Page 24 of Since the Day We Kissed

Ethan

Ethanlaythere,fightingoff the pull of sleep, while feeling every ache from the lumpy mattress that had molded to his body overnight. He longed for the cloud-like comfort of his own bed but let himself enjoy a few more moments of rest.

However, Hero, ever the early riser, had other ideas. A warm tongue swiped across Ethan’s cheek, leaving behind a trail of slobber.

“Morning, boy,” he mumbled, scratching the dog’s head.

With a soft whine and a gentle nudge of his cold nose, Hero made his intentions clear.

Ethan yawned, glancing at Hero’s expectant face. “Gotta go out, huh? Go on then, you know the way.”

Hero barked once and trotted out of the room. Ethan smiled, listening to the familiar click of Hero’s nails against the floor as he made his way to the kitchen and out the doggy door. The doggy door was proving to be quite handy—now, if only Hero could figure out that he didn’t need to wake Ethan for permission to use it.

Ethan stretched, shaking off the last traces of sleep, and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. Once he was dressed in a fresh pair of worn jeans and a faded t-shirt faintly smelling of laundry detergent, he felt more like himself.

Today’s objective: Find that deed.

If he found the deed by two or three, he could swing by the attorney’s office and settle things by the end of the day. But just thinking about rummaging through dusty boxes and old filing cabinets made Ethan’s head throb.

Correction, today’s first objective: food.

Just then, Ethan heard the click of the doggy door, followed by the soft patter of paws on the kitchen floor. Hero appeared in the doorway, tail wagging, a stick clamped between his teeth.

Ethan couldn’t help but grin at the dog’s antics. “You know I’m useless without my coffee. Breakfast first, then we’ll play.”

Ethan and Hero headed out the front door and over toward the truck. As Ethan fished his keys from his pocket, the crunch of gravel underfoot caught his attention. He looked up, squinting against the sunlight to see Clyde Jefferson, his old neighbor, still as spry as ever.

“Well, I’ll be! Ethan? That you?”

“Yes, sir,” Ethan called back, circling to the truck’s rear.

“My, how you’ve grown.” Clyde adjusted his glasses with a broad smile, looking down. “And who’s this handsome fella?”

Ethan patted Hero’s head. “This is Hero. My partner in crime.”

“Nothing beats a good dog,” Clyde nodded, then winced, rubbing his elbow. “Say, I hate to ask, but my arthritis is acting up. Mind helping an old man with his groceries?”

“Not at all. Just lead the way, sir.”

“Still polite as ever, but no need for ‘sir,’” Clyde said with a chuckle. “Just ‘Clyde’ will do.”

Ethan grinned as he walked to the next driveway, Hero in tow. “Of course, Clyde.”

Clyde opened his trunk and stepped back. “Good to see you back in town, though I’m sorry about what happened to your old man.”

Ethan hefted a load of bags. “Yeah, it’s a shame, but I won’t be here for long. Just here until I sort things out with his place.”

“Remember when you used to lend me a hand with the yard work?” Clyde shuffled toward the front door. “You were such a good kid. Always reliable.”

“I can still help out if you need anything while I’m here.”

“Oh, don’t you worry.” Clyde waved him off. “Already got someone helping these days. But I appreciate the thought.”

As they stepped inside, the house felt as warm and welcoming as Ethan remembered. The air was infused with the comforting scent of cedarwood and citrus. Soft, golden light spilled from antique lamps in the corners. Plush, mismatched throw pillows adorned the overstuffed sofa. Family photos and artwork lined the walls. Among the personal touches, a rustic wooden sign hung, hand-painted with the words:Home isn’t always where you left it, but sometimes it’s where you least expect to find it.The space felt deeply lived-in and loved, and as Ethan took it all in, a quiet sense of peace settled over him.

Hero paused at the door with a whine.

Clyde’s eyes flicked to Hero. “That four-legged friend of yours is welcome too, you know.”

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