Chapter Twenty Six: Homecoming
Malik’s eyes scanned the airport terminal, taking in the sea of travelers, the rolling suitcases, the families greeting one another with laughter and tears. Every face seemed to blur together, yet he felt a strange clarity. Each step toward the exit felt heavier, like he was leaving behind one life and stepping into another. His hand tightened around the handle of his suitcase. Beside him, his son gripped his hand, small fingers entwined in his own, his wide eyes darting from one unfamiliar sight to another. “Dad… we’re really here?” the boy asked, his voice soft, laced with excitement and uncertainty. Malik glanced down at him, the shadows of the past months reflected faintly in his gaze. He smiled, the first real one in a long time. “Yeah, we’re really here. Welcome home,” he said, hi
- Writer
