"Hey, Norbert, can you come here for a sec!" Norbert's Dad shouted across the yard
"Yeah, coming Dad; just give me a minute to clean up over here" Norbert shouted back, picking up the grass clippings and putting them in the green bin. Walking over to the bushes on the side, bringing the bin with him, Norbert collected the cuttings his Dad made into the bin.
A week had passed since he returned home; catching up with the family and seeing them come and go. Saying hi to old friends, the change that happens slowly over time, but thinking back to what it was like when he was just a child, he can see the difference starkly.
The two, in silence, cleaned up the yard; Norbert could tell his Dad was happy to have another man in the house and stop being surrounded by women. The garden was neatly trimmed again, perfectly manicured. Taking the bin to the back of the property, beside the pine trees, Norbert tipped it onto the pile already forming.
Waiting for the offcuts to dry to be turned into mulch and spread around the garden was needed. Stirring up the pile, making sure it wasn't rotting; Norbert took the bin back to its spot, his Dad already heading inside.
Heading inside, the sweat glistened on Norbert's skin as he walked to the kitchen, a drink already sitting out for him. Gulping it down, Norbert placed it in the sink, washing up, drying and putting it away.
Hearing voices coming from the main room, Norbert went over to investigate. The closer he went, the more heated the discussion became. Turning around the corner, Norbert saw a game of Monopoly in progress and an argument between his two sisters.
"No, you cheated. It would be best if you had moved here", Zoe said, pointing to one of the squares with houses on it.
"Nah uh, I started here, and this is where I'm supposed to go," Jessica said in response, pointing to the square with the little car piece sitting on it, avoiding the other properties with houses on them.
"Mum", They whined together; Norbert saw his mother sitting on the couch, looking at the chaos before her. Standing up without saying a word, she walked over to it, picked up the car piece and placed it on the square Zoe was pointing to.
The game continued with one sister in despair and the other satisfied. Just chuckling, knowing that was not the first of many arguments between the two players. The dice clattered on the board again as Zoe passed go. Her mother gave her the required $200 for passing go. Adding it to her growing pile Norbert looked out the front door, hearing something coming along the road.
She opened it and walked outside, seeing a white swift rolling off the road and onto the driveway. "Cassandra's here", Norbert said to the family, walking out the door and heading next to the other two parked cars.
Swift stopping, Norbert walked around to the back, the boot opening up as Norbert grabbed some of the bags inside, making his way inside with the others already standing up and making their way through the door.
The door of the car opened. "Hey, little bro, thanks for taking the stuff in," Cassandra said, stepping out and closing the door behind her before locking it, handbag over her shoulder, wearing regular jeans and a jumper, her hair in a mess.
"All good, have a good sleep on the way here?" Norbert asked, walking through the door and taking the bags up the stairs. They heard greetings from those behind him, one high-pitched and the other of adoration for the big sister finally returning home.
Placing her bags in her old room, still looking the same as ever, placing the bags on the floor, he returned downstairs.
"Didn't expect to see you here today?" His Dad told her.
Cassandra replied, "Some things came up, and others dropped off; I had to make time as I heard Norbert finally came home."
Entering the room, Norbert said in an accusing tone, "Hey, don't blame it on me; you've had plenty of chances to return before now."
"Yeah, but now we are back as one big happy family" Everyone came together and hugged each other, Norbert not wanting it to end.
***
Heading into town, wanting to exercise with nobody around. Testing himself if he could run as fast on Earth as over there. Flicking through the messages, Norbert could see Jack was having a grand old time. Showing off the bike he had ridden on, the places, sites and people he had seen.
Norbert reciprocated the feelings, happy that his friend was having a good time. When asked what he was doing just took a snap of the road ahead of him, its straight line, and almost could see the town on the horizon.
Putting his phone back in his pocket Norbert started to jog, instinctually looking up to see if Obsius was following him, only for there to be nothing in the sky. Shaking his head, Norbert continued forward, feeling his body warm up.
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Turning around and confirming no cars were coming from either direction, Norbert started to sprint as fast as he could. The force he was putting into the ground would generally shatter the earth and create holes; thankfully, it could take much more of the grunt on a good road.
Feeling more grip than ever, Norbert shot off forward, blasting past and going as fast as possible. Focusing his body on what he had learnt in sword practice, maximising his strength almost tipped over with the amount of force he produced. Leaning forward, Norbert flew, touching the ground every several meters, each step feeling himself go faster and faster.
Objects in his peripheral vision started to blur, keeping his head and eyes straight ahead of him, needing to squint to be able to see anything. Seeing the common signs that he was nearing town, Norbert slowed down, nearly tripping over his feet when he did, unsure of the speed he was experiencing.
Once in town, Norbert walked to the little grocery store. The window having painted the same sign of "Frankies" in what was once bold red, but now faded to a light pink. Walking in, pushing against the old wooden door, the hinges creaking at his welcoming. Norbert waved back headed to the side, past the fruit and veg sitting in cardboard boxes.
At the fridges, pulling out chocolate milk, saying hi to Frank was always there, and giving him the required amount in coins. Sitting on the steps under the shade Norbert cracked it open, feeling the excellent milk go down his throat.
Remembering the many times he was here before with Jack at his side after a day of school, Norbert whipped out his phone, took a picture and sent it to Jack. Reminding him what he was missing at home.
Without even looking, Norbert threw it into the bin, hearing the satisfying thunk of it hitting the side and plopping inside. Wiping his mouth on his arm Norbert stood up, waving to Frank as he walked around town.
After being here a week, everyone in town knew he was there. Friendly faces are smiling everywhere. With his trip around town accomplished, Norbert returned, seeing Zoe come in on her push bike.
Waving at her, Zoe red-faced after going as hard as she could. "How fast are you? I couldn't even catch up with you at all. Wanted to go to town together."
Norbert walked up, rustling her hair as she cringed in response, knowing she hated when he did it. "Sorry about that; just trying to get a bit of practice for you. How about this? I'll get you whatever you want from Frank's?"
Zoe, not even responding, jumped off the bike, pushing it towards Norbert as she ran forward and into the store. Bringing the bike along, Norbert leaned it against the side of the store, walking in and waving to Frank again.
"Coming for seconds Norbert?" Frank asked him. The grizzled older man putting down his newspaper with crooked yellow teeth stared back at Norbert with a jolly smile and care in his eyes.
"Not for me; I left Zoe behind, so this is recompense," Norbert said.
Frank just nodded in return before turning to the side. Zoe appeared from behind, carrying a bottle of Sprite and part of a chocolate bar. The other part was already broken off and in her mouth as she ate it, making a mess all over her face.
Scanning both, Norbert presented his card, paying for it and hearing the confirming beep.
"See you next time, Frank", Norbert said as he waved and walked out of the store.
"Come around whenever you want, Norbert; you are always welcome here", Frank said. Norbert knew he wasn't just talking about the store. Nodding in return, the pair left, sitting once more on the steps next to the bike.
"Anything cool has happened lately?" Norbert asked Zoe.
"Nah, just same old same old. Miss Staple is leaving as she's having a baby, so it's an easy breeze for me. Anything about you?"
Norbert thought about what had happened. "Nah, nothing much, apart from Jack getting a girlfriend. My world is about the same as it always was."
Zoe looked back at him expectantly. "And there is nothing else for me to say; now come on, eat up and don't make so much of a mess. Mum is going to get both of us in trouble."
"Yes", she said, chocolate fingers marking the Sprite bottle as she gulped it down. When finished, the two of them make their way back. Norbert rode the bike, Zoe hanging onto his back, and the two of them steadily peddled back home.
***
Rumbling into town again, Norbert looked outside, the darkness obscuring most of the area. The lights ahead flashed by as his Dad drove the two of them into town. As they neared, seeing other cars also parked around. Getting out, the two of them walked into the establishment.
The triangular wooden roof had a sign with two beers, frothing with head saying "Pub Bup" Windows all along the side allowing anyone to see inside. The tables mostly filled with people, everyone cheersing drinks and sculling them. Hearing a roar as the TVs were blasting around the establishment, Norbert able to hear them from outside.
His Dad walks in first, hearing the sound and voices around him. Norbert stepped inside, looking around the pub, the game on the screen and everyone laughing and smiling.
People broke into pairs as his Dad approached the barman, ordering two beers. Walking forward, Norbert looked at the beer, taking it in. As he swung the first one, Norbert heard his name being cheered around the bar and shouting, "Yes, yes. The great me is back again. Now whose winning the game!" Norbert finished, pointing his tankard to the screen.
A resounding voice from everyone came around, "WE ARE!" with everyone taking a drink as well. Norbert looked around, happy that it still hadn't changed since the last time Norbert saw Tom and his friends sitting around a table.
Walking forward, Norbert grabbed a chair, spun it around and sat in it, dropping the tankard on the table, some sloshing onto his hand. "So, how's it going, fellas?"
Tom looked at him, smiling from next to him; looking down, he saw his shoes. "I was going to say you haven't changed, but look at those boots. Someone's is feeling fly."
Norbert just chuckled in response. Knowing the night would be nice to have.
***
Rumbling down, Norbert drove his Dad back home as he slept in the passenger seat. Taking him inside, Norbert placed him on the couch, getting a cup of water and a bucket in case he needed it. Only feeling a slight buzz, Norbert crept upstairs, not wanting to disturb anyone sleeping. Going into his room, holding his shoes in his hand Norbert closed the door, about to turn the light on when light surrounded him.
Instinctually, Norbert, still holding onto his shoes, leapt for the garbage bag, feeling it in his hands as he sprawled on the ground.