Reborn From Ashes novel Chapter 6

The old couple standing before Hayden were his foster parents, James Caldwell and Serena Dawson.

Although they were only in their 40s, years of hard work had turned their hair gray, and their faces were marked by the passage of time.

Seeing their familiar faces brought a flood of memories back to Hayden. Every warm moment that was buried deep within his heart rushed forward.

That was his real home and the true definition of family. There was no scheming, no betrayal, but only care and happiness.

"Hayden, what happened to your head? Why are you back so late?"

"Did something happen?"

"Were you robbed? We'll call the police! What did they take from you?"

Serena felt as if her heart had been torn apart when she saw Hayden's battered appearance.

Her eyes were wet with tears as she looked at the wound on his head. She gripped him tightly as if wanting to protect him from the world.

"No one robbed me. I'm fine." Hayden forced a bitter smile and shook his head.

"Don't stand outside. Let's go inside and talk," James said, inhaling deeply. Then, he quickly pulled Hayden into the house. He was also worried that if someone had indeed robbed Hayden, that person might be following him, and that could lead to more danger.

Once Hayden stepped into the living room, everything looked so familiar.

It was exactly as it had been when he left. Even though he was reborn, nothing had changed despite the many years that had passed. It really felt like stepping back in time.

"Hayden, wait here. I'll go grab the first-aid kit!" Serena hurried off.

"Have a seat first," James said to Hayden.

"Okay." Hayden dropped his suitcase and backpack before carefully sitting down on the couch.

It was a strange feeling to him. He felt like he was home, but he also feared that it was all just an imagination.

"Why did you come so late?" James glanced at Hayden's suitcase and backpack.

Hayden showed up in the middle of the night with his belongings. It was clear something had happened.

"I…" Hayden hesitated. He felt as though there was a lump in his throat and couldn't continue speaking.

What could he say?

That he had been mistreated at the Sterlings? That he was framed and tormented? That he left them because he couldn't take it anymore? And that his only option was to return to his foster home?

He could only smile bitterly in response.

"It's alright. I was just asking as your father—I mean, your uncle. I told you this before when you left. No matter what happens, this will always be your home. You're always welcome here," James said with a kind smile and patted Hayden on the shoulder.

But there was a trace of sadness on his face when he referred to himself as "uncle" instead of "father". Hayden noticed it, but he didn't know what to say.

Just then, Serena returned with the first-aid kit.

She used antiseptic to clean his wound and wipe off the bloodstain.

But when she saw the injury on his head, she couldn't hold back her tears.

"What happened? How did this happen to you? Who did this? I'll go after them! What if it had damaged your brain?" Serana cried while wiping her tears with her sleeve.

Her sobbing felt like a true family's care and concern, and it warmed Hayden's heart.