When I opened my eyes, I realized—I was Riven again.
And I was standing before that same old wooden door.
Rain drizzled outside, thunder rumbling across the sky.
The red moon flickered behind the clouds, casting a dim glow over the village.
I took a deep breath and stepped closer, placing my hand on the door.
The cold grain of the wood pressed against my fingers.
Then—knock, knock, knock.
I rapped on the door with firm strokes.
A voice called from inside:
"Who's there?"
I answered quietly,
"It's… Riven."
The door flew open instantly.
"Mom! Dad! Riven brother is back! Bro is back!"
My little sister threw herself into my arms the moment she saw me.
Mother rushed out from the kitchen, hands covered with flour, her clothes smelling of warm rice.
Father rose slowly from his chair, eyes fixed on me without a word.
With a trembling voice, Mom whispered,
"Where were you all this time, my son?"
I remained silent.
Before I could speak, Raiyan brother stepped out from his room, irritation sharp in his tone.
"Are you out of your mind? You disappeared for three months! We thought the military had taken you."
Father let out a long breath, scanning my face and body.
"Your face… it's full of scars. And your hair—so long. Your hair is pulled back behind your head, reaching near your neck. That beard and mustache… they've made you look stern, older. Your eyes are sharper. Your jaw is tighter. And your clothes—they're torn all over. You look like some wild creature wandered in from the jungle."
My sister giggled softly.
"But still, bro… you look like a cool! Look at your body now—those muscles!"
She circled around me, examining like a curious kitten.
My frame was towering, my arms and shoulders carved with clear muscle lines.
Every part of me looked ready—ready for battle, ready for danger, ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.
I didn't answer anyone.
Quietly, I walked toward my room.
No one tried to stop me.
They only watched.
Inside, I shut the door behind me.
The small bathroom stood at the side—an old tin door, a bucket in the corner, and a lone tap dripping icy water.
The moment I turned the tap, cold drops echoed—tap, tap, tap.
I splashed water on my face, then filled the bucket and poured it over myself.
The dust of the mountains, the sweat, the exhaustion—everything washed away.
A soft breeze slipped in through a crack, whispering:
"Welcome home, warrior."
After bathing, I tied my wet hair tightly into a top-knot.
I slipped into a simple white crew-neck T-shirt that clung against my chest and arms, highlighting every contour of muscle.
A loose, comfortable black trouser completed the outfit.
I glanced at the mirror—
I looked almost feral.
Long hair, thick beard, scars across my face, the darkened tan of the sun, the marks of battles etched into my skin.
My torso had formed a clear four-pack, my chest broader, shoulders higher.
Veins ran along my arms like rivers of steel.
A body sculpted by relentless training.
I sat quietly and ate dinner.
Mom asked softly:
"Should I give you more rice?"
I shook my head.
Still silent.
After eating, I stepped outside.
No one stopped me.
The rain had slowed.
Distant shops glowed under tube lights.
I walked through the damp streets toward Selim the barber's shop.
Inside, a long line waited.
I pulled up a chair in the corner, listening to the radio murmuring in the background:
"Over the past three months, South Greenery's attacks have intensified. The border remains unstable…"
My heart tightened.
Three months I spent in the mountains… and in that time, their attacks increased.
The wait dragged on, slow and heavy.
Finally—my turn.
Selim grinned at me.
"Well, well, riven! Did you just return from the wilderness?"
I smiled faintly.
"Something like that."
He cut my hair short, trimmed my beard, sharpened the edges.
When I looked in the mirror afterward, I saw glimpses of the old me—coming back bit by bit.
I paid him fifty coins.
Selim nodded approvingly.
"Brother, you look like a completely new man today."
I replied simply,
"Maybe I am."
Night had settled thick across the streets when I walked home.
The silence felt strangely peaceful.
Back in my room, I lay down.
My body felt exhausted… but my mind was calm.
After three long months, I was finally home—back in my own bed.
As I closed my eyes, rain pattered softly on the tin roof above.
And slowly… I drifted into the deepest, most peaceful sleep I'd had in months.