The story of my family might seem simple at first glance, but it's a little more complicated than most people realize. Sure, we're a family of six: two brothers, a sister, and two parents. But my older brother, Alexander—known as Xander—and my sister, Cassandra (or Cassie for short) aren't around. Cassie is married now, living in the city with her own family, while Xander is juggling both school and work at the city center.
To most people, though, I only have one sibling—my brother Vincent, or Vince. Maybe it's because the rest of my family isn't seen much in town, but people usually don't seem to realize that we're a bit more spread out.
The first person I saw when we got home was my father. And seeing him—without a single white hair or old injury—was a relief. It reminded me that the chance to change his fate was still in my hands.
My dad, Arthur, was a carpenter. He was known around town, though not born here. He came to our town when his sister, Helen, married someone here. My parents met back in high school, where my mom, Cynthia, was known as the academic queen—always at the top of her class. Dad, on the other hand, was the star of the basketball team. It sounds like something out of a romance novel, right? But knowing the real story behind their relationship, it wasn't as sweet as it seemed.
They married young. My mom was pregnant with Cassie while still in high school, and they named her after a character in a radio story my mom loved while pregnant. There were plenty of challenges along the way, but they stuck together for the long haul.
As I walked into the house, I spotted my dad. "Pa, you're here already? You beat Vince home!" I said, teasing a bit.
Arthur blinked, a little surprised at the change in my tone. As a child, I'd always been the clingy one, following him around like a shadow. But now, I was different. I wasn't the same little girl anymore. He didn't voice his surprise, though, and just chuckled, "Well, your brother's probably out with his friends. He might be late."
Mom, Cynthia, raised an eyebrow too, noting my change in demeanor. She knew how I used to follow Dad around, even when he was hanging out with his friends. Honestly, she was a bit relieved, though. She didn't think it was the best influence for me. She'd rather see me helping her with the household responsibilities—something I'd need to learn more of, as a future woman of the house.
I could tell my parents were a bit confused by my change in behavior, but I was already mentally prepared. The girl I used to be was no longer the person I was now. I had the memories of a grown woman, someone who'd seen the harsh truths of life. Being reborn with this knowledge, I had to adapt quickly. I wasn't just a child anymore. There were important things I needed to do, skills I needed to learn, and a future to prepare for.
After that quick exchange, everyone settled into their own routines. Mom was cooking, Dad was watching TV, and I was sitting with him, watching as well. Since I was little, I'd always shared his love of movies, especially Hollywood films. That hobby actually helped me improve my English—something I was really grateful for now.
A little later, Vince came home. He walked in, went straight to the living room, and plopped down next to us, ready to watch TV. He wasn't the brightest in school but he had plenty of friends, always hanging out and playing after school. He loved teasing me, but I'd learned how to hold my own. I wasn't going to let him get away with it anymore.
Soon enough, Mom finished cooking and called out, "Dinner's ready! Everyone, come to the table!"
I stood up and helped Mom set everything out. As soon as the table was ready, the men of the house—Dad and Vince—joined us. But before we could even start eating, Vince couldn't resist teasing me.
"It's a miracle," he said with a smirk. "The piglet actually volunteered to serve the food. The world's really changing."
I used to get angry at this kind of teasing, but not anymore. I'd grown past that stage. I wasn't the easily irritable child I used to be. I might still technically be a kid, but my mindset was different now. I didn't have to react like I once did.
Instead, I shot back, "It wouldn't be a miracle if it's me. But if it were you serving the food, that would be something. It'd be like the world's ending."
Vince opened his mouth to retort, but was cut off by Mom's voice. "Alright, enough! We're here to eat, not argue."
We all fell into line, and soon, the teasing stopped, and everyone focused on the food.
After dinner, I went to take a bath and get ready for bed. But sleep didn't come easily that night. This was my first night as someone who had been reborn. I had the knowledge of the future, and I could change the fate of those I cared about—especially my own. There was so much I wanted to accomplish.
In my past life, I was a fan of rebirth stories. I read tons of novels and fanfictions—about everything from entertainment to apocalypses to historical events. Some of those stories even gave me ideas on what I could do now. I had researched stocks and companies, even memorized lottery numbers—just in case. I used to laugh at myself for being so crazy, but now that I was here, in this new life, I realized that anything was possible.
And though the future was uncertain, one thing was clear: my actions would shape it. I just had to be ready to take the reins and make the changes I needed.