Hey sis, this is tasty!
"Thank you, Elias."
Next, she looked at Lewis as if expecting some kind of embracing reaction. I suppose she also wanted to get my recognition.
"Oh, it's fine."
Her demeanor changed slightly, irritated by my reaction. "Just fine, that's it…?" she murmured.
However, disappointment was clearly written on her face as she seemed to rethink what could have gone wrong or where there was room for improvement. My remark was thoughtfully put though.
"Haha, of course, Eve. I'm just so used to the incredible food you prepare. I mean, almost every dish you make is near perfection."
She smiled. "No need to exaggerate, but thanks."
Instantly her mood changed, and her rather worrisome emotions for our mother had successfully disappeared.
With that, Lewis dug in, putting even more of the pasta on his plate. He then enjoyed dinner with his family, making sure to keep the positive atmosphere alive despite the absence of his father — the smiling faces, their vibrant and lively voices, their cute reactions. Sitting with them at the dinner table, with splendid-smelling pasta and enjoying lively conversations about their day — for Lewis, this was all he could ever wish for.
He wished these moments would last forever. And he would make sure that they would. He had to, because this was the purpose he had set for himself after all.
Well, so much for that — because just then, his mother asked for his dad.
"Hey, isn't your dad getting late? I suppose he has a lot to do at work, but normally he'd be home for dinner. Especially when Evelyn cooks."
"Yeah, where is he?" my sister remarked as well, with a slight hint of unease.
"Oh, about that. It isn't anything serious really. He told me as he left that he had urgent matters to attend to and needed to go on a trip. I'm sure he'll be back in a couple of days."
My brother felt a pang of disappointment and sighed softly.
"Man, I wanted to show Dad how much progress I made with my training. Lewis, you know—I finally reached the next stage in the program you created. Only five levels to go until I've mastered offense. You see, brother, I'm getting stronger, and I haven't slacked off at all. Man, I meant to show my dribbling to Dad."
"Huh, great, but I'm here, aren't I? I can oversee your training, can't I? Well, when I think about it, it's been a while since I guided you."
"But brother, I only want to show you when I'm truly perfect," he murmured quietly, finishing his food and standing up to put his plate in the dishwasher.
Unfortunately, our mother's mood also shifted. She seemed a bit taken aback, and I sensed unease faintly crossing her face.
"Yeah, it's irritating that Dad's always away at odd times. I highly dislike it — making you worry and all."
"Lewis, your father is highly regarded, and lots of responsibilities stick with him! He may not look like it, but many people depend on him. Still, he just needs to make sure he doesn't overexert himself that much."
"Haha, look who's talking."
"Lewis…"
"Sooo, Mum, I think you're still a little exhausted, so I'll gladly do the dishes. Lewis, hurry up, will you."
"Yeah, yeah," I said, feeling a glint of pride at my sister's thoughtfulness. Then I turned to my mother.
"Mum, don't worry about it—and please don't worry about me at all. I know what you're thinking. What kind of teenager goes jogging at 3 p.m.? Only a mentally unstable one, probably. But I'm fine. Dad also looked concerned for you, so please get to sleep. Otherwise, you won't be able to help that many people tomorrow. They need a firm and fit doctor, don't they?" I smirked roguishly.
"So kind of you, Lewis, but that's my job. I can't help but worry about you. I'm your mom after all, and I'm just afraid you stress yourself too much with us. You aren't obliged to any kind of responsibility. You know you can't fool your mother. I know exactly what's going on in that puny brain of yours—and that's been the case for a while now. That's why my greatest desire is that you live happily and free, following your own desires…"
"Well, enough with the seriousness. Fine, I just need to wash our clothes and then bring out the trash. Then, I promise I'll rest sincerely," she said with a smile, patting me on the back.
Lewis, left speechless by his mother's remark, felt a warm wave of joy and quiet contentment wash over him. A mix of relief and immense gratitude bubbled inside him. He didn't say it aloud, but he knew he'd been given more than he deserved.
Man, how lucky can one get to have them as my parents…
"Okay, I'll just do that," he smiled genuinely and answered strictly,
"Mooom, I'll handle all that. So just rest now. No counterarguments."
With that, Lewis guided her gently to her bedroom and wished her good night before going on to do the house chores. As bothersome as they might have been, he still managed to finish before nine. Evelyn had fallen asleep on the sofa after watching her favorite show, so he carefully carried her to her room as well. Just as he gently kissed her forehead, she hugged him tightly and whispered,
"Don't leave. Please, just stay a little longer. I don't want you to go."
"Haha, that's a surprise. You may have grown older, but for me you'll always be my little sister — the one I'll protect and care for forever. I'm not going anywhere. How could I ever leave my adorable and sweet sister alone?" he whispered.
He sat there for a while before eventually bidding Elias good night as well.
"Jo, I love you too, and I'm very proud of you. So don't stop giving it your all," he said to his sleeping younger brother as he finally switched off the light.
"Ah, what a wonderful day," he thought, lying in his bed. Soon, Lewis fell into a deep slumber, unaware that somewhere beyond the veil of dreams, fate had already begun to move — silent and unseen, like threads weaving in the darkness.
For in the stillness of the night, the stars bore silent witness — and somewhere beyond the veil, fate began to move.