I spent the next couple of days living my monotonous life. I would wake up, go to school, go home and study the very basics of biology. Occasionally, I would play video games or watch some TV to take my mind off things. When the weekend rolled around, I recieved a call that my parents would both come home.
It had been a while since I had seen them. They were both successful in their careers and were often away on business trips. My dad in particular was a truck driver who would rather work and live in his truck. They were rarely home and when they were, they were usually too busy to spend time with me. But I was okay with it.
My parents arrived home and I went downstairs to greet them.
"Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad. How have you been?" I asked.
My mom was the first to respond. "Oh, I've been fine. Work has been crazy but I'm still kicking. How about you? Are you doing okay?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I'm good. I've just been living life."
My dad smiled. "I'm happy to hear that, son. We've been so worried about you. You're always holed up in your room and you never want to call us. It's like you're a stranger to us."
I mentally rolled my eyes and sighed. My parents were really dense when it came to familial relationships. They never knew how to talk to me or what to say. They were always too busy with work to spend time with me. And they didn't know how to deal with my loneliness or depression.
Not only that, but since the destruction of the other world I've been even more lonely and depressed than usual but I decided not to bring it up.
Suddenly, my mom cupped my face and looked into my golden eyes. "Your eyes have gotten really bright and you've been looking more and more handsome lately. Have you been taking any vitamins? I'm a bit envious." she said with a smile. "And your face is glowing. You really are a handsome boy." My parents still had their dark brown eyes.
"Nah, I've just been taking care of myself," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
I couldn't bring myself to tell them truth. That I was the god of another world whose body was changing as I grew in power and that I could perform supernatural feats. They would have never believed me. Hell, I wouldn't believe me if I were them. I was content with just living my life. I didn't need to burden them with the knowledge of what I was and what I was capable of. They were better off not knowing.
My mom pulled away and pinched my ear.
"Also, what's this I hear about you missing school?! I got a call from your principal saying you haven't been showing up. What's the deal, Thomas?!" My mother scolded, her face contorted with anger.
"Umm, uh, well, I've just been feeling a bit under the weather," I lied. "I've been having a hard time sleeping because of a cold, so I've been staying up late and sleeping in. I'm sorry, Mom."
"You're lying to me. I'm not stupid. You're just being a lazy bum. I'm not mad at you, but I'm disappointed." she said.
"Look, it's just that—"
"No, it's okay. I'm not going to force you to tell me the truth. Just know that I'm here for you and I'll always love you. Now, I'm going to go cook dinner."
I didn't say anything else. I didn't want to make things worse. It's not that I didn't care. It's just that I didn't know what to say. I didn't know how to express my feelings to them. It was a strange feeling. I loved my parents, but I didn't know how to show it.
"Hey dad, when will you return to work?" I asked, changing the subject.
My dad looked at me and smiled. "In three days. Why do you ask?"
"I was just wondering."
"If you didn't have school, I would have loved to take you across the states. Make sure you don't miss again unless you're absolutely sick. I don't want you to be a bum." he said jokingly.
"Alright, alright, I get it," I responded.
My dad laughed and patted me on the back.
"Anyway, I'm going to go to the living room and watch TV. Have fun," he said before leaving. I sighed and went back to my room.
Having my parents over made me uncomfortable at times. I felt like they were judging me and I didn't want to tell them about what happened in the other world. It was too much to handle. I was glad they were here, but I was also glad they would be gone soon.
Once I settled in and a few minutes went by, I heard the door knob jiggle a bit. I quickly rushed to the door and locked it.
"Honey, why is the door locked? Open up!" My mom exclaimed. I had the Box of Dimensions out in the open and didn't want to give away my secret.
"Hold on, just a second mom!" I yelled as I quickly put the Box of Dimensions in my closet. I unlocked the door and my mom walked in with a plate of food.
"Here you go honey, I made your favorite. Chicken Alfredo," she said as she handed me a plate. She looked at my eyes and smiled.
"Your eyes are even brighter now! You look like an angel. I'm so proud of my handsome boy." Mom hugged me and rubbed her face against mine in an act of love. I couldn't help but blush a bit.
"Mom, you're embarrassing me. Stop," I said as I pulled away. She laughed and sat on my bed.
"So, how have you been? Tell me about school and your friends," she said. "I feel like I know nothing about you."
"Well, school is okay, I guess. I'm passing all my classes, but friends... well, I have none. I'm a bit of a loner," I replied.
"Really? But you're so handsome and smart. Why don't you have any friends?" Mom asked.
"Because I'm shy and introverted. I don't like talking to people and I don't like being in the spotlight. I'm happy being alone," I partially lied.
"That's not healthy, Thomas. You should try to make some friends," she said.
"I know, but I'm just not good at it. I'm fine being alone. I don't need friends. They'll just get in the way." I replied. I was lying to my mother again, but I didn't care at this point. I was too tired to argue with her.
"Thomas, you're a growing boy. You need to learn how to interact with people. You can't just sit in your room all day. You need to get out there and make friends," she said.
Oh dear mother, if only it was that easy. I thought to myself. If it was, maybe I wouldn't be so lonely. Maybe I would have someone to talk to and share my interests with.
But alas, it's not that simple. I'm not the type of person who can just go up to someone and start a conversation. I'm not the type of person who can easily make friends. I'm the type of person who is awkward and shy.
That was starting to change upon taking up the role of Author of Life until everything came crashing down. I have to be stronger and more responsible.
"Alright, Mom. I'll try. But don't expect miracles," I replied. "Thanks for the food. I'll eat it now."
"Good. I'm glad you're going to try. And I hope you like the food. I worked hard on it," Mom said before leaving.
I looked at the plate of food and sighed. I took a bite and then smiled. Nothing beats mother's cooking.