Homesick

Walking carefully down the sidewalk, he took in his surroundings on this chilly Autumn day.

His footsteps crunched the colorful leaves that littered the pathway.

The heavy bag he carried had no affect on his strong arms his tight uniform accented.

He looked around and remembered this was the place he once called home.

Sounds of an engine roared over his head and habbits willed him to duck and cover, though he knew he was safe.

He heared laughter and glanced ahead of him.

Innocence reflected in children’s smiles as they threw leaves at one another.

They laughed and played as if every day was a new adventure, and nothing could go wrong.

As he passed the children whispered eagerly andlooked towards his way.

Riley’s back! One of them blurted as she bolted in his direction.

The rest soon followed and they tackled him with love and affection.

Riley hugged them all with a strong embrace, those kids were is life.

Riley asked Is my mom home?

They nodded and a ump of anticipation formed in his throat.

The children asked him to play once more, but he declined and promised another time.

They groaned in disappointment, but ran back and played the game they were playing earlier.

Riley coarsed his hand through his military short hair and continued the jurney home.

Birds chrped and expressed every emotion possible in Riley.

His stride slowed as he stepped the stairs one by one.

Ringing the doorbell he became restless and shifted his weight unevenly.

The door opened to a woman with an aged, gentle face.

Her warm smile faltered and her eyes glassed over.

He dropped his large travel bag, as h knew what was coming.

Riley… you’re home! She exclaimed as she took his large frame in her arms.

Yeah mom, I’m home for good, he mumbled against her warm shoulder.