Chapter 6: Return to Hometown

Words : 1731 Updated : Aug 7th, 2025

"Why are you just standing there? Hurry up and get inside-are you so happy you've gone silly?" Jane, Evan's adoptive mom, nudged him toward the door as she spoke. "That old guy-always going on about his son, but now he's acting all bashful." Jane slapped her hands against her apron, looking like she'd just figured something out, mumbling, "He must've drunk himself stupid. Evan, you came back at the right time-go talk some sense into him, show him who's boss." Evan couldn't help but smirk. His mom was still as sharp as ever! The way his parents bickered hadn't changed-still noisy, still full of that down-to-earth warmth. That long-missed sense of home came rushing back. Father and son, trailing behind, glanced at each other and broke into smiles. Nathan lost his earlier awkwardness and started to grumble, but there was real affection behind it. "You little punk, when did you get here? Couldn't give your old man a heads-up?" "Dad..." Evan began to speak. "Well, well, who just showed up?" someone called out with a sarcastic tone before Evan even stepped through the door. Evan frowned, thinking to himself, Which gossipy lady is this now? "My Evan is home!" Jane cried out, yanking him inside. She was over the moon, her voice practically bubbling with excitement. Inside, a bunch of people shot him strange looks, their eyes full of hidden meaning. Evan had heard the murmur of conversation from outside but hadn't expected so many people. He couldn't remember the Fosters ever having this many visitors-Jane's tough, protective streak had managed to rub a lot of folks the wrong way. The people inside paused in surprise at Evan's presence. Evan had such a strong presence, it felt like the whole room shrank. "Evan, have some water. Let me give Winnie a call-she's going to be so happy you're home." Jane handed him a cup-the very same one she'd bought him as a reward for getting first place back when he was a kid. Memories hit him all at once, and his eyes turned red before he knew it. Jane still remembered these little things-the cup full of memories, she had kept it safe all these years. Memories surged like a tide, the warmth and care of those days were among his few comforts. After years on the battlefield, he'd never felt jealous of anyone. But now, all kinds of emotions welled up inside him. Still, as a decorated soldier, he'd learned long ago how to keep his feelings in check. The water was just the right temperature as it flowed down his throat. It was only then that the people in the room started whispering to each other, as if that moment of tension had never happened. "Isn't he the Fosters' adopted kid?" "I heard he joined the army and hasn't come back in years-now he shows up right when they're talking about demolition money." "Bet he's here to get a piece of the payout." "Adopted kids are never as loyal as real ones." "..." Jane frowned at all this gossip. She'd always treated Evan like her own son, and Evan, wise beyond his years, totally got that. Aware of the harm gossip could cause, she was about to scold these gossipmongers when she saw Evan shake his head. He didn't want her to argue with others because of him. Her boy had grown up-more thoughtful than ever-and Jane felt proud. Evan had always been like this-always thinking of others first. She didn't want his homecoming spoiled by drama, and seeing how calm he was, she relaxed. She knew Evan never cared for what everyone else thought, so she let it go. "Evan, you came back just in time. The city's planning to tear down and redevelop our neighborhood. We're all talking about the compensation-land or cash, you'll get your cut," Nathan said, making everyone stop and stare. Nathan had overheard all the talk. He wasn't the most powerful guy, but he could stand up for Evan's place in the family. Evan finally understood the source of the tension. His long absence and sudden return during the redevelopment naturally led to some speculation. But he was taken aback by his parents' stance, though it was not entirely unexpected. Hearing it firsthand was far more impactful than he had imagined. Years apart, and yet everything felt unchanged, yet changed. His parents still cared for him just like before, but they were clearly getting older. Seeing them now, Evan felt a lump in his throat. Time had not been gentle-their hair was turning white, their faces lined with new wrinkles. Yet to Evan, no matter how they changed, they remained the most gentle presence in his heart. As for what everyone else thought-it never mattered to him. People looked at each other, confused-why should an adopted kid get a share of the family property? They all crowded around Nathan, trying to talk him out of it, like Evan was stealing from them. "Nathan, how can you play favorites and give the inheritance to an outsider?" "Yeah, what about Winnie?" "With that demolition money, Winnie could definitely land a great husband." "Why give money to an outsider?" "Besides, this kid's always been ungrateful!" "Yeah, he used to pick on all the neighborhood kids when he was little!" "…" Having grown up amidst neighborhood gossip, Evan was used to such malicious speculation. He never cared before, and he certainly wouldn't now. What he hadn't expected was that his parents' love for him had only grown over the years. How fortunate to have such parents. Evan understood Nathan's intentions, aware of all they had sacrificed for him, so he refused to take anything. Instead, he wanted to ensure they enjoyed their twilight years and that Winnie married well. As a child, whenever there was gossip, Jane would confront the neighbors. When kids ganged up on Evan, Winnie would stand in front of him. When he was bullied at school, Nathan would argue with the influential principal. This family, like many ordinary ones, wasn't wealthy or powerful, but they loved him with all their might. He'd gotten so much from this family already-he was more than content. Evan ignored all the snide comments, finished his water, and finally said, "Dad, I don't need any of it. Just give it all to Winnie." Evan said it calmly, but there was no room for argument in his voice. "No way. This is yours. Whether you want it or not, that's your call!"

Chapter 6: Return to Hometown

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