Chapter 14: Home.
His wonderful Lucille…
It had been sixteen years. Yet, he could still see everything. Her long hair flowing, a stunning white dress gliding down her slim physique. Stepping to his side so he could lift her into his arms and carry her into their home.
Their home. Filled with life, laughter, and unconditional love for each other. Later their five sons added so much more…
Scott: He was the double of himself and together they shared a mutual love for any flying craft. Yet, even though he had inherited this and his tenacity, other traits were directly from his mother. Courteous. Generous. Caring. Supportive. Especially of his little brothers who would often refer to him as 'the best big brother.' He was always looking out for them, making sure he spent quality time with each one, and helping them in whatever way that he could. Even though he was now fifteen.
John: His quiet introvert. His nose and eyes were always either in a book, or lifted up towards the stars. Often they would both sit together gazing up, both naming the planets and the star systems they could see, a father and son bonding moment. His books were shared with his mother. Fantasy involving magical lands, high sea adventures, interstellar explorations, plus factual reads covering several genres.
Virgil: Many varied hobbies filled his life. Mechanisms being one that would see them spending many hours together. Taking things apart to see how they worked, if they could be improved, then putting them back together again. Later they would both stroll into their home covered in layers of dust and oil. His quieter, cleaner, creative side was reserved for his mother. Music: Together they could make beautiful melodies emerge from a piano. Classical and jazz to deeper heavier tones. The compositions always reflecting their mood. His other creative pursuits, also shared with his mom, involved painting and drawing. Watercolours. Pastels. Acrylics. Pen and ink, charcoal, chalks, pastels and many other assorted styles were pinned to fridges or framed on walls.
Gordon: If they were real he would swear that his little fish was actually a Merman. He and his mother were always heading down to the local pool so he could train for the big medals he wanted to win. Knowing Gordon and the pure determination he had inherited from both him and his mother he would definitely achieve what some outside their family deemed to be 'pipedreams.'
Alan: His youngest. Two years old, nearly three. So young. So tiny. However, his personality was already shining through. Stubborn like him. Curious and loving like his mother. Enjoyed gazing at the stars with John, admiring airplanes with Scott, learning to swim with Gordon, and being mesmerised by the melodic piano when Virgil and his mom played.
A comforting hand on his shoulder and his eyes snapped open, reality greeted him in the form of a house.
Scott, with another reassuring squeeze to his shoulder nodded towards the door and after he had returned an affirmative nod his eldest stepped forwards, opened it, then ushered in his three brothers while he carried Virgil inside. Quietly the six of them all piled onto the large sofa. No one speaking. No sobs escaping at the knowledge of the empty spot where their missing seventh would sit. The one who held them all together. The one, who now without, made their home just a house. A void. Empty without their mamma. Empty without his wonderful Lucille.