Will's Family- The Dark is Rising

Stephen's Home!

The Stanton's were ecstatic. Their eldest son, Stephen, had decided to take a break from the Navy, citing that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

So at Terminal 9, the entire family waited for Stephen to disembark. Well, most of the family. Will, their youngest, was nowhere to be seen. 

Mr. Stanton frowned, and addressed his wife. "Alice, do you know where Will's gotten off to?"

"He's not here?"

Roger shook his head. 

"Must have gone off to the loo then." Mrs. Stanton deducted. 

But before they could discuss the matter any further, Stephen was sighted by their remaining 7 children. Both parents promptly forgot their youngest.

Cheers erupted from the group, and the young officer was mobbed from all sides. The babble of voices that were impossible to distinguish from one another, and Stephen laughed at the ruckus.

The happy family moved to collect Stephen's bags, then headed off to the car. The adults felt as though they had forgotten something, but they couldn't quite remember what. The entire drive back was filled with the married couple feeling as though something was missing. 

Of course, it wasn't until they got home that they finally realized what was wrong.

Alice looked wide-eyed at her husband. "We didn't did we?"

He nodded, ghastly pale. "We did. I'll go pick him up."

Roger promptly shoved the keys in the ignition and pulled out of the driveway. 

"Roger, wait!"

He turned and looked at Alice, who looked relieved. "He's been home the whole time."

Sure enough, there was Will sitting on the front porch. He gave a small smile and a wave towards his father.

Slumped forward in relief, the car was re-parked, and Roger found himself sitting on the steps next to his son. The rest of the family was inside, happily chattering away.

Mr. Stanton examined the boy. Will looked different to him. Older, almost. And tired, very tired.

"You should get some sleep." He heard himself saying. 

Will turned and smiled wearily at him, the actions highlighting new worry lines on his face.

"I suppose you're right." Will said softly. "Night Dad."

The 11 year old stood and retreated up the steps.

"Night Will." Roger mumbled. 

I know that this was horrible, but I promise it'll get better as the chapters continue. Keep reading!