After Superman took control of the world for a year, the stabilized government began enforcing strict regulations on books and media.
<<1984>> was the first title globally banned, quickly followed by <
By the second year, titles like <
By the third year, every dissenting book had been eradicated.
Their names were no longer searchable online, and even searching for the term "Avengers" would get you logged by Cyborg's all-encompassing global data center.
The oppressive cloud of high-control rule hung over everyone.
The books that were removed and destroyed left gaping black holes on the shelves, like caves hiding eyes that peered outward.
Soren diligently helped the shopkeeper fill those voids with various romance novels and gossip stories, even earning extra credit points as a reward.
That same day, he gleefully returned to the Justice League headquarters, proudly carrying a box of ice cream he had bought with his credit points, and presented it to Diana.
Diana who is still clad in her golden battle armor was pleasantly surprised
As she accepted the ice cream, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh! You're as sweet as ever, Soren."
Soren grinned and said, "I figured you've been so busy with battles that you probably never had a chance to try Washington's best ice cream."
"You know me well," Diana replied, raising her eyebrows in approval.
Soren laughed cheerfully and shared the location of the ice cream shop, reminding her to visit when she had time for the best treat in the city.
Diana gave him a firm pat on the back, "I swear I will."
Her smile was confident and proud, untouched by any shadow.
This princess of Themyscira was walking unwaveringly on the path she believed would bring peace and end wars.
...
Three weeks into working at the bookstore, Soren had two very special visitors.
He was dozing behind the counter when the sharp sound of polished shoes clicking against the floor startled him awake.
Rubbing his eyes, he saw a couple dressed in black, cautiously stepping inside the shop.
"Mom! Dad!" Soren leaped from his chair, running over to hug them.
He was immediately swept into his father's arms. "What are you doing here? Is Mom feeling better?"
For a while now, Clark had only allowed him occasional video calls with his parents.
It had been a long time since Soren had seen them in person.
Renee, smiling and patted his head gently, "I'm much better now, darling. We drove ourselves here."
Charlie who are standing nearby, let out a grunt and said, "And why shouldn't we come to see you? We're 'citizens in good standing' with full rights to travel wherever we please."
He raised both hands, making air quotes to emphasize his point.
Soren's expression turned conflicted, "You didn't run into any trouble along the way?"
Charlie responded, "Oh, we did, but… we were granted clearance to pass through the checkpoints."
He pressed his lips together before releasing them, silently mouthing the word, "Batman."
Soren nodded his head nervously, clutching his parents' hands.
His eyes flickered upward toward the sky, as if expecting that familiar white cape to descend at any moment.
…But Clark didn't come.
It was as if he had reluctantly loosened his hold, giving Soren the space to reunite with his parents without interruption.
The three of them stood in the bookstore, chatting for a while.
Eventually, Soren asked his boss for a half-day off and joyfully left with his parents, heading to a nearby café to catch up.
Soren leaned against Charlie's arm while Renee held his hand, gently stroking his hair with a tender smile. "My darling, how have you been lately? Is he treating you well? Has he made you do anything you don't want to do? Has he ever been harsh with you?"
"Clark treats me really well, Mom," Soren stammered, his face flushing at the thought of the more intimate moments between him and Clark.
His gaze darted away as he hurriedly cleared his mind of any inappropriate thoughts.
"He never raises his voice at me. Clark always respects my choices."
Despite his reassurances, Renee's expression remained tinged with sadness.
Worry creased her brow as she exchanged a glance with Charlie.
She could see how much Soren cared for Clark Kent.
The moment his name was mentioned, those gem-like blue eyes of Soren's sparkled with love.
But still, she couldn't shake the unease.
Closing her eyes, she pulled Soren into a tight hug, resting her chin atop his head. In a soft, soothing voice, she said, "Remember, no matter what happens, as long as we're together as a family, there's nothing we can't face, darling."
"Yes, as long as our family stays together," Charlie nodded in agreement, "We can get through any hardship, right?"
Soren stayed silent in his mother's embrace for a moment, and then his shoulders began to tremble as he finally broke down in tears.
He cried silently, his tears falling freely.
Renee gently cupped his face, wiping away the tears, but soon her own vision blurred as her eyes filled with tears too.
Mother and son had no other way to express their emotions but to hold each other once again.
Soren pressed his face against Renee's shoulder, allowing the tears to fall without a word.
The family spent the whole afternoon in the café and later went to an Italian restaurant for dinner.
…Given the economic downturn, there weren't many restaurants still in operation, and those that could provide fresh ingredients were even rarer.
The food was nothing extraordinary, but for Soren, simply eating with his family was enough to bring him joy.
His stomach was stuffed full by his parents, and when he stood up, it felt like the pasta, pizza, stews, and seafood were all jostling around in his stomach.
He was genuinely full.