The room was alive with laughter and the comfort of being together, but a question popped into Illyanna's mind. "Hey, where are Mom and Dad?" she asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Matterinna, wearing her usual mischievous smile, pointed towards an extra room. "Last night, it was empty," she said, her voice filled with a playful undertone. "But now, you know how things change."
Illyanna's face lit up with a wide smile, and without thinking, she rushed towards the room, excitement bubbling within her.
"Wait, Illyanna! Don't—!" Matterinna's voice rang out in alarm, but Illyanna was too quick.
The door burst open, and a chorus of shocked screams filled the air. Illyanna's voice mingled with the startled cries of our parents, Laussinna and Antrodos.
Matterinna dashed forward, her face red with embarrassment, and quickly shut the door with a loud bang. "I'm so sorry!" she called through the door, her voice filled with genuine apology.
Confused, I turned to Illyanna, who was now blushing a bright red. "What happened?" I asked, trying to make sense of the commotion.
Illyanna stammered, her eyes wide with innocence. "I-I don't know exactly, but Mom and Dad were... um, not wearing any clothes."
My cheeks flushed as I processed what she said, and I let out an awkward "Oh..."
The room fell into a strange silence, each of us processing the unexpected and rather embarrassing moment.
It was an ordinary morning that had taken another extraordinary turn, filled with surprises and the awkward situations that make family life so unpredictable and endearing. And even in the midst of the embarrassment, I couldn't help but feel a connection to these wonderful, imperfect people who were my family.
Lucianna breezed past us, her face fresh and her body wrapped in nothing but a bath towel, as she headed towards the bedroom to dress up. The moment was so natural and ordinary, yet my heart couldn't help but race in her presence.
Matterinna, ever the instigator, leaned closer to me with a teasing smirk, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Max, you're so smooth lately, aren't you?" she asked, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
My cheeks blazed red, and I stammered, "S-stop teasing me! I can't even feel my face anymore!"
Her laughter rang in my ears, but her eyes were kind. "Tell me, were you this smooth in the real world too?"
I shook my head vigorously. "N-no way! I'm too shy, and I lack the social skills. It's different."
"Different how?" Matterinna's curiosity was piqued, and she looked at me thoughtfully.
I paused, searching for the right words. "It's different here. Everyone's a stranger, so making a good first impression isn't impossible. I can start over."
She nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes. But then her expression turned serious, and she said, "You know, Max, next time you return to the real world, you should carry this new confidence with you. Grow some courage and act like this."
Her words were direct, but there was a warmth in them that touched my heart. I looked down, uncertainty creeping into my voice. "I'm not sure about it."
Matterinna reached out and put her fist in front of me. Her eyes were firm, yet gentle. "Keep trying, Max. No matter how hard you fail. Bump it," she said, her voice filled with conviction.
A smile broke across my face, dispelling my doubts. With newfound determination, I bumped her fist back, sealing our promise.
Our connection grew deeper in that moment, not just as friends but as companions in this strange world. Her belief in me was like a beacon, guiding me towards a brighter and more confident future. It was a simple gesture, but it carried the weight of genuine trust and encouragement, something that was rare to find and invaluable to hold onto.
A gentle murmur of laughter and conversation drew my attention. Turning, I found Antrodos and Laussinna stepping out of their room, fully dressed this time, thankfully. Their gentle smiles were the very image of love and warmth.
"Illyanna!" Their voices called out in unison as my little sister, her face bright with excitement, rushed towards them, her arms outstretched.
"Mama! Papa!" she shouted, the joy in her voice resonating throughout the room.
They embraced her, their faces tender and loving, and I couldn't help but feel a warmth fill my chest. A family hug - so simple, yet so meaningful.
Matterinna's elbow nudged my side, snapping me out of my reverie. "Go for it, Max," she whispered, her eyes encouraging.
Should I? The question tumbled in my head. The shyness in me wanted to hold back, but the longing in my heart urged me forward.
My hesitation must have shown, for from the distance, Laussinna and Antrodos beckoned me with open arms, their faces beaming.
With a gentle push from Matterinna, tears welled in my eyes, and I found myself rushing forward to join the embrace. The four of us, parents and children, wrapped in each other's arms, sharing a moment that was both ordinary and extraordinary.
Matterinna stood back, watching with a contented smile, her role as housemaid forgotten in the happiness of the moment.
The sound of a door opening broke the spell, and Lucianna emerged from her room, dressed in her formal clothes from the day before. Her nose crinkled as she commented, "These clothes smell already."
Matterinna was by her side in an instant, her eyes sparkling with creativity. "I can make clothes for you if you want to, Lucianna."
Lucianna's eyes lit up, wide and bright. "Anything?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
I smiled, contentment settling in my heart. We were a family, bound not just by blood but by love, trust, and shared experiences. In this world or any other, these were the moments that truly mattered.