My first step feels like pulling my foot out of concrete. But when I see Carnelia’s mother walk out the door, our heart skips with joy and anticipation. Her eyes widen when she notices me. “Josh, Carnelia’s back,” she yells as she drops the laundry and rushes towards me. All doubts leave my mind when she embraces me. I’m overwhelmed by the love radiating from her. And I allow it to wash over me, basking in it. I offer control to Carnelia, but she refuses. I can’t understand why she doesn’t want to reunite with her family herself. But so be it. I won’t force her. Looks like they’ll meet the new me sooner than I expected. Dad comes outside, followed by my little brother. His face is stoic, as always, but I can sense his emotions. He’s fighting hard to hold back his tears. When they reach us, both join in the embrace. “I’m glad you’re safe,” he says. “Stupid sis, making us worried all month,” Timothy grumbles with tears in his eyes. But he grabs me tight, just like my parents. I can’t believe I used to think he hates me. Because I can feel it right now, his fear that I’ll disappear again if he’ll let go. I let my tears flow as I whisper: “I’m home.” Mom smiles through her tears. “Welcome home, dear.”

We stay like this for a while, before mom breaks us up. “I’ll make us something nice to eat. Why don’t you wash up and put on warmer clothes in the meantime? Then you can tell us what happened over dinner.” I move, but stop myself. I’m cleaner than ever, thanks to my magic, and I love what I’m wearing. So instead, I reply: “No need, I’ve been taking proper care of myself out there. I’m cleaner now than I’ve ever been. And I love this outfit. The camouflage I painted on it to better blend in the forest might not look that good, but it’s very effective. How about I help you clean and chop the vegetables instead?”. She stares at me like she can’t believe what she’s hearing. Yeah, Carnelia never would have gone against anything she said. But I don’t care right now, I’ve changed, and I plan to show them the new me. My little brother, however, is a lot more verbose about it. “Wait, miss stick in the mud likes these clothes?” he asks in disbelief. I grin at him. “Oh yeah, I’m coming for your crown of being the weirdest little shit in this household.” His eyes widen, but so does his grin. “Please,” he says, “You can never catch up with me. I have years of experience, you’re just a beginner. What makes you think you got what it takes to defeat me?”. I grin at him, and fake whisper: “magic”. As I use my telekinesis to let my staff float up, and twirl it around above his head. “No way,” he yells. And looks up in amazement as I make my staff do all kinds of tricks above him, before letting it balance on his head. Realizing that I intend to let the staff stay there, he just grins at me. “I look weirder with a staff on my head than you with your silly clothing,” he declares with confidence. And I make a reverend bow towards him: “that is true, I stand defeated, you remain the undisputed king … for now”.

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When I turn around, my parents look like I used my ability to slow time on them. Oops, I might have revealed that little nugget a bit too soon. But ah well, I love magic, no use pretending anything else. “Euh, yeah,” I tell them sheepishly, “it’s a long story, but I’m a cleric of Miros now. Surprise!” Big Blue didn’t have any objections to me using her as an excuse. Although she warned me not to use magic in front of actual clerics if I want to keep up the ruse. For those who know divine magic, it’s obvious that I’m not using it. She also wouldn’t intervene on my behalf. I think it surprised her when I just accepted that she wouldn’t. And told her I was glad that she was ok with it.

“How?” Mom blurts out. “After getting lost in the woods, a snake bit me.” I tell her. “I didn’t think I would survive the night. But She took pity on me and blessed me as one of Her’s. And granted me the strength I needed to survive. It took a long time to find my way home. But thanks to the power she granted me, I thrived in the forest like a hunter. I never realized the forest was such a beautiful, magical place. And despite the dangers, I loved it.” Mom looks shocked, but dad laughs. “I can’t believe our little house mouse has finally found something she’s passionate about. Only a month, and look at the spine you’ve grown.” I can feel Carnelia’s disagreement. She had plenty of spine, and always kept up with him when working out in the fields. Something I am quick to remind him of. But it only makes him laugh harder. “That you did,” he says, “That you did.” Mother glares at him, not happy with his encouragement. But after a while, her gaze softens. “You’ve gone through a lot,” she says. “I’m just glad you are safe now. Let’s get started on the food while the men wrap up their chores.” Timothy protests, but father drags him along. He took the hint that mom wants to talk to me in private.