Emergence

“Mum. Dad. I’m home.”
“Oh! Son. It’s good to have you back.”
“Thanks, dad. Where’s mum?”
“She went to the grocery store. She will soon be back.”
“Where are Ryan and Ashley?”
“They are at the neighbour’s.”
“I missed you all. I’m glad I’m back with my family.”

“We are glad to also have you back with us. We often talk about you. We’ve anticipated your return since the last time we spoke with you.”
“Oh! That’s cool and sweet,” he laughed.

“How was your trip?”
“It was OK.”
“Any recent news about your school.”
“Don’t worry, dad. When everyone is seated I’ll tell my stories.”
“Ok. That’s no problem. I’ll be waiting.”

Kyle noticed something about his son. He wore an unusual glow. There was an aura of loveliness around him. He could sense a difference in him. He talked like someone who had seen heaven.

“Nora. Did you notice anything about Russell?”
“Oh, certainly. He’s a changed boy. A different lad.”
“Yes. I thought I was the only one who noticed it.”
“No, my dear. It’s obvious. Clear as glass.”

“When he gained admission I was ambivalent about him going far away from home. I thought I was going to open a can of worms. I thought we were going to lose him. Although it was a tussle, I’m glad I listened to you.”
“Oh! Kyle. Life is a bed of anxieties. It’s a room of perplexities. We just have to allow faith to hold our hands as we navigate life’s pathway.”
“Those words are inspirational.”

Russell had gone out. He left his door ajar.

“Russell. Russell. Russell. Are you not in there?”

There was an echoing silence. Kyle swung the door open. The room was slightly disorganized. He picked up the strewn clothes, folded them and put them in the closet. He proceeded to the table. He stumbled on a journal. He opened it. He saw a poem titled, “Emergence”.

Like a butterfly, I have emerged into the dawn’s light. I’m no more shrouded by my night. I’m under heaven’s kiss.

Tears welled up in Kyle’s eyes.