After Damon left, I finally mustered the courage to visit my family too. Having resolved my issues with him, I knew in my heart that it was time to see my mother. God, how I had missed her! Moreover, Mr. Rowe had awakened and, wanted to be in Shadow Glen as soon as possible. We discussed the possibility of travelling together, and I eagerly agreed. I had pleaded with Luna to join us, but she declined, saying that she had something important to take care of. She promised to explain everything when I returned.
As I made my way home, my mind wandered into a flurry of imagination, conjuring up various scenarios of my family's reaction upon seeing me again. Would my mother scold me for running away, or would she welcome me into her arms like before? It was a question lingering heavily in my heart, one that I would soon find out the answer to. I also thought about my brother, and for a fleeting moment, the image of Damon crept into my thoughts. I immediately brushed it away, reminding myself to suppress those memories—out of sight, out of mind.
When we finally arrived, Mr. Rowe expressed an urgency to head straight to my father; they needed to discuss pressing matters at once. James had no idea that Mr. Rowe was awake and, in fact, present in Shadow Glen now. They needed to strategize before James discovered the truth. I nodded in agreement, and the driver steered us through the familiar streets.
As we arrived, I noticed how everyone seemed engrossed in their own business, and it took a while before anyone acknowledged my presence. But when my mother finally spotted me, her face lit up with overwhelming joy. She rushed towards me and wrapped me in a tight embrace that felt both comforting and painful. However, I quickly noticed the absence of my brothers and my father, including Damon. A wave of dread washed over me, thickening the air around us, and I instinctively braced myself for the worst.
"Mum, where is everyone?" I asked, my voice trembling with unease.
"Oh, my lovely Elara," she replied, relief evident in her tone, "I'm so glad you're back, but your brother, Damon, is in the hospital. We're going there now."
Deep down, I had feared this reality. I tried my best to steel myself and told my mother firmly that I was coming with her, despite her gentle protests about my need to relax and recuperate after my journey. "No, I insist!" I said, determination rising within me. To my surprise, Mr. Rowe insisted on following us as well, and together we made our way straight to the hospital, the weight of uncertainty heavy in my heart.