Work Text:
I'm sorry, Ron.
I looked outside at the window where water has gone onto the leaves and dropped onto the ground where puddles have laced the muddy road. The water reminded me so much of the time I was taken here, and yet I tried so hard to put it on the back of my head.
A social worker came to me and said, "We're just turning on the radio for you, Norman."
After they turned on the radio, I heard something playing. It was a song from my brother's band.
"Wait!" I yelled at them. "I recognize the song on the radio!"
As soon as the chorus hit, I sang along to it. I couldn't remember the last time I felt like this.
"My brother plays the bass!"
One of them looked at me and asked me, "Oh, really? I'm a big fan of them!"
I nodded eagerly.
"Okay, Norman. If you say so."
On my way home, so many thoughts raced in my mind, waiting for an answer.
What if they don't recognize me? It's been so long since I was taken away.
What if they're not going to welcome me back?
Does Ron get caught up with touring?
I shook them all away and waited for the storm to pass so I can walk to the bus station.
After storm passed, there were slippery roads and a risk of me tripping over something I didn't see.
I paid for my bus ticket and waited for the bus to fill up as I scrolled down on my phone. It was a text from my mom.
COLLEETTA: Hey, Nor! Are you coming home soon?
NORMAN: Yeah! How's Ron? Is he busy practicing the bass again?
COLLEETTA: I think so.
NORMAN: Good. I'm on my way. Tell my dad to say hi!
COLLEETTA: I will, I promise. See you soon!
I looked up at the sky and saw more dark clouds covering the sun from where I was standing.
"Looks like another storm is coming," I muttered to myself as I walked on the sidewalk.
And I was right.
I suddenly remembered why I was separated from Ron. I didn't want it to happen to me again.
The taxi arrived a moment later and I hopped on. The music played again.
After the song ended, I arrived home. I paid the driver and went off.
Then, I rang the doorbell.