MTLNOVEL Chapter 14: A Car Ride to Family
As Elric and Ernestina walked together, the afternoon sun peeked through the thinning clouds, turning the damp road into a glowing path. Tiny puddles shimmered like scattered stars on the ground. They laughed softly at small things — a bird pecking at crumbs near the sidewalk, the way Ernestina kept adjusting her bag because it kept sliding off her shoulder, the playful splashes of water as they stepped over puddles.
Elric felt a lightness in his chest, almost as if he was walking on air rather than asphalt. Each step beside Ernestina felt like a new beginning, a tiny promise that maybe life could be different.
Just then, a sleek silver car pulled up beside them and stopped. The window rolled down smoothly, and Elric's mother leaned out with a warm, relieved smile. Her eyes softened the second she saw her son and Ernestina walking together.
"There you two are! I was just about to call you," she called out, her voice full of love and relief. "Get in, let's get you home."
Elric's eyes widened in surprise. His mother almost never came to pick him up these days. Seeing her there, waiting for him, felt like a gentle hug he hadn't realized he needed.
Ernestina paused, glancing shyly at Elric. She hesitated, as though she was about to say she could walk home, but his mom leaned over the passenger seat, her smile even wider now.
"Ernestina, sweetheart, come along too. I already called your mother at work to let her know I found you with Elric and that I would bring you home safely. She sounded relieved and thanked me. She said she's busy today and wouldn't be able to pick you up early, so she's happy you're with us."
Ernestina's eyes widened even more. Her lips parted in surprise, and her cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink. She pressed a hand lightly to her chest, taking it all in before slowly nodding.
"Thank you so much, ma'am," she said, her voice soft but full of gratitude.
They climbed into the car, and Elric's mother immediately started chatting, her voice like gentle music in the confined space. She asked Ernestina about her favorite school subjects, what she liked to eat, if she had any hobbies. Ernestina answered a little shyly at first, but after a few moments, she began to relax. Her laughter rang out bright and clear when Elric's mother teased Elric about how picky he was as a child.
Elric leaned back against the seat, a quiet smile stretching across his face as he watched them talk. A warmth spread through his entire body, something deeper than any fleeting thrill he had ever felt at those wild parties. It was the warmth of belonging, of being surrounded by people who actually cared about him.
As they turned out of the school area, Elric looked out the window and saw a few boys standing near the back gate. They were the same boys he used to run around with, the ones who had tried to drag him into skipping class and breaking rules for fun. Some of the more reckless ones had already slipped out earlier that day, probably off to some abandoned lot or shady corner of the city.
The rest just stood there, kicking at rocks and muttering to each other. They watched the car drive by but didn't shout or jeer. Instead, they just watched in silence, as though they sensed that something had shifted. Maybe they knew deep down that Elric wasn't coming back to join them, at least not today. And maybe, in a strange, silent agreement, they decided to let him have this moment without dragging him back.
Elric let out a slow, quiet breath he didn't even know he had been holding.
When they finally pulled into the driveway, the small, cozy house looked more welcoming than ever, bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon light.
Elric's mom stepped out first and held the door open, still chatting warmly with Ernestina. She guided them inside, moving around the kitchen and living room with the familiar ease of someone who had spent years making a house feel like a true home.
She set out plates of warm pastries and poured steaming cups of tea, the fragrant steam curling into the air like tiny dancing ghosts. Ernestina accepted shyly, sitting on the edge of the couch at first. After a few gentle nudges and jokes from Elric's mom, she slowly sank into the cushions, letting out a quiet laugh that made the room feel even warmer.
Elric stood for a moment near the doorway, just watching them. His mother, who had always reached out even when he pushed her away. Ernestina, who had quietly stepped into his world and reminded him what kindness felt like.
Something stirred deep in his chest, a strong, unwavering resolve.
These smiles, this warmth, this tiny glowing corner of the world , was what he wanted to protect.
In his mind, the Sin Slayer System screen flickered to life again.
Sin Points: 10,580
Virtue Points: 0
Temptations Record: Strengthening
The numbers didn't terrify him as much now. They felt like quiet milestones on a long, winding road. A map that showed him he had fallen before but could still rise.
He took a slow breath and moved to join them on the couch. Ernestina looked up, her eyes meeting his. She gave him a small, warm smile, the kind that felt like a soft sunrise.
Without even thinking, Elric smiled back, a real, genuine smile that lit up his whole face.
His mother patted his knee and leaned back with a content sigh. Ernestina laughed again at a story about Elric's childhood, covering her mouth as her shoulders shook.
In that small, golden-lit living room, with pastries on the table and laughter floating through the air, Elric felt something he hadn't felt in a long, long time.
He felt safe.
He felt loved.
He felt at home. 🥰