章 60: The hashing of old sins 3

IMOGEN'S POV

I pressed the doorbell, my heart pounding as I heard the melodic chime echo through the house. A moment later, a crackle of static preceded a deep, familiar voice emanating from the intercom.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Dad," I replied, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.

There was a pause, then a soft click as the gate unlocked. I pushed it open, the well-oiled hinges moving silently. As I stepped onto the property, I couldn't help but feel like an intruder in a world I didn't belong to.

My eyes were drawn once again to the imposing structure before me, its modern lines and gleaming surfaces a stark contrast to the warmth of my childhood home. But before I could dwell on this further, movement caught my attention. My mother was walking towards me, her face a mix of surprise and unparalleled joy.