Lud woke up and saw a strangely familiar ceiling. The moment he realized that this wasn't the bed he has slept in in recent days, a familiar voice said "Good morning dear. Did you sleep well?"
This made Lud look at the source of the voice and he saw a familiar face bronze haired woman next to him in the bed. The woman had green eyes, a sweet smile on her face and she was wearing a nightgown.
Lud instinctively said "Morning Tifa. I slept fine. What day is it?" And Tifa said "It is Tuesday silly. Did you seriously forget? Mike has a very special day ahead of him since he'll have a big match. He has been practicing like crazy and he's been looking forward to it. If you forgot to drive him to the event, I'm sure it would cause severe trust issues."
Lud thought "Mike? Oh right, he was my and Tifa's 12 year old son. How could I forget?" Then Lud rose from his bed and scratched his head and said "Don't you also have work to do today?" And Tifa said "I told you yesterday that I will leave early from work today so that we can go see his match with the whole family. Honestly, you really are forgetful sometimes."
Lud says "Can doctors even leave early from work? Whatever. You are the smart one so I'll trust what you say." And then Tifa says "Yes. You are the stay at home dad for a reason and we have been living like this for over a decade now. Trust your wife when he tells you how things are."
Lud says "Yes, yes. Whatever you say. I'll wake up the kids and then we'll join you for breakfast." Tifa says "Got it" and gives a kiss to Lud's cheek before she leaves.
Lud rises slowly from the bed and he can hear Tifa ask "Hey Winston, what is the situation today?" And Winston, an AI, says in a pleasant male voice "Today, tuesday, 5.8.2136, the weather is predicted to be around 76 to 83 fahrenheit around the area with mostly cloudless skies with a 3,5% chance of raining. The traffic is predicted to be slow today as well, though the road I have predicted you and Mr. Freigner will use will have some spots that are quicker to make a detour on. Mostly on Mr. Freigner's case though. Yours have fewer options to make detours on that'll make the commune quicker."
As Winston was saying this, Lud managed to get properly out of bed and he went to wake up the kids. First he went to Mike's room and when he entered, he saw that Mike was already up and putting his clothes on. Mike said "Hey dad. I'll be down in a sec." And Lud simply responded "Ok" and closed the door.
Then Lud went to Rico's room and he saw that she was sleeping soundly on her bed. Lud went next to her bed and started shaking her a little, but Rico simply groaned and said "Couple more minutes daddy."
Lud simply said "If you don't get up now, you'll be missing breakfast and will miss school." Rico simply said "That is okay. I can just go tomorrow."
Lud says "If you don't go to school, I won't get you that figure you wanted." Rico quickly rises up from her bed and says "Roger daddy. I'll get ready for school." And Lud patted her head a little before he left her to change up.
Then Lud went to Rose's room and when he entered, he saw Rose barely on the bed after her constant moving around when she slept. Lud shook her a little and Rose barely made any reaction. Lud gave a sigh and picked her up and started shaking her a little more.
Rose just says "I'm like 15 now and you pick me up like I'm a kid, lol. Let me go dad, you are so cringe." Lud just says "I'll keep doing this day after day until you learn to wake up by yourself. And aren't you cringe since you can't even wake up properly by yourself even though you are 15 now."
Rose says "Whatever, just let me down. I'll be down in a sec." Lud tries to place Rose standing, but as soon as he lets go, she almost collapses on herself before taking a hold of Lud. Rose says out of breath "I almost died just now." And Lud says "You just almost fell over, but you weren't going to die from that."
Rose says "You know my condition. You should know how fragile I am." And Lud says "A condition that while incurable, has been on a good streak for three months straight." Rose scoffs and says "Are you a retard? That doesn't take away the risks. God, why can't dad be as smart as mom?"
Lud says "Sorry. I'll try harder to remember. Do you… need any help this time?" To which Rose says "I think I can manage to get my own clothes on at least. But aren't you being a little creepy? Suggesting to help your 15 year old daughter dress up?"
Lud gave a slight tap on Rose's head and said "I'll only ever see you as my daughter and it is you that is making things weird. I'll stop suggesting it when you can reliably manage to do things on time."
Rose says "Whatever, just give me some privacy now you creep. I'll be changing now." Lud says "You sure you can stand?" And Rose says "What did I just say to you? Just go." And with that, Rose pushes Lud away from her room, albeit with limited strength.
Lud goes to breakfast with his family, all preparing for the day ahead. Tifa kisses Lud on the cheek as she leaves the home to go to her job as a doctor.
Rose is the least enthusiastic of the bunch, but still proceeds to get ready for the day as she also plans to be a doctor someday, like her mom. Lud of course knows all of this and cheers her on, albeit getting snide remarks from Rose in return.
Each readies for their day ahead and soon Lud has to drive Mike and Rico to their school while Rose can do classes online.
Lud drives Mike and Rico to school and says his goodbyes to them. Mike reminds Lud to remember to come pick him up to the big match up ahead. Lud says back "I have already put multiple reminders on my phone to come and get you when the time comes. Now go to school before you get late."
Lud returns to their home. He goes to check if Rose is on her computer and sees that her class has already begun, so he won't disturb her any further.
Lud decides to do some house maintenance that doesn't bother Rose. Lud doesn't mind being a stay at home husband one bit as he cleans the house, remembering how lucky he is to have such a wonderful family.
The time to leave for the match came and Lud excitedly went to pick Mike and Rico up. While picking up Mike, he asked the boy "Did you manage to get anything done at school?" To which Mike answered "I was too excited to focus on any of the classes." Lud said "I understand. It is a big day after all."
When Lud picked Rico up, Rico asked Lud "Is mommy going to come?" To which Lud answered "She said that she will come if she has free time. You know how it is."
Rico says "I know that mommy's work is important, but it is also important to spend time with your family." Lud replied with "I know, but you can't help it sometimes."
Lud waited for Rico to ask about Rose, but Rico never asked if she would come or not, probably because she already knew that she couldn't come due to her condition. Rico was worried that this would affect Mike somehow, but Mike was so focused on his upcoming match that he didn't mind his sister being there.
The three got to the game and things moved on fast. Couple of matches in, Tifa manages to show up by tapping Lud on the shoulder and asking "Is this seat taken?" Rico responded by saying excitedly "Mommy, you came!" While proceeding to hug her mother.
Tifa hugged Rico tight for a moment and then asked "How is Mike's team doing?" And Rico answered "I think that they are winning. Daddy, what is the score?"
Lud answered "It is 3 - 2 for Mike's team." And Rico said to Tifa "Mike's team is winning by one goal."
Tifa patted Rico's head proudly and said "Good. Let's cheer Mike and his team on to help them win." Rico nodded, went to Lud's side and shouted "Go Mike! Go!"
While Rico got laser focused on the for a moment, Lud said to Tifa "So you managed to make it." To this, Tifa answered "I managed to get the go ahead from my boss, so we are all golden. I need to work extra next week though."
Lud said "I'm sure this is worth the extra time." And Tifa responded "Of course it is, since I can spend time with my family. Shame that Rose couldn't come though. I hope she isn't pushing herself too far."
Lud said "She almost fell when she stood up this morning." And Tifa says "I see. She didn't mention anything about it during breakfast this morning, but I'm sure she just doesn't want me to worry."
Lud commented "Well, you are her star after all." And Tifa tapped Lud on the head as she said "Oh, shut it."
After the game ended with Mike winning, the Freigner family celebrated together by going to a barbeque. Lud called Adam to come with, and he responded by messaging that he'll be there when he gets off from work."
Later that night, the family celebrated in whole with Adam being there. Adam got a little drunk from the drinks he brought with him and he ended up staying the night since he couldn't drive home in that condition.
Adam kept saying "If only mom and dad could see you right now." Which made Lud feel a little awkward. Rico was energetic the whole way until it was time for her to go to sleep.
Adam went to lie down on the sofa and Lud readied the kids for bed. Rose did her own thing mostly, but did the things that Lud asked her to, albeit reluctantly.
Lud gave Rico a goodnight kiss and he somehow managed to put the Mike who was so pumped for the win they got. Lud was being a dad and talked with Mike about all that happened to get him to mellow down, and eventually Mike managed to go to sleep.
It was time for Lud and Tifa to go to sleep, and Tifa asked "Where is my goodnight kiss?" And Lud just did it without making any comments about it further.
So the day ended.
Twenty years later, Rose was also a doctor, Rico became a fashion designer and Mike became a professional soccer player. Adam was with the family all the way with Lud, supporting them as they went on day by day.
Rico got married and had two kids of her own, them being Charlie and Rein. Mike came out as gay when he turned 15 and Rose came out as asexual at 25. Mike eventually got married and he and his husband adopted three kids during their whole marriage. Unfortunately for Mike, his husband cheated on him, but the two stayed together for the kids.
Another twenty years later, Lud and Tifa got grandkids both from Charlie and Rein separately. Rose died from her condition at the age 51 and she never got into a relationship with anyone.
As Mike and his husband's adopted kids grew up, they eventually separated, though there were some bumps along the way.
Yet another twenty years later, Tifa retired at the age of 83 and spent the rest of her life happily with Lud. Lud ended up meeting the casket sooner at the age of 91 and Tifa died a year later.
Adam lived to a 114 with many stories created.
(Author's note. The rest of this chapter is generated by ChatGPT. Namely, a fitting representation for the nature of the situation Lud is in.)
Lud and Tifa were overjoyed when their first child, a daughter named Elara, was born. The tiny bundle of joy brought a new kind of happiness into their lives, one that they hadn't known before. Lud's little brother, Adam, who was living with them while finishing his studies, doted on his niece, often babysitting her so Lud and Tifa could enjoy some rare moments alone.
Years passed, and the family expanded with the birth of their son, Leo. Elara took to her role as big sister with enthusiasm, and their home was always filled with laughter, the walls echoing with the sounds of children's games and sibling squabbles.
Lud worked hard to provide for his family, often putting in long hours at the office. Tifa, with her gentle demeanor and nurturing spirit, managed the household with grace. Adam, having graduated and found a good job nearby, remained a constant presence in their lives, a beloved uncle to Elara and Leo.
Their home was a haven of warmth and love. Summers were spent in the backyard, with Lud manning the grill and Adam playing catch with the kids. Winters brought cozy evenings by the fireplace, Tifa reading stories to Elara and Leo while Lud and Adam discussed their latest projects or debated over their favorite books.
As the years rolled on, Elara and Leo grew up. Elara pursued a career in teaching, inspired by her mother's nurturing nature, while Leo's passion for engineering saw him working on innovative projects that made Lud beam with pride.
One crisp autumn day, Lud and Tifa decided to take a long-awaited trip to Europe. They had saved up for years and were excited to explore new places together. Adam promised to look after everything at home, assuring them that Elara and Leo, now adults, could handle things in their absence.
The trip was everything they had dreamed of, filled with beautiful sights and new experiences. But as they were driving through the countryside of Italy, their car skidded off the road during a sudden rainstorm. Both Lud and Tifa died instantly, leaving behind a void that was impossible to fill.
Elara and Leo were devastated, but they leaned on each other and on their uncle Adam for support. Adam, though heartbroken, took on the role of a second father to them, ensuring that Lud and Tifa's legacy of love and kindness lived on.
Years passed, and Elara got married, having children of her own. Leo, too, found a partner and started a family. Adam, ever the supportive uncle, was a beloved figure in their children's lives, much like he had been in Elara and Leo's.
Adam lived a long life, always there for his family, until one peaceful night he passed away in his sleep, content and fulfilled. Elara and Leo, now the heads of their own families, often told stories of Lud, Tifa, and Adam, ensuring that their memories remained alive in the hearts of their children and grandchildren.
In the end, Lud, Tifa, and Adam's lives, though marked by tragedy, were also filled with love, joy, and the enduring bonds of family. Their story was one of a simple, yet beautiful life, lived with deep connection and everlasting affection.
Lud and Tifa's life together started with so much promise. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mia, with boundless joy. Lud's younger brother, Adam, was a constant presence, living with them while completing his studies. He adored Mia and often helped take care of her.
A few years later, their son Jack was born. Lud and Tifa's home was filled with laughter and the playful chaos that comes with young children. Adam, who had finished his degree and was working nearby, remained deeply involved in their lives.
One cold winter evening, tragedy struck. Lud was driving home from work during a snowstorm when his car skidded on an icy patch and crashed into a tree. The accident took his life instantly. Tifa was left to pick up the pieces, her grief overwhelming but her love for Mia and Jack giving her the strength to continue.
Adam moved in permanently to help. He tried to fill the void Lud's death had left, but it was impossible. Tifa, despite her efforts, struggled with depression. She did her best to hide it from the children, but the weight of her sorrow was ever-present.
A few years later, just as the family was beginning to find a new normal, Tifa was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The prognosis was grim. She fought bravely, enduring painful treatments to buy more time with Mia and Jack, but the disease was relentless.
Adam, who had been their pillar of support, watched helplessly as Tifa's health declined. When she passed away, Mia and Jack were left orphaned, their young lives marked by the profound loss of both parents.
Adam took full responsibility for his niece and nephew, sacrificing his own dreams and personal life to ensure they were cared for. The financial strain was immense, and the emotional burden even greater. Despite his best efforts, the family continued to struggle. Mia and Jack, both deeply affected by their parents' deaths, had difficulty adjusting and often acted out, their pain manifesting in rebellious behavior and academic troubles.
Years went by, and Adam's health began to deteriorate under the constant stress. One evening, as he was driving home from a late shift at work, he suffered a heart attack. He managed to pull over and call for help, but by the time the ambulance arrived, it was too late.
Mia and Jack, now in their late teens, were once again faced with the harsh reality of loss. They were left alone in the world, with no immediate family to turn to. The weight of their grief and the responsibility of caring for each other forced them to grow up quickly. They moved into a small apartment, working multiple jobs to make ends meet while trying to complete their education.
Their lives were a constant struggle, the shadow of their family's tragedies ever-present. Mia, despite her efforts to stay strong, found herself battling depression. Jack, determined to honor his family's memory, pushed himself to succeed academically, hoping to create a better future for them both.
In the end, Lud, Tifa, and Adam's story was one of unrelenting hardship and sorrow. Their lives, though filled with moments of love and joy, were ultimately overshadowed by the cruel hand of fate. Mia and Jack, carrying the weight of their family's tragic legacy, learned to navigate a world that had taken so much from them, finding strength in their shared resilience and the enduring love that had been their foundation.
Lud and Tifa's life together started with so much promise. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Clara, with boundless joy. Lud's younger brother, Adam, was a constant presence, living with them while completing his studies. He adored Clara and often helped take care of her.
A few years later, their son Noah was born. Lud and Tifa's home was filled with laughter and the playful chaos that comes with young children. Adam, who had finished his degree and was working nearby, remained deeply involved in their lives.
Lud worked as an architect, a career he loved, while Tifa ran a small bakery in town that quickly became popular for its delicious treats and warm atmosphere. The family's weekends were spent exploring parks, visiting museums, and having picnics by the lake. Lud and Tifa believed in making memories and cherished every moment they had with their children.
Adam, who had a knack for storytelling, often entertained Clara and Noah with fantastical tales of knights and dragons. The kids adored their uncle and eagerly awaited his visits. The bond between them was strong, and the house was always filled with joy and laughter.
As the years passed, Clara and Noah grew older. Clara excelled in school and developed a passion for painting, her artworks often adorning the walls of their home. Noah, on the other hand, loved sports and spent countless hours playing soccer in the backyard with Lud and Adam.
When Clara was in high school, she entered a national art competition and won first prize. The family celebrated her achievement with a grand party, the house filled with friends and neighbors who had become like extended family over the years. Noah, inspired by his sister's success, worked even harder at soccer, eventually earning a scholarship to a prestigious college.
Adam, having established himself as a successful author, often traveled for book tours but always made time for his family. He never missed an important event in Clara or Noah's lives, their achievements bringing him immense pride.
As Lud and Tifa grew older, they looked back on their lives with gratitude. Their home, once filled with the laughter of young children, now welcomed the visits of their grown-up kids and eventually, their grandchildren. Clara became a renowned artist, her paintings displayed in galleries worldwide, while Noah went on to play professional soccer, inspiring young athletes everywhere.
Adam, who never married, found fulfillment in his writing and his role as the beloved uncle. He often spent holidays with Lud and Tifa, sharing stories of his travels and adventures. The family remained close-knit, their bonds unshaken by time or distance.
One warm summer evening, as the sun set over their backyard, Lud and Tifa sat on the porch, watching their grandchildren play. Adam was there too, regaling the kids with one of his famous stories. Clara and Noah, now adults with families of their own, joined their parents, the scene a testament to the enduring love and joy that had defined their lives.
Lud and Tifa passed away peacefully, surrounded by their loved ones, their lives a testament to the beauty of simple joys and cherished moments. Adam, now in his twilight years, continued to be a source of wisdom and inspiration for Clara, Noah, and their children.
In the end, Lud, Tifa, and Adam's story was one of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Their lives, filled with happiness and fulfillment, were a legacy of joy that continued to inspire future generations.