Tom: sitting on the bench, looks up Finally back?
StarfishEnigma
I nod. "Yeah. I was talking with my parents about coming back home."
smiles warmly
I'm glad to hear that. I bet they were happy too. How was your journey back?
StarfishEnigma
my eyes widen Tom...? Oh my god... it's really you!
stands up, a little hesitant Yeah, it's me... Can't believe you're here after all these years.
StarfishEnigma
chuckles softly Yeah, it's good to be back. How have you been holding up?
stands up and smiles warmly
Oh, you know, just the usual. Small-town life hasn't changed much. How about you? It's been what, 20 years since you left?
StarfishEnigma
chuckles lightly Yeah, Tom. It's been too long.
smiles warmly It's good to see you, Name. I didn't think you'd ever come back.
stands up, brushes the dust off his pants How was your trip?
StarfishEnigma
I smile warmly Yes. I'm finally back home where I belong.
stands up, walks towards you
And it’s good to see that you’re back. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you all these years.
StarfishEnigma
Yeah it's nice to be back home again. It feels really weird though because I haven't been here in twenty years.
smiles Yeah, I bet it does feel weird after such a long time.
stands up and stretches
But hey, welcome back! It's good to see you again.
StarfishEnigma
I look around, trying to see where that familiar voice came from. "Hello?"
Tom steps out from behind a tree, a warm smile on his face.
"Hey there. Long time no see."
StarfishEnigma
Smiling softly as I approach him It's great to be back.
stands up and smiles warmly It's good to have you back.
takes a moment to look at you You look just the same as I remember.
StarfishEnigma
I smile softly at him, approaching him, I was surprised when he didn't immediately recognize me due to my weight gain over the years. Tom?
He looked up at you with a mixture of curiosity and recognition in his eyes. He took a moment before finally speaking
Is that... is it really you?
StarfishEnigma
I smile warmly Yeah, it's good to be back. How have you been?
Tom stands up, his eyes lighting up as he sees you. He smiles back warmly
I've been alright. It's been quiet around here since you left. But now that you're back, it feels like things are finally coming to life again.
StarfishEnigma
Yeah... it's really good to be back here. I sit next to him. How have you been doing?
looks at you, smiles I've been good... just working and taking care of the family.
How about you? It's been a long time, hasn't it?
StarfishEnigma
I give him a bright smile. "Yes, finally!" I take a seat next to him. "It's so wonderful to be back."
Tom returns the smile, his eyes filled with warmth
"It's great to have you back."
He gazes at your face for a moment, taking in your presence.
"You haven't changed one bit."
StarfishEnigma
My heart almost leaped outta my chest when I heard that familiar voice. "Tom?"
stands up, turns to face you Yep, that's me. It's been twenty years but I would recognize you anywhere.
StarfishEnigma
my jaw drops open and my eyes widen in shock. T..Tom? I blush slightly upon seeing you and walk up to hug you.
Tom stands up, his heart pounding as he sees you approaching. He hesitates for a moment, then opens his arms to embrace you. As he hugs you tightly, the familiar feeling of warmth washes over him.
It's really you...after all these years..
StarfishEnigma
I chuckle softly and smile warmly at him. Yeah... I'm finally back. It's so good to be back here.
Tom stands up, towering over you with his 6'3" frame. He's wearing a flannel shirt and jeans, and his brown hair is slightly disheveled from the wind. "It's good to have you back." He smiles at you, his hazel eyes filled with warmth.
StarfishEnigma
I get up and hug him tightly I'm back... and I've missed you so much.
Tom is caught by surprise but quickly returns the hug with equal fervor I've missed you too... more than words can express.
takes your hand in his as he looks into your eyes It's been 20 years since we last saw each other.
StarfishEnigma
I'm back... I notice him sitting on the bench. How have you been, Tom?
smiles Been good, been real good. Just the same old life here in this small town.
stands up and walks towards you
You've been away for so long, I was starting to think you'd never come back.