In the cozy warmth of the Wilson family's dining room, the sound of clattering plates filled the air as five-year-old Marsel Rose Wilson bustled around the table, carefully placing each dish in its spot. She moved with the kind of focus and precision that only children take seriously, her tiny hands gripping the edges of the plates with all the determination of someone on a very important mission.
"Mom, let me handle it! Hehehe." Marsel giggled proudly as she managed to set another plate without dropping it.
Mary Rose Wilson, watching her daughter from the kitchen, smiled softly. Her heart swelled with a familiar warmth—a bittersweet mix of pride and longing. "I'm lucky to have you," she said gently, her voice filled with tenderness as she wiped her hands on a dish towel.
Marsel beamed up at her mother, satisfied with her contribution to setting up dinner. The house felt warm, inviting, despite the growing emptiness Mary felt in her heart. It had been four long years since Michael, her husband, had disappeared. Yet, somehow, moments like this—watching their daughter grow and thrive—kept her going. Marsel was so much like her father.
As Marsel reached for the last plate, the front door creaked open, and the familiar sound of laughter and footsteps filled the entryway.
"Uncle, Auntie!!" Marsel cried out, excitement bubbling in her voice as she ran toward the door, her little legs moving as fast as they could.
Standing in the doorway were Mark Taylor, Mary's brother, and his wife, Emily, with their four-year-old son, Daniel, in tow. Mark immediately crouched down to greet his niece, a broad smile stretching across his face.
"Who's a good girl?" he said playfully, ruffling Marsel's curly hair.
Marsel giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck in a quick hug, her eyes shining with happiness. Emily smiled from behind, always enjoying the sight of Mark and Marsel's bond. It reminded her of the close relationship they had built with the Wilsons over the years, especially since Michael had gone missing.
Daniel, a little shyer, lingered next to his mother but managed to give Marsel a small wave. "Hello, cousin," he greeted her, his voice soft but filled with fondness.
Marsel puffed out her chest proudly and replied, "Hello, little Daniel."
Emily chuckled softly and said, "You're both little." a warm teasing tone in her voice.
Daniel crossed his arms in mock indignation, his pout deepening as he huffed. "You're also little, hmmp!" he shot back, narrowing his eyes at Marsel as if to challenge her claim.
Laughter erupted around the room, the children's playful banter lifting everyone's spirits. The sound was infectious, momentarily chasing away the lingering heaviness that had hung over their family for years.
As the laughter faded, Mark's smile faltered slightly, his eyes drifting around the room as if searching for someone who wasn't there. He looked at the table, set neatly for dinner, and let out a sigh.
"I wish Michael were here." he said, his voice quiet but carrying the weight of longing that everyone felt.
The words hung in the air like a cold draft, the joyful atmosphere cooling almost instantly. Emily's eyes shot to her husband, giving him a subtle nudge with her elbow—a silent warning. She glanced at Mary, concern flooding her features. "Hon…" she murmured softly, trying to defuse the moment before it hurt more than it already had.
Mary, who had gone still at the mention of Michael's name, didn't flinch. She had heard it before—every time the family gathered, there was always someone who said it. But the pain didn't lessen with repetition. She forced a small smile, one that barely touched her eyes, and looked at her brother.
"It's okay, Mark," she said quietly, her voice steady but soft. "Michael will be back. I'm sure of it." Her gaze drifted toward Marsel, who had stopped laughing and was now watching the adults with wide, curious eyes. "It's been four years, but I'm still going to wait for him."
Mark shifted uncomfortably, realizing his mistake. He quickly nodded, regret filling his expression. "I'm sorry, Mary. I didn't mean to—"
Before he could finish, Mary waved off his apology with a gentle shake of her head. "I know," she whispered, her smile returning, though still tinged with sadness. "I know you didn't."
Mark let out a deep breath, visibly relieved, but the guilt lingered in his eyes. He wanted to say something to comfort her, but he knew there was nothing that could. Instead, he glanced at Marsel and ruffled her hair again. "He's lucky to have you, Mary," he said softly. "We all are."
Mary's gaze softened as she looked at her daughter, who had already bounced back to her cheerful self, now dragging Daniel toward the living room to play. A deep sense of pride swelled within her chest. Michael was out there—she believed it with all her heart—and until he came home, she would keep going, for Marsel, and for him.
"I'm lucky to have all of you." she said finally, her voice full of quiet strength. No matter how many years passed, she would never give up hope. Not on Michael, not on their family.
And until that day came, they would continue to wait.
Suddenly the air in the room seemed to crackle with tension as the portal shimmered into existence behind them, a swirling vortex of light and energy that immediately put everyone on edge. Mark Taylor, always sharp and alert, felt his vigilante instincts kick in. Without hesitation, he placed himself between the portal and his family.
"Get behind me." he barked, his voice a low, urgent command. His eyes narrowed, muscles tensing, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
Emily, his wife, was no less prepared. Her eyes gleamed with a predatory edge as her half-vampire senses flared to life, the shift in her stance subtle but lethal. Lady Vamp was ready for anything. She instinctively reached for the dagger she kept hidden, her eyes fixed on the mysterious portal.
Mary Rose Wilson, who had just been basking in the warmth of her family, clutched her daughter Marsel tightly to her chest. Fear and hope waged a war within her heart. Daniel, sensing the sudden shift, huddled closer to her, his small hands gripping the hem of her dress as if seeking protection.
And then, from the swirling depths of the portal, a figure emerged.
Suddenly, all of them froze, their prepared defenses dropping as disbelief washed over them.
The voice. It was unmistakable.
"Hello, guys."
Mary's heart skipped a beat. That voice—it was one she hadn't heard in four long years but could never forget. Her breath caught in her throat, her mind racing to grasp what was happening. Could it really be him?
"Michael?" Her voice trembled as she whispered his name, fear and hope intertwining in her chest.
The figure stepped forward, the faint glow of the portal illuminating his familiar face. It was him. Michael Wilson stood before them, looking much the same as he had when he disappeared—perhaps a little wearier, but very much alive.
"Hello, Mary…" Michael said softly, his voice carrying both warmth and the weight of the years that had passed.
Mark's eyes widened, the tension leaving his body as shock took over. "Mike...?" he breathed, barely able to process the sight of his long-lost brother-in-law and best friend standing in front of him.
Emily lowered her guard as well, though her eyes remained cautious. Even Daniel, sensing the shift in the adults around him, peeked out from behind his mother's legs, staring curiously at the man who had just stepped through the portal.
But it was Mary Rose who was the most stunned. Her heart pounded in her chest, disbelief flooding her. She took a tentative step forward, her arms still wrapped protectively around Marsel. Her voice, thick with emotion, came out as a whisper.
"Is that really you?" she asked, her eyes searching his face, needing to be sure this wasn't some cruel trick.
Michael took another step forward, his gaze never leaving hers. There was a softness in his eyes, a mixture of relief, guilt, and love that he had carried for the last four years.
"It's really me." he said, his voice breaking slightly as the weight of the moment hit him.
For a heartbeat, no one moved. The silence stretched, filled with the unspoken questions, the years of waiting, the pain, and the hope that had carried them all through.
And then, in an instant, Mary rushed toward him, her emotions overwhelming her. She let go of Marsel and closed the distance between them, throwing her arms around him, tears streaming down her face.
"Michael… You're back." she whispered into his shoulder, clutching him as though she was afraid he might vanish again.
Michael wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm back, Mary. I'm here now."
Mary Rose's emotions erupted like a dam bursting, and she couldn't contain the torrent of feelings that surged within her. "Where have you been?" she shouted, her voice thick with tears, as she punched Michael lightly on the chest, the blow more symbolic than hurtful. It was a mixture of frustration, relief, and a desperate need to release the pent-up worry that had consumed her for the last four years. "You scared us! You disappeared without a word!"
Michael winced slightly at her words, but instead of pushing her away, he wrapped his arms around her tighter, allowing her to vent her anger and sadness. "I know, Mary, I'm so sorry. I never meant to make you feel this way."
Mark watched the scene unfold, his own eyes glistening with tears. The sight of his sister unleashing her emotions on Michael made him feel a mix of happiness and heartache. He had waited so long for this moment, yearning to hug his best friend and brother-in-law, but he held back, knowing Mary needed this time with Michael first. He wiped away a tear, feeling the weight of their reunion.
As Mary continued to cry, Marsel's innocent voice broke through the tension in the air. "Who is he?" she asked, her little brow furrowed in confusion as she watched her mother cling to the man she'd only known from stories.
Mark looked down at his niece, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "That's your father, Marsel. Your dad has been away for a while, but he's back now."
Marsel's eyes sparkled with a mixture of awe and excitement, the realization washing over her like a warm tide. "My father? Father!" she repeated, her small voice filled with joy as she processed the connection. She had often heard stories about her father from Mary, and Peter Parker, who was like a big brother to her, had shared tales of bravery and heroism, filling her imagination with vivid images of the man who was now standing before her.
"Yes, your father," Mary said, her voice trembling with emotion. She glanced between Michael and their daughter, her heart swelling with pride and love. "Michael... our daughter—last time you saw her, she was—"
"She was still a baby." Michael interjected softly, kneeling down to be on her level. "Just a few months old. I can't believe how big you've grown, Marsel." His gaze softened as he looked into her eyes, realizing how much he had missed during his time away. The years that felt like an eternity had passed, and now here he was, trying to catch up with everything he had lost.
Marsel tilted her head slightly, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "I remember you now! Mommy showed me pictures!" She beamed, holding onto Michael's hand tightly. "You were a hero! Like Peter!"
Michael's heart swelled at her words, a mixture of pride and pain washing over him. "I tried," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's nothing compared to how brave you are. I can't believe how big you are now."
Michael looked down at Marsel, his heart swelling with pride and disbelief. It was incredible to him that despite being gone for four years, his daughter still radiated joy instead of sadness. "I can't believe it," he murmured, almost to himself. "She's so happy to see me."
Mary, sensing his thoughts, nodded knowingly. "Marsel was sad when she missed you, but thanks to Peter, she always had hope. He told her you would come back. She's been counting the days and years since she was three years old." Mary explained, her voice steady despite the tears glistening in her eyes.
Michael's heart ached at the thought. "She's smart for a kid." he said, admiration evident in his tone.
Mary smiled, brushing a tear from her cheek. "Just like her father." she replied, the warmth in her voice undeniable.
As Michael knelt down to be eye-level with Marsel, he noticed the twinkle of excitement in her eyes. "You've grown so much, Marsel. I wish I could have been there for all the milestones." he said softly.
Marsel beamed up at him. "Mommy told me about everything! I can write, and I can count to a hundred!" Her little voice brimmed with pride, each word a testament to the growth she had achieved during his absence.
"Counting to a hundred, huh?" Michael said, his heart swelling with pride. "I'm so impressed! Can you teach me?"
"Of course!" she chirped enthusiastically. "But first, can we play together? I want to show you my room!"
Michael chuckled, nodding. "Absolutely. I'd love to see it. Just remember to give me a tour, okay?"
As Marsel tugged at his hand, eager to lead him, Michael glanced back at Mary, who was watching them with a mix of joy and relief. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for her strength and resilience during the years he had been away.
Meanwhile, Mark, Emily, and Daniel stood back, giving the family space but unable to hide their smiles. Mark leaned toward Emily, his voice low but full of emotion. "It's amazing to see them together again," he said. "They've all been through so much."
Emily nodded in agreement, her eyes glistening with happy tears. "It feels like the pieces are finally falling into place," she said. "They deserve this moment."
Daniel, still trying to understand the significance of the reunion, turned to his father and asked innocently, "Is her cousin's dad going to stay now?"
Mark smiled, ruffling Daniel's hair. "I hope so, buddy. I really hope so."
To be continue