Alien

I scream, "I am home" excitedly as I push open the door. My left hand automatically reaches for the keyholder behind the door as my right adjusts the tie. I hear the sound of the keys dropping to the floor. I turn back to see where the key holder was and realise it isn't there anymore. As I look around, I see my home change in front of my eyes.

I see the pink walls fade to crepe. I look above and see the cobwebs form at every corner of the roof. The strings of the guitar start to rust. A thick layer of dust grows on my favourite books.

I then realise, no one said, "Welcome honey!".

I don't see them there - my family. Probably grew old, moved out or died?

And my heart starts to ache. Am I deluding?

A touch on the shoulder brings me back to reality.

The house is all clean and new. But different.

The walls are painted yellow. The table is made of marble - lack and simple. The expensive peach sofa occupies most of the hall. The air feels cool due to the air conditioner. And in the centre of the big wall is a big picture of the family, but not my family.

This house is not ours. It is elegant and clean. Ours would be creative and lively.

"Yellow is too dull for the hall" Ana would have said. I wouldn't have let her buy an expensive sofa. Nor would we have our happy picture framed.

The realisation dawns and the ache returns.

"Hello Uncle, do we know you?" asks the voice that touched me.

I am embarrassed.

I stare hard at my house one last time and run away through the same door, not answering, not looking back.

Is it not my home anymore?

Or was it no my home at all?

---When it was time to say goodbye and I wanted to stay---