It was a sunny afternoon in Pitambar Village. People were in the fields tending their crops, preparing for the inevitable winter.

  A resident of this village made his surprise comeback after seven years, standing in front of his home, ready to reunite with his family. The young man had left this very house seven years ago for war after the recruiters demanded a man from each household. He was 15 at the time. Most of his peers stayed home and sent someone else to war, but he chose to go instead of his father, who had to look after the young man's siblings and mother.

  Convincing his family had been difficult—they were profoundly against his decision—but it was for naught. In his mind, war seemed far easier than taking on his father's role. However, after witnessing the horrors of war, he realized how wrong he had been. But by then, it was too late.

  Stolen story; please report.

  Now, he was finally a free man once again, and only a door separated him from his dear family.

  He finally found the courage to knock. Shortly after, the sound of footsteps came from the other side. Before the door even opened, he heard a woman’s voice.

  “Did you forget something again, Jonathan?”

  Her voice carried clear tedium.

  Hearing his mother's voice after such a long time, he couldn’t stop the water rushing to his eyes. He was caught off guard when she finally opened the wooden door. Quickly, he rubbed his eyes to avoid being caught like that. He had run this moment through his head countless times—he was supposed to flash a big, confident smile and shout, "Surprise, everyone! Your favorite son is back!" But all his preparation came to naught the moment he saw his mother.

  “Bar??…” His mother finally muttered, absolutely shocked.

  Bar?? stopped his useless struggle to hold back his tears and tried to smile to the best of his ability.

  “Hello, Mom. I’m back…”