He sighed and kicked the wall. If he ever got this stupid power of his under control, he’d go back and get him. He would!
Then Tristan paused, and looked closely at the wall. A wistful look crossed his face as he looked around the room. He swallowed. It was his old room! At least, it looked a lot like it. He had seen familiar sights before and it only turned out to be an alternate dimension.
Still… everything looked just like he had left it…
Not daring to hope, Tristan reached for the door handle and turned it slowly. He peered out into the hallway. That all looked as he remembered it too. He stepped out tentatively and made his way down the hall and then down the stairs. Everything seemed right so far…
There was a clatter in the downstairs hall.
“Tristan? Tristan!”
At the sound of his mother’s voice, Tristan practically jumped down the last of the stairs. There was a moments’ pause before Tristan launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around her in a huge hug.
“Mom!” he sobbed. “It really is you, right? Not just another copy?”
“Of course it’s me,” she replied. “Oh, Tristan, you’re back.”
“Mary Anne?” came a voice down the hall.
Tristan lifted his tear-streaked face to see his dad – his real dad.
“Dad!” he cried and was torn between wanting to hug his mother, and wanting to run to hug his father.
Zac solved the problem himself by embracing both of them.
“How long have I been gone?” Tristan asked, realising even as the words came from his mouth that he already knew the answer.
“A week,” Zac replied. “What happened? Have you got everything under control now?”
“I think so. Oh Dad, I went to all sorts of places, places that…” he shook his head. “Too numerable to mention. Too many possibilities: it really is mind boggling, Dad.”
“Well, I’d say that this is a moment of celebration,” Zac said. “Come, let us get your sisters, and we’ll eat out.”
“If you don’t mind, Dad, I think I’d just rather stay here.”
Zac clapped him on the shoulder.
“If you want,” he agreed wholeheartedly.
“Goody. I’ve been dying for some of your cooking, Mom.”
Mary Anne smiled.
“I’m just glad to have you back. I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m glad to be back.”