"When I reluctantly pried my eyes open, darkness enveloped me, and I found myself cocooned in the comfort of my bed. Groggily, I rolled out of bed and, guided by an unexplainable instinct, reached out my hand. Suddenly, a burst of light pierced the obscurity, revealing the room's secrets. I couldn't help but follow this mysterious pull, drawn towards an unknown destination."
"As I stumbled into the bathroom, my reflection in the mirror startled me. 'How can this be possible?'
I muttered in disbelief. A single pimple marred my otherwise impeccable complexion. My heart sank; I had always prided myself on self-care. Regular gym sessions and caring for my younger brother were part of my daily routine. How could this imperfection have taken root?"
"I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. 'Haha, the joke's on you. I didn't isekai into another world. I was born and raised right here.' But who was I even talking to? It felt like a peculiar monologue with an invisible audience."
"As the morning rituals called, I dutifully attended to them. A visit to the bathroom, a thorough tooth-brushing, and a revitalizing shower followed. I readied myself for school, knowing that today was just like any other day—or so I thought."
"It was at that very moment, with my mind occupied by mundane concerns, that my phone rang. 'Oh, it's Mom.' Her voice was a reassuring presence in the dimly lit morning.
'Lucas, come down quickly; breakfast is ready, or you'll be late,' she urged. 'Okay, coming, Mom. Just let me pack my bag; I'll be there in two minutes.'"
"Descending the stairs, I entered the dining room. My father had already eaten his breakfast and was engrossed in the pages of the 'Daily Bugle' newspaper. My mother, as always, was the epitome of grace, waiting patiently with my breakfast."
"I couldn't resist a playful jab at my father. 'Can't you wait for me just a little bit?'
I quipped, prompting a stern gaze from him. His response was a timeless lesson: 'Listen, young man, time doesn't pause for anyone. You must take it seriously; otherwise, it slips through your fingers, leaving you wondering.' I sighed; my father's lectures about time were as relentless as the tick of a clock."
"But amidst the seriousness of the moment, a hint of a smile tugged at my lips. 'I don't understand why you're always so serious, Dad.' I shrugged, my youthful impertinence on full display."
"My mother's soothing voice intervened, 'Good morning, baby. Let's not talk to your father like that.' But I couldn't resist poking fun at him. 'Ask your husband to ease up on the lectures, Mom.'"
"Suddenly, my mother's tone grew stern. 'LUCAS!!!' I bowed my head, surrendering to the reprimand."
"Dad seized the opportunity to impart some wisdom. 'Tell me, young man, if I'm your mother's husband, what am I to you? If I don't give you these lectures, who will?'"
"I looked at him, a spark of defiance in my eyes. 'None of you love me like you used to. Grandma is the only one who truly cares. Speaking of which, where is she?'"
"Mom's voice held a hint of concern. 'She's resting; her health has been fragile lately.' The weight of her illness pressed down on me. I inquired, 'Did you call the doctor? What did he say?'"
"'Yes, we did,' my mother replied. 'The doctor explained that her immune system has weakened with age, making her susceptible to frequent illnesses. He prescribed medication, and thankfully, her health has improved.'"
"I nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and concern. My gaze shifted to my father. 'What are you reading?' I asked, attempting to shift the conversation."
"My father, ever the constant, replied, 'Just the newspaper.'"
"Glancing at my mother, I couldn't help but complain further. 'See, always like this. How did you marry someone like him?'"
"Dad retorted, 'Your mother practically begged me to marry her. You understand, young man.' My parents' banter was a familiar dance."
"But my mother wasn't one to be silenced. 'It was you who grabbed my hand and proposed to me in front of all the employees when I tried to break up with you.'"
"'And who was that? Patrick Hamilton?' I sneered, challenging my father's assertion."
"'By the way,' I continued, 'what's in the newspaper today, Mr. Hamilton?'"
"My father answered, 'Not much. Tony Stark has shut down his weapon manufacturing group. There's quite a bit of controversy surrounding it. Why did he do that? What does it mean for our American military? Some say he's just a selfish guy, terrified by a terrorist organization. The usual gossip.'"
"I turned to my mother, seeking her perspective. 'What do you think, Mom?'"
"My father interjected, 'Why ask only your mom? I've got some insider information.'"
"I smirked at him. 'Because Mom handles more company-related matters than you do, old man. You're usually off to meetings, dinners, and high-end gatherings. So, Mom, what's your take?'"
"Mom's laughter filled the room before she shared her insight. 'I believe what Tony did is a good thing. It's not about fear; I think he's realized the harm his company's weapons can cause to innocent civilians. He can't control whose hands these weapons end up in, and that's why I see it as a positive move.'"
"Dad looked at her, intrigued. 'How did you know Tony tested his own weapons?'"
"She chuckled. 'Who do you think I am, Mr. Hamilton?'"
"'See, old man,' I said, 'I don't need to ask you anything.'"
"'By the way,' I added, 'I'm running late, Mom. And in three days, my entire class is going on a tour of Oscorp. Okay, bye. Love you all.' With that, I hopped into my car and instructed the driver to take me to Midtown High."