NOTE: I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist or The House That Built Me
I know they say you can't go home again
I just had to come back one last time
I sighed uneasily as I walked up the steps to the door. It's been ten years. Of our two little families on the lonely hill, I was the only one left. Some died at war; some of old age, with both sets of parents long gone. I don't know why I came back to this possibly haunted home, but here I am. Nervously, I raised a hand to the doorbell.
Ma'am I know you don't know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine
"Hello?" the woman answered pleasantly. It didn't matter how nice she was, I was still mad that she got to live here and I didn't.
"Um, well… You see, I used to live here, and I wanted to know if I could just walk around and reminisce," I replied quietly, still nervous.
Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I could easily see into the house from the way she was standing at the door. I could see the stairs but not the rooms, but still knew where everything was, or had been. How could I not? My room, Granny's room, the guest room, the workshop… The thought of the workshop reminded me of the profession I had to give up. Automail. Just the thought of it brought tears to my eyes. He was dead. Dead. But no, I will not cry here, not with a stranger.
I bet you didn't know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard
Peaking of the dead, I should visit Den's grave. Would she mind if I left flowers? Actually, I should visit all of their graves. Mom, Dad, Granny, Den, the Elrics… No! No crying!
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
I never should have come. I should have stayed in Central. Why did Riza think this would help? It just makes me cry. Unless… Maybe letting it all out and crying is the only solution…
Out here it's like I'm someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
Maybe if I stop holding in tears, I'd be able to keep making automail… I know if I let myself I could help many people get new limbs.
If I could just come in I swear I'll leave
Won't take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
I miss this place. I miss playing outside and taking long naps. I miss Ed…
Mama cut out pictures of houses for years
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama's dream
I wonder if this woman changed anything in the house. I hope not. Mom picked the colors out herself. This is one of the last reminders of my parents that I have…
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
My house in Central is nothing like home… I wish I could go home. But I can't.
Out here it's like I'm someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
Is this how Ed felt when he burnt down his house? I wish I could ask him… I know it's not the same, but I still can't go back.
If I could just come in I swear I'll leave
Won't take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
Why, oh why did I insist on coming alone? Riza would at least let me babble about all my problems. Now I can't talk to anyone about, except for maybe this woman, but I don't want to tell her.
You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am
I never should have moved to Central. I have just as many sad memories there as I do here. Not to mention that my job sucks and the guys are jerks…
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it's like I'm someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
Why is she taking so long to answer me? Can I come in or not? It's not like I'm asking for the house back or anything… I just want to come in.
If I could walk around I swear I'll leave
Won't take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
"How do I know that you won't steal?" she asked warily.
"I promise I won't! I just want to reminisce!" I exclaimed After much persuasion, I got to come in.