The Ride Home ( 228 )

YANK.

A sharp pain shot through Javier's ear as someone grabbed and pulled it hard.

"EEEEEEKKK!!!"

He flailed, his body tensing from the unexpected assault.

Whipping around, his eyes widened—standing right behind him, completely unamused, was Mrs. Errinette.

Still pulling his ear.

"A-Aaa… Umm… Errinette… Ehehehe…" Javier grinned nervously, trying to wiggle free from her grip.

Errinette's eyes narrowed, her grasp tightening slightly. "The blessing ceremony isn't done, yet you're already trying to leave?"

Javier gulped, panic flickering across his face.

"U-Umm… Errinette… I… I can explain—"

"Haaaaa…" Errinette let out a deep sigh, releasing his ear as she crossed her arms. "No need."

She rolled her shoulders, exhaling as if shedding the burdens of the event.

"I also want to go home now."

Javier blinked, surprised at her sudden declaration.