Maximus turned and walked past her, leaving her there in the hallway.
Making his way back to the living room, where his parents were waiting.
His mother sat on the couch, hands clasped together on her lap, her fingers twisting nervously.
His father sat in his usual chair, the same book from earlier that night now resting on the table beside him.
Neither of them said a word as Maximus entered, but the tension in the air was undeniable.
Maximus exhaled through his nose and crossed his arms. "Alright," he said with a steady voice. "Lets talk."
His mother looked up at him, her eyes peering deep into his face. "Max…" she started, not hesitated.
She had been trying her best all night, mindful of the words that escaped her lips, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
His father on the other hand was less mindful, "You actually came back."
Maximus met his gaze, unflinching. "Yeah,"
Then a stretch of silence bath the room like a water fall.
