PROLOGUE- HELL'S PROMISE - III

We got the news as soon as we got home. The injuries were just too severe, and so, our father passed away that afternoon. That's that, it would seem. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I look deep into my reflection's eyes. In those eyes, I see relief. Not jump for joy happiness, nor a single hint of sorrow. Just, contentment. Things will be okay from now on, and I can only be grateful for that. Still, a part of me needs to know I did my bare minimum. I whisper a gentle farewell to the man I was always scared of before leaving the bathroom.

Walking downstairs I can see mom packing things up into her purse as Chloe reads quietly at the table. I can see the stiffness in her shoulders, as if she's still expecting him to come through the door and at the very least scream at her for taking up space. I sit down next to her and ruffle her hair up, giving her a bit of ease of mind, before looking over to mom, as she continues sorting out her purse. I thoughtlessly ask what she's doing and she stops for a moment before looking over.

"You two wanna eat out tonight?"

...

The scenery outside gently passes by as we travel along in our old as sin 4 seater. Chloe bounces in her seat, commenting about her favorite cars as we pass them. I simply close my eyes, letting the wind hit my face as we drive. To where? Mom insisted on keeping it secret. It was weird, seeing her be anything but the still figure behind dad. Have I always just seen her that way? I guess that won't be the case anymore. I smile. The wind feels incredible against my cheeks.

Eventually, we arrive at a simple parking lot, barely containing any other cars. I guess my classmates weren't lying when they said eating out on Tuesday's was generally seen as uncommon. I exited the car and looked up at the building's sign. The name is written in some Asian language, though I'm not sure which. Mom and Chloe both exit as well and we walk together into the restaurant. Opening the door, I can feel the scents of the kitchen wafting right at us as we step inside. The looks and the decor tell me that, yes, this is one of those Chinese restaurants we order from. 

Actually being in one of these places feels so nice. It almost feels like a second home from the nice paintings hanging on the walls and the figures sitting around the place. I could imagine living in a place like this, minus the tables of course. I don't think they would make great substitutes for beds. A woman eventually arrives at the front counter and leads us to a table for us to sit at. Handing us three menus and taking our order for drinks, we're left to our own devices to decide on food.

Looking at the menu, I feel a bit of daunting. So many options. Uhhh, I really don't know what exactly would taste all that good. I give into defeat and just ask mom to get what she usually gets, making her chuckle. When the lady comes back with our drinks, my mom orders three things of beef lo-mein with sides of chicken fingers and fried rice. The woman thanks us and leaves with our order. I look at Chloe and see a girl who's about ready to explode. I gently poke her and see her snap out of her excited daze, look at where I poked, and, very ungentle like, poke me back in the same spot. We both begin going back and forth like this to our mother's bemusement. I feel a little chuckle escape my lips. Is this what life is supposed to be like?

After a little while, our food finally arrives. Sitting pretty on our plates, the aroma is enough to make my mouth water in desire. Without a second thought, I start to dig in, Chloe not far behind, mom doing her best not to explode with laughter at her unrestrained children's eating, before patting us both on the head and telling us to settle down some. I see from the corner of my eye the waiter lady smiling in bemusement at us and feel a blush form on my cheeks. I let out an affirmation to my mother's words before eating properly, my sister following along. Even despite being called out, it was still just...an incredible time. I don't remember the last time I could talk so freely with my mom or sister. Has it really been so long since I've had a proper discussion with them? Something beyond just books or dad?

It's amazing. I...I want to do this forever. For the rest of my life, please...let me live a life just like this.

...

The sun has begun to set as this side of the world slowly begins its rest. Driving home, I can hear the quiet breathing of my sleeping sister, her head against the window and her breaths fogging up the glass. I turn my attention to my mother, driving the car. The wind of the early evening hits my faces from the window and forces me to close my eyes. As I listen to the passing ripples of wind, I can hear the sound of someone's voice. Mom's? Gotta be. I strain my ears to listen against the coming wind.

"I won't let anyone hurt you two again. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Her voice is quiet, but I can just make it out. I smile, just a little. Maybe I've had a bad impression of her for a long time. Too long even. From now on...from now on...I'll be the son you want, and love you like I always wanted to. This life is finally mine. I'll hold onto it for dear life.

I'm not gonna let this go.