Repairing A Broken Home With My Patriarch System

Although it seemed hasty, Ethan had been preparing for the trip ever since his dad called. His parents lived in another state, a few cities away from his current city.

Knowing that the journey would be long, he decided to take the train with his family. In the future, trains would become outdated and only used under the water like submarines for tour and exploration of sea life.

’Better enjoy it while it lasts.’

He stood at the train station, holding Nora’s hand while Evelyn stood at his other side. Although it was a little inadvisable for them to miss opening the shop on the first day of the week, they could allow it.

After all, they would be moving out soon and moving into their new house that was currently being renovated and furnished.

Ethan could imagine Evelyn’s competitors jubilating at her absence already. He glanced at the woman and noticed her fidgeting slightly.

”Nervous?” He asked calmly.

Evelyn raised her head to look at him, then nodded bashfully.

”A little.”

Ethan chuckled and pulled her close. ”You’ll relax when you get there. You already know how much my parents like you.”

The white-haired woman nodded and smiled. ”You’re right. I shouldn’t be overthinking it.”

”THE MARINE CITY TRAIN HAS ARRIVED! DEPARTING IN FIVE MINUTES! ALL PASSENGERS, PLEASE ENTER AND TAKE YOUR SEATS. YOUR TICKETS WILL BE VERIFIED BEFORE THE DEPARTURE. THANK YOU!”

Right then, the speakers buzzed with the announcement and then a white train pulled to a stop beside them. With a hiss, several doors on it opened, and people began to enter.

Ethan led his family into the train and quickly found their seats. Thankfully, they were all assigned to the same area, so they sat together.

”It’s cool...” Nora muttered as she looked around.

This was her first time boarding the train, so she was amazed. Or so her parents believed.

Ethan smiled and brushed her hair gently. ”Yes. Although a little slow, it’s very comfortable and noiseless. You can sleep if you feel like it.”

Nora stared at him for a few seconds, then smiled. ”Mn. It is really comfortable.”

She leaned her head against his arm, closing her eyes to sleep. Evelyn smiled at the sight, glad that her daughter was no longer afraid of Ethan.

A few minutes later, a staff member approached them and asked for their tickets, which Ethan gave readily.

The staff member verified the ticket with a scanner, then proceeded to punch a hole through it so it couldn’t be used again, before returning it to Ethan.

”DOORS ARE CLOSING! HERE IS THE START OF YOUR JOURNEY TO MARINE CITY. ENJOY THE RIDE.”

The doors closed shut exactly five minutes after opening, and the train began to move again. It started slow, then increased its speed at a moderate pace.

The screen attached to the back of the chair in front of them lit up, and an Indian movie began to play.

Evelyn quickly became engrossed in it, causing Ethan to shake his head with a wry smile. With nothing to do, he joined her in watching.

After half an hour of watching, he was forced to remember that there were things that could be as ridiculous as AI videos in their early days.

’Launched by a palm tree, flying into the air and forming a tight formation?’

He almost laughed, but reined it in since Evelyn seemed to be enjoying the movie.

’Hm, we should probably go to the cinema and watch some Indian movies. She’ll be delighted.’

Strangely, the movie didn’t end even after they arrived at their destination three hours later.

’That’s one long movie. Bahu-what again?’

He dropped the thought as soon as they stepped out of the train. Nora looked around in awe, and immediately saw Jason standing several meters away. A smile appeared on her face, but she suppressed it.

Ethan easily spotted his father too and led his family toward the man.

”Hey, old man!” He greeted with a cheerful grin on his face.

Jason’s eyes narrowed, and he ignored him entirely. Instead, he turned to Evelyn and Nora.

”Heyo! Look at this little princess! All grown up now, eh?”

He picked Nora up and hugged her before looking at Evelyn.

”Child, it’s good to see that you’re doing fine. Come, come, I already called a taxi.”

Ethan walked behind them as they left the train station, feigning depression. Evelyn nudged his arm playfully and smiled.

”Don’t be so glum, Ethan. I’m sure he’s happy to see you too.”

Straightening his back, Ethan hooked a hand around her waist and subtly glared at his father’s back.

”Hm, who cares? I have my wife with me, anyway. His wife is still at home.”

Evelyn laughed softly, the sound clear and pleasant.

Something stirred in Ethan’s heart, but even he failed to notice.

Soon, they left the train station and reached the street where a taxi was waiting for them.

Ethan sat at the front with the driver while the others settled themselves in the back.

The ride home was smooth and nostalgic. Ethan looked at the familiar structures, memories surfacing in his mind.

A familiar shop where he loved to buy candies, a gaming cafe where he frequented with his friends on weekends, and several other places tied to his childhood.

’It has been many years already. Time surely flies.’

Soon, the taxi parked in front of a house and they all alighted. Jason moved to pay the driver but Ethan was a step faster.

He would definitely feel embarrassed if his father was the one who paid, so he prevented that from happening and quickly paid.

”Hmph! At least you know what is right,” Jason snorted and led them through the gates.

Ethan smiled at the sight of the familiar compound. His parents weren’t rich, but they weren’t poor either. The house was modest and pleasant to look at.

His eyes widened when he saw a furry dog come out to sniff the strangers.

”This guy is still alive?”

Jason smirked. ”What? Do you want him dead?”

”No, of course not,” Ethan scoffed and bent down to pick up the dog. It had recognized him and was already whimpering affectionately and wagging its tail at him. Suddenly, it turned in Nora’s direction and began barking.