Unreal

Chp 4 Packing my Life into Three Trunks

Then he gently broke the silence.

"I'll meet you in your room once you've gathered your things."

He placed a hand on my back. Just for a second. Comforting. Grounding.

I turned to say something—to thank him or ask how long I had—but I didn't get the chance.

A loud bark ripped through the air.

Our neighbor's dog. Max. I forgot he barks at literally everything.

I flinched and glanced toward the fence.

Then I looked back at Sirius.

But he was gone.

I stood at the gate, frozen.

The curtain in the kitchen moved slightly—Lola. I could see her shadow, like always, doing something at the counter.

And then I heard it.

My little sisters. Screaming. Laughing. Running around like maniacs inside.

Normal. So normal.

I walked closer.

Every step felt heavier.

Because this—this was the life I always said I wanted to escape. The chaos. The rules. The noise. But now that I had the chance to leave...

I wasn't so sure anymore.

I was just staring at the front door now, hand on the knob, heart pounding.

I came here to grab my stuff.

That's it.

Then I could leave. Magic. Hogwarts. A new life.

Everything I ever wanted.

Right?

So why did I feel like I was about to cry?

Before I could even turn the knob, it rattled from the other side.

The door flung open.

And there she was.

"Deniaeris Hart!! AHA MAN KA GIKAN??!!"

Then SMACK—right on the arm. Not hard. Not angry. Just that classic mom-slap—half panic, half love, all lecture.

I didn't even have time to reply.

The tears just spilled.

No warning. Just full-on breakdown.

I launched forward and wrapped my arms around her.

She froze.

"Ngano man ka oy? Where have you been? Okay ra ka?" she asked, trying to peek at my face, her voice somewhere between scolding and scared.

I didn't say anything. Just held on tighter.

She stumbled a bit and had to step back to close the door behind us. The house was warm. Familiar. I didn't realize how much I missed the smell until I was standing in it again.

And then—

Silence.

Lola stood in the kitchen, still holding a bowl mid-whisk. Her hand didn't even move.

The TV was still playing something they always watch around this time. Papalo sat nearby, remote in hand, eyes wide.

And then—

"ATEEEEE!!!"

Tiny footsteps.

Both of my sisters came sprinting out of nowhere and crashed into my legs, hugging me tight.