The Homecoming

The Father glances at the clock again. Only one minute has gone by since the last time he checked. He tries to keep himself busy. After a long, painful time apart, his son is coming back home! As his day goes on, all he can think about is, my son is coming home today! He giggles with anticipation. He has missed him so much. This is the first time they have ever been apart and they will never be separated again for the rest of eternity. His return is mere moments away now.


Finally, after what seems like a thousand years, his son is standing before him, radiant and looking better than ever before. The Father just stares at him, memorizing all of his features as if for the first time. They run to each other, and throw their arms around each other, tears streaming down both of their faces.


The Father kisses his son's face over and over, breathing in his familiar scent. He kisses the holes in his hands and sobs, "We did it! Oh, my son, we did it and they are free!"
His son can't even speak through his crying. The time away, the pain, the humiliation didn't matter anymore. It was all worth it. "We did it," his scratchy voice is barely above a whisper.


The Father grabs his son's face in both hands and looks deeply into his eyes. "Thank you." Fresh tears cascade down his face, he squeezes his eyes shut and he pulls his son into his arms and continues,"Thank you for everything."