The car ride to his mother's residence was quiet. Julius sat in the back seat, staring out the window as the city buildings slowly changed into the green, peaceful trees of the quiet residential area.
When the car pulled up to the house, Julius took a deep breath. He needed a moment of peace, and seeing his mother always felt like a safe harbor after a storm.
He walked up the steps and opened the front door. The house smelled like warm vanilla and fresh tea.
"Julius?" a soft voice called out from the living room.
His mother rose from her armchair, the moment she saw him standing there, alive and well, relief filled her eyes. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
"Oh, Julius," she whispered, her voice breaking with raw emotion. "I was so terrified. I'm glad you're okay."
Julius held her close, burying his face in her shoulder. The warmth of her embrace made the fear inside him melt away. "I'm okay, Mom. I'm right here. Harrison kept me safe."
