around."

While I simply saluted my dad, to which he acknowledged with a wave. Favour set up the portable seats around the stool to create a circular arrangement.

My dad, sharing the connection that had always bound us together. "You look well, Daniel," he said with a smile. "How's work?"

"It's been great, Dad. I'm learning a lot and gaining valuable experience. I can't wait to share all the details with you."

"Sit down, Daniel, and tell us everything. We've got so much to catch up on."

As we sat beneath the avocado tree, surrounded by the peaceful tranquility of the garden, I began to share stories of my work, my experiences. My parents listened with rapt attention, interjecting with questions and sharing their own updates about life and their careers.

It was a heartfelt moment, one that filled the void left by months of separation. My mom, ever the loving and supportive presence, offered me her wisdom and guidance, and my dad, in his quiet and thoughtful way, showed his pride and genuine interest in my journey.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over our family gathering, we felt the bond between us grow stronger. The avocado tree, a symbol of life and growth, seemed to embrace us with its wide, sheltering branches.

This reunion was more than just a physical meeting; it was a reminder of the deep connections that transcended time and distance.

Our love for each other was unwavering, and the heartwarming moments we shared beneath the avocado tree were a testament to the strength of our family ties.