Ali

I’m finally home back in Vegas and as much as I’m glad to be home, the sadness of today is weighing me down. To see the man I always knew as strong look so weak and worn reminds me how quickly things can change. I look around my old room and realize everything is exactly the same. The same rainbow bedspread and dolls that cover the bed are neatly paced as if the seven year old me never left. I sit on the bed and sigh as memories of staying up late and having sleepovers with Gin take over. The white walls filled with tokens of accomplishments from training help those memories play out like a slideshow running across my mind.

After quickly hanging up my clothes from my suitcase, I take a much needed shower. After I get out I dress, pull my hair up into a tight bun and then make my way to the bed. I lean back on the softness and let the smell of home consume me just as I hear a knock on the door. “Enter.” I call out and lean up to see Xei and Gin enter. Their faces both sho