Chapter 5: The Road Home

After Nathan left the farm, he walked over to his old bike, the one his father, Philip, had bought for him before he got arrested for theft a year ago. Since then, life had been tough for Nathan and his family. Without his father around, money was tight, and they had to rely on the little they could grow on their small farm. The bike, though worn and a little rusty now, was still Nathan’s way of helping his family. He climbed onto it, gripping the handles firmly, and began pedaling toward the market.

As he rode down the dusty road, Nathan passed by other small farms and saw a few kids playing in the street. A couple of cars zoomed past him, kicking up dirt. He could hear the faint sound of a train in the distance, and birds flew overhead, chirping as they soared through the blue sky. The market wasn’t too far, but every time Nathan rode this path, it reminded him how much their lives had changed without his father.

When he finally arrived at the busy market, filled with the sounds of vendors calling out and people chatting, he spotted his mother, Anna, sitting at her small bench where she sold their farm’s produce. She had a tired but kind look on her face as she waited for him. Her long brown hair was tied back in a simple braid, and her apron was covered with dirt from the farm.

“Hey, Mom!” Nathan greeted her as he hopped off his bike, pulling the basket of tomatoes from the back.

Anna smiled warmly at her son, her eyes showing a mixture of pride and weariness. “There you are, Nathan! Let’s see those tomatoes.”

Nathan handed over the basket, and Anna quickly began sorting through the tomatoes, piling them neatly on her bench for sale. She worked efficiently, her hands moving with practiced ease.

“Good job,” she said, nodding at him. Then she handed him a small plastic bag filled with rice and another with peas. “Take these home, Nathan. Cook them up for lunch, okay? And don’t worry about saving any for me.”

Nathan frowned, holding the bags. “But, Mom, why shouldn’t we save some for you. It’s enough for three.”

Anna smiled, though this time it was a bit sad. She knew the rice and the peas weren’t enough for three.

“I’ve already had my lunch, don’t worry.” She was lying, but she didn’t want Nathan to worry about her.

“Go quick! Your grandmother might be hungry.” She continued.

Nathan hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded, feeling proud of his mother’s strength. “Alright, Mom. I’ll make sure we eat, and I’ll come back later to help.”

Anna patted him on the shoulder. “That’s my boy. Be careful on your way back, okay?”

“I will, Mom,” Nathan replied, and with that, he got back on his bike, the bags of rice and peas carefully secured. As he rode back home, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility growing inside him. He had to help his family, especially now that things were harder than ever.

When Nathan arrived home, he slowed his bike to a stop in front of the small wooden house. He carefully hopped off, and as usual, he hung his bike on the rusty metal hook by the side of the house. The hook had been there for years, ever since his father set it up, and it was still strong enough to hold the bike.

Nathan wiped the sweat off his forehead and walked toward the house, holding the small bags of rice and peas his mother had given him. Once inside, he headed straight for the kitchen. He placed the bags on the counter, washed his hands, and then turned on the oven.

He started by rinsing the rice under cold water, just like his mother had taught him. He then filled a pot with water, added the rice, and put it on the stove to boil. As the rice cooked, he moved on to the peas. He opened the bag, poured the peas into another pot, added a little water, salt, and some spices they had in the cupboard. Nathan stirred the peas gently, watching them cook as the warm smells filled the kitchen.

After about thirty minutes, the rice was soft, and the peas were ready. Nathan carefully turned off the stove and covered both pots to keep the food warm. Just as he finished, his grandmother Diana came home from the farm. She walked in, wiping her hands on her apron, and immediately noticed the delicious smell in the air.

“Well, what’s this?” Diana said, her eyes wide with surprise. “I could smell that from outside! Nathan, did you cook this?”

Nathan grinned proudly. “Yes, Grandma! Mom gave me the rice and peas, and I figured I’d start lunch while you were finishing up.”

Diana raised her eyebrows, clearly impressed. “I can’t believe it. You’re growing up so fast, and you’re cooking now too? This smells wonderful, Nathan.”

Nathan chuckled. “Thanks, Grandma. I just did what Mom taught me. You think it’s good enough?”

Diana smiled warmly, patting him on the shoulder. “Good enough? It smells like a feast! Let’s eat, I’m starving after all that work.”

Nathan beamed, happy to see his grandmother so proud of him. Together, they sat down at the small kitchen table, ready to enjoy the meal he had prepared.

That evening, as the sun set over Willowbrook, Rhomana Ivanovick was finishing up his day in his office. His fingers danced over the keyboard as he sent off the last few emails and reviewed the final details of a hotel deal. He glanced over the spreadsheets one more time, making sure everything was in order. Satisfied, he leaned back in his chair, checking his watch and it was time to go.

Standing up, Rhomana gathered his belongings and tidied up his desk. He pulled out a beautiful, red card from his pocket and used it to lock his office door. The card slid smoothly through the scanner, and a soft beep confirmed the lock was engaged. He glanced around the darkening room one last time, then nodded to himself, ready to head home.

As he exited his office, Marco, his assistant, was already waiting by the door. “All set, sir?” Marco asked, holding the door open for him.

“Everything’s in order,” Rhomana replied, stepping out. “Make sure tomorrow’s meeting is prepared. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Marco nodded. “Of course, Mister Ivanovick. Have a safe drive home.”

Rhomana gave him a brief nod in return and walked toward the waiting convoy outside. Romeo Ross, his loyal driver, stood by the lead vehicle, a row of pristine white BMW Seven-Series lined up in perfect formation. The sight of them always gave Rhomana a sense of power and control, a reminder of the empire he had built.

As Rhomana approached, Romeo immediately stepped forward and opened the rear door for him. “Good evening, Mister Ivanovick,” Romeo said with a respectful bow of his head.

“Evening, Romeo,” Rhomana replied smoothly, sliding into the soft leather seat.

Once Rhomana was settled in, Romeo closed the door and quickly moved to the driver’s seat. The convoy rolled out of the office complex, smoothly navigating the streets of Willowbrook. The city lights flickered as they passed, the calm of the night wrapping around them. After a short drive, the convoy approached the large, iron gates of Rhomana’s estate. The gates swung open automatically as they neared, controlled by the security system in place.

The convoy glided through the gates and into the yard, where the green, pruned lawns stretched out before the grand mansion. The yard was perfectly maintained, with rows of hedges, a large fountain in the center, and bright, white stone paths leading to the entrance of the mansion.

Romeo pulled the lead car to a stop at the entrance, and he, along with the other drivers, quickly stepped out of their vehicles as a sign of respect. Romeo moved swiftly to open the rear door for Rhomana, who stepped out with his usual calm authority.

Alexis, Rhomana’s wife, walked to him, and her eyes light up as she approached. “Welcome home,” she greeted him with a warm smile.

“Thank you, Alexis,” Rhomana replied, giving Alexis a hug and offering her a soft smile in return.