Julia was the first to recover from her frozen state.
"ALEX!"
She creamed her heart out as she rushed to the door, yet she didn't open it immediately. Her heart was racing rapidly, almost audible. She turned around to look at the others who were on their feet, waiting for her to open the door.
With a deep breath, she grabbed the doorknob and slowly opened the door. She might have been a little bit too excited as there was a hint of hesitation after reaching the door.
'What if he's not the one?' It was the question that froze her. But the subtle gesture from Aarah gave her the confidence she needed to open the door.
Everyone held their breath as the door creaked open, revealing the person they had all been waiting for. Tears brimmed in nearly every pair of eyes, threatening to spill over.
"Hi…" Alex greeted with a radiant smile.
Those simple words broke the dam. Julia couldn't hold back her tears anymore, her chest rising and falling as waves of emotion overwhelmed her.
"Alex!"
There was no doubt in her mind now. He might look a little different, but she would recognize him and his voice anywhere.
Without hesitation, Julia launched herself into his arms with such force that, if Alex had been any less steady, he might have toppled over.
"Whoa... easy there, hun. I'm not going anywhere," Alex said, steadying her as she buried her face in his chest, breathing in his familiar scent.
Her sobs were muffled against him as she clung to him like her life depended on it. If it were possible, she would have melted right into him.
"There, there…" Alex murmured softly, his hand gently rubbing her back. He glanced up at the rest of the family.
Sarah's face glowed with a warm, tearful smile as she clutched her husband's arm. William, meanwhile, was frozen in disbelief, tears rolling down his face.
The others were no better, their emotions spilling over, though they hesitated to approach with Julia blocking the way.
"Hello," Alex said, a touch of humour in his voice, as he shifted Julia slightly. She wrapped her legs around his waist, refusing to let go. Alex chuckled, shaking his head. Her determination was clear—she wasn't letting him go anytime soon.
With Julia firmly attached, Alex stepped further into the room, standing before his family. Each of them wore a different expression, their faces wet with tears.
William was the first to move. His voice trembled as he stepped forward, "I-Is it really you, son? Am I dreaming?"
Alex smiled and stretched out his hand, "No, Dad. I'm right here." His voice was confident and filled with assurance as William clasped his hand in a firm grip.
The feeling of his son's hand in his hand made his heart skip a beat. The man was very emotional at the moment. He would have liked to hug him, but that wouldn't be possible anytime soon.
Olivia and Aaron stepped forward as they hugged him from the side as their tears freely flowed. Sarah just stood by the side as she watched with s beaming smile.
Having already felt the presence of her son on a deeper level, she was capable of waiting till everyone got their turn.
"Don't you ever do that again, you hear me?" Olivia scolded as she held onto her brother. "We can't take another disappearing act from you."
"I know, and I'm sorry for making you guys go through this." Alex apologized with a firm hand on her hands. He turned to his brother who was almost as tall as him.
He patted Aaron's shoulders, giving the boy time to regain his composure. 'I won't be going anywhere anytime soon.' Alex thought to himself.
With him back home, he would try to stay with them for as long as they needed assurance of his presence.
"Ross." Alex turned to his best friend after Olivia and Aaron stepped back. Looking at his best friend's expression, Alex could tell he had been through a lot.
He stepped close to him and the two boys shared a side brotherly hug, given their options as Julia refused to budge even after Alex tried.
But that was a small detail they could ignore. He was back now and they had all the time they needed to bond again.
"Alex." Ross relied. "You had us worried for the longest time. I'm glad you found your way home." He didn't know how he made it back, but it couldn't have been easy.
That also spoke about what kind of ability it must have required for Alex to make it back himself. After all, they ventured into the Nether Regions and couldn't find him even after months of searching.
The two friends shared a quiet look, one filled with everything they wanted to say but couldn't—not yet. For now, the unspoken understanding between them was enough.
Finally, Sarah stepped forward, her hands trembling as she reached out to touch her baby boy. She cupped the side of his face with tenderness, her thumb brushing over his cheek as if confirming he was truly there.
"My baby," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You've come back to me."
Alex leaned into her touch, his smile softening. "I'm here, Mom. I'm sorry it took so long."
Sarah's tears fell freely as she shook her head. "No, don't apologize. You're here now, and that's all that matters. Look at you…" She paused, taking in every detail of his face. "You've grown so much. You're not my little boy anymore."
Alex chuckled, his voice carrying a bittersweet tone. "I'll always be your little boy, no matter how much time passes."
She laughed through her tears. She would have loved to hold her son in her embrace but that would have to be done at a later time.
Gazing at Julia who was on the verge of falling asleep in her son's embrace, she flashed a warm smile. She looked back at Alex in the eyes.
"Don't you ever leave me like that again, Alex. Do you hear me?" Her voice wavered, equal parts scolding and pleading.
"I promise, Mom," Alex said softly, his hands tightening around hers. "I'm not going anywhere this time."
Sarah stepped back slightly to look at him. "Good. Because I don't think my heart can take losing you again."
Alex smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You won't. I'm home now."