The next thing I knew we were standing in the kitchen of the Orders headquarters. My mom was at the sink washing dishes with her back towards us. I waited for Lupen to announce our presence. I final figured out that he was waiting for me to say something and with a sigh I called out to her.
"Hey mom."
"Percy!"
She
whipped around so fast it gave me whiplash just from watching her.
But I don't have long to ponder this fact when I find myself
crushed to her chest as she strokes my head. She finally calms down
enough to ask me if I am staying. When I nod my head that sets her
off again. Lupen offers to show me to a room and my mom lets me go
with the promise that she is making my favorite for dinner. We run
into Ginny on the stairs.
"Oh, Percy! Your back! Is this your dog? What's his name?"
"Dan."
"I like that name." I see her hesitate and then she throws her arms around.
"I'm glad your
back."
I don't say anything just patted her back. With one
last smile thrown at me and she continues to the kitchen. I'm left
staring awkwardly at Lupen, who just smiles sadly at me.
The relieve I feel at making it to the room without running into anyone else is indescribable. Lupen leaves me to "settle in" as he called it. I doubt I will ever be settled again.