Part 1
It had taken me four days to get here. One flight from Hawaii to Chicago. One bus trip from Chicago to Middletown Illinois. I probably would have been here sooner, but two delays later, I was finally arriving back in my hometown. How was it possible that I hadn't stepped foot in this town for over a decade and it was still the exact same?
The town was as cliche as they come. Old brick buildings lined Main Street. Most of them remaining empty, housing only the memories of what used to be.
A couple of small mom and pop shops stayed open, keeping the town alive. There is a small single story school building and an old run down diner. It is quite, peaceful, and secluded. It was one of those towns where you pictured your kids growing up.
I ran across the road that even to this day remains brick. Although I hadn't been back here since leaving the summer after senior year, I didn't have to think twice about the steps I took that lead me straight to the small house at the end of a long road.
It was a small two story house with a wodden porch that wrapped all the way around. There was a path of little black solar lights that lead you to the stairs. Pink and purple flowers hanging in pots go as far around the deck as you can see.
I made my way to the front door. It had been so long since being here I honestly considered knocking, eventually deciding against the idea I took a deep breath before pushing open the door and stepping inside my childhood home.
