A few people exclaid, "Zayn is also a hero?"
The students gathered around Zayn, looking at the dals he wore curiously. A voice asked, "Zayn, what did you do in the military? Can you tell us?" Another remarked, "Zayn, I admire soldiers the most but couldn’t get into the military school. Can we take a photo together?"
Zayn wasn’t upset by the students crowding around him. He only said politely, "Sorry, I’m here to see my sister today. It’s not convenient for to chat." Then, he looked at Avery. "Avery, you’re going to the library, right?"
Avery wasn’t in the mood to go to the library anymore. She hugged Zayn’s arm and smiled, "No, let’s go ho to celebrate." At the sa ti, she puffed up her cheeks to scare the surrounding students. "You’re not allowed to take photos or spout nonsense. Be careful, or you might get a virus on your phone."
Everyone imdiately recalled how all their phones and computers had been destroyed by a virus. They retreated to the side and started deleting the photos.
Avery left with Zayn. At the sa ti, she sent a ssage to the family group chat to inform them that Zayn was back and was now at her school. After walking a distance, she let go of Zayn’s arm and asked, "Zayn, why didn’t you tell us you were coming back? That way, we could’ve picked you up at the station."
Zayn had officially retired from the army at the end of September but didn’t co ho imdiately. Instead, he stayed in the area to help the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled—repairing their houses, harvesting crops, selling agricultural products, and so on. He also used all his retirent allowance to buy blankets, dicine, computers, books, and other necessities for the lonely elderly in the village. It took him more than a month to return.
Zayn smiled and explained, "You’re all very busy, and I’m a guy—I didn’t want you to make a trip to the station just to pick up. Moreover, transportation in that region is inconvenient. I wasn’t sure when I’d return to Rosemont City, so I didn’t inform you in advance."
Avery was touched again. Zayn hadn’t been ho for three years. She was sure he’d co straight to the school to look for her the mont he returned. She sniffed slightly. "Zayn, everyone will be overjoyed to know you’re back. Let’s go to the restaurant."
Zayn shook his head. "I want to visit Granddad and Grandmom at the hospital first before going ho."
Avery was surprised. "Alright."
At that mont, her phone rang. It was Alaric. Avery put the phone on speaker. "Hello?"
"Avery, is Zayn with you?" Alaric’s voice was so loud it almost shattered her phone. "I’m running to your school now. Wait for at the parking lot. I want to see him imdiately!"
Avery replied, "Got it. Take your ti—don’t knock anyone down." She could hear Alaric panting as he ran.
Alaric continued to shout, "Is Zayn there? I want to talk to him!"
Avery responded, "There’s no rush. Co over first. I’ll answer Jaden’s call." She hung up Alaric’s call and answered Jaden’s.
Jaden’s voice was calm, but he spoke a little too quickly. "I’m driving to Rosemont City now. I’ll be there in three hours. You guys eat first—don’t wait for ."
Avery knew her eldest brother was steady, so she didn’t have to worry about him driving too fast. She only said, "Sure. Zayn wants to visit Granddad and Grandmom first too. I’ll bring him there now."
Their parents called too, saying they’d close the restaurant after 7 p.m. so the entire family could celebrate.
After Avery finished answering the family’s calls, they slowly strolled to the parking lot. When they got into the car, Alaric arrived, panting. He rushed in and hugged Zayn’s neck from the back seat, shouting, "Zayn, you’re finally back! If you didn’t co back soon, I was going to get old!"
Zayn smiled and rubbed Alaric’s head. "Congrats on becoming a professional tennis player. You’ll have to teach how to play soday."
"Of course!" Alaric was elated. "It’s a deal. Let’s play tennis together at the club this weekend."
They chatted and laughed as they drove toward the hospital. On the way, Zayn stopped at a restaurant to buy a traditional cake that their grandparents liked. Then, he went to an old shop to get their favorite food.
To prevent their grandparents from crying too much, Avery had already called the caregiver before they arrived to share the news, giving them ti to prepare emotionally.
When Zayn reached the ward, their grandparents, Cade and Fiona, stood at the door, supporting each other as they waited eagerly. The mont they saw their grandson, their eyes turned red. They called out "Zayn" hoarsely and shuffled forward.
Zayn quickly walked to them and saluted respectfully. "Grandpa, Grandma, I’m back." Then, his voice grew rough. "Sorry for being away for three years and not being able to take care of you."
Cade and Fiona couldn’t hold back their tears. Cade said, "Silly child, you served your country. That’s what matters."
Fiona added, "You’re a hero. You’ve made our family proud. Don’t feel bad."
The caregiver, seeing their emotions, turned up the volu of the television—playing a cody—and reminded them gently, "Cade, Fiona, your grandson is back. It’s a happy occasion. We should laugh, not cry."
Cade and Fiona’s eyesight wasn’t the best, especially Fiona’s. After her surgery, she could barely see beyond a short distance. If she cried too hard, her eyes could be damaged.
Understanding this, they tried to control their emotions. Wiping their tears, they smiled and said, "Yes, you’re right. We should smile more."
Zayn and Alaric helped their grandparents into the ward. As they fed them food, they talked about everything that had happened over the past three years.
Everyone knew Zayn’s missions in the army were likely confidential, so they didn’t ask for details—only whether he’d suffered and what his future plans were.
Zayn replied, "I plan to stay ho for a while—help Mom manage the restaurant and assist Jaden on the farm. When I’m free, I’ll visit you. Later, I might open a boxing gym, a security company, or an auto repair shop with my comrades. I haven’t decided yet."
It was seven o’clock in the evening, and dusk had settled over the city. Zayn bid his grandparents farewell and headed to the Carter family’s restaurant. Wesley and his wife were already waiting in the parking lot with the rest of the family. The mont Avery’s car pulled in, they hurried forward.
As soon as the car stopped, Zayn stepped out, stood at attention, and saluted his parents. "Dad, Mom, I’m back."
Wesley patted his shoulder, eyes glistening. "It’s good that you’re back. It’s good that you’re back."
Claire hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face. "I missed you so much," she whispered. "I’m very, very happy you’re ho..."
The others crowded around, voices overlapping. "Zayn, welco back!"
Josie, however, lingered behind Maria, peeking out shyly. Her eyes brimd with curiosity and admiration as she murmured, "Hello, Zayn..."
Having only joined the Carter family two years ago, she’d never t him before. To her, Zayn was like a hero straight out of a comic book—soone awe-inspiring yet unfamiliar.
Zayn heard her soft voice and glanced down. Their eyes t—Josie instantly recoiled like a startled rabbit, hiding behind Maria again.
Zayn chuckled, steadying his mother before greeting the others. "Arthur, Maria, long ti no see. Thank you for looking after the family while I was away."
Arthur rubbed his neck sheepishly. "You protect the country; I manage the family. Fair division of labor."
Maria grinned, poking her own cheek. "Honestly, it’s been a blast. I might be the happiest person here."
Then, as if on cue, Josie piped up from behind her. "I—I’m also the happiest."
Laughter rippled through the group.
Zayn took two steps forward, kneeling to et Josie at eye level. He extended his hand. "Hello, Josie. I’m your brother. It’s an honor to finally et you. May I shake your hand?"
"S-sure..." She peeked out again, gingerly placing her tiny palm in his.
"Can I hug you?" Zayn asked gently.
Josie hesitated, then nodded. "Okay..." She stepped forward, arms raised as if surrendering.
The family bit back laughter as Zayn hugged her lightly before pulling away. "This is my first ti at the restaurant. Would you hold my hand and guide ? I might get lost."
The adults exchanged amused glances. He’s a natural with kids.
Josie’s eyes sparkled at the thought of being needed by her heroic brother. She puffed out her chest. "Okay! This way—it’s less crowded." She grabbed his fingers, tugging him along with newfound confidence.
Zayn matched her small steps, and the family watched the pair—tall soldier and tiny guide—with fond smiles.
In the restaurant’s largest private room, the table groaned under platters of at and snacks. Claire gestured at the spread. "The veggies need quick stir-frying. Start without —I’ll be done in ten minutes."
No one protested. They knew she wanted to cook for her long-absent son herself.
Arthur jumped up. "I’ll help Mom carry the dishes."
Once seated, the family chatted animatedly with Zayn, waiting for Claire before eating.
Midway through the al, Jaden arrived.
Zayn stood imdiately. "Jaden, I’m back!"
The usually composed eldest brother said nothing—just strode forward and pulled Zayn into a tight embrace. When they finally parted, Jaden clapped his shoulder. "We’re drinking tonight. No holding back."
"Deal," Zayn agreed.
Avery watched, wistful. What a bond.
Arthur and Alaric chid in. "We’re drinking too! No favoritism!"
Even Wesley raised a hand. "Count in."
Claire’s fork clinked sharply against her plate. "The kids can drink. You can’t."
"Why not?" Wesley huffed. "I’m a man too!"
"Because they’re young and healthy," Claire retorted, eyes narrowing. "You’ll drink if you can run half a mile right now. Otherwise, forget it."
The table erupted in stifled laughter.
Wesley sighed. "...Fine. I’m driving everyone ho anyway."
The night dissolved into laughter, toasts, and drunken confessions. Arthur and Alaric, slumped against Zayn, slurred about their fears—of never seeing him again, of him returning injured.
"I was ready to support you forever if needed!" Alaric hiccuped.
Zayn, moderately tipsy himself, chuckled and patted their backs.
By ten, the group staggered out, leaning on Wesley, Claire, and Avery for support.
The next day, Avery dropped Josie at kindergarten (Arthur was too hungover) and returned ho by eight.
Munching avocado toast, she paused at the sound of rhythmic thuds from the backyard.
Curious, she peeked outside—and froze.
Jaden and Zayn, shirtless in boxing shorts, hamred a punching bag. Sunlight glinted off their sweat-slicked muscles.
Eight-pack abs. Legs for days. Good Lord.
Zayn’s tan, battle-scarred physique (10% body fat, she estimated clinically) contrasted with Jaden’s smoother build. Bullet wounds marred his torso—each a stark reminder of his sacrifices.
No wonder he earned that Hero’s dal.
"Morning, Avery," Zayn called, never breaking rhythm.
"Zayn, you’re ridiculously photogenic," she blurted, whipping out her phone. "Can I—?"
"Sure," he laughed. "But keep these from Mom and Dad. The scars might upset them."
She snapped away, circling like a paparazzo. These’ll inspire my next novel.
Reviewing the shots, she gasped.
’Damn, I’m good.’
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