(Solmonath 28, 56 / 10:03AM)

(Main Character) Hah!

In an instant, a boy sprang up from bed, drenched with sweat that molted most of his blue pajamas. His face was pale, followed by the touch of his clammy hands that pressed his light skinned cheeks.

(Main character thoughts) Was that a dream?

The boy’s body began to cool down as he looked around the room, noticing that he was still stuck in the same room as he always slept.

Looking around, he glanced at the number of posters that plastered the walls around his room, as well as glancing at the drawers that were a little messy to begin with. He glanced at the video game console that was on the ground, trapped in wires and game controllers away from the room.

(Main character thoughts) I hope Mom doesn’t lecture me again…

The boy then took a final look at the mirror that was opposite his bed, showcasing his reflection.

While he tried to comb through his walnut hair, brown strands managed to spring up.

Sighing, he pushed some of his bangs behind his right ear.

(Main character thoughts) I wonder what time it is…

The boy then picked up the alarm that was on the ground near his bed and noticed that the time was 10:05.

(Main character thoughts) Oh no. I should probably—

The door to his room swung open, and what came barging into the room was a woman with sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt. She looked to be in her mid-30s, despite not having wrinkles for her age or a couple of white hairs for her age.

(Main Character’s mom) Luke! Why aren’t you coming? Breakfast is ready!

(Luke) groans …I overslept.

(Luke’s mom) Hurry up before it gets cold.

(Luke) sighs … fine.

When changing out his pajamas, he was still recalling the horrible dream he had of the desert.

(Luke’s thoughts) What was that dream anyway…Why today of all days?

(Luke’s mom) Luke, stop standing there and get dressed.

(Luke) Sorry … hey mom, I have a question.

(Luke’s mom) Make it quick.

(Luke) One of my friends wants to hang out with me today.

Luke looked up at his mother whose arms were crossed with her lips pressing into a tight line...

(Luke’s mom) So, do you want to invite him over today?

(Luke) He wants me to go over to his club.

His mother let out a deep sigh, pushing a lock of her dark brown hair behind her large pointy ears.

(Luke’s mom) Luke, you know that’s not going to happen.

(Luke) But mom—

(Luke’s mom) You know the rules, Luke.

Luke groaned.

Stolen novel; please report.

(Luke) Mom, Fred’s my best friend, and I never went to his place, so why—

(Luke’s mom) I’ve told you, Luke! I don’t make the rules! You can’t go outside!

(Luke’s mom) You’re not going and that’s final!

(Luke) Mom!

(Luke’s mom) I told you to not talk back to me!

(???) Hey, what the hell is going on here?

A man in his mid-40s came into the room with a fancy suit and a box of tissues. He was fairly tall and had a normal build, and he had messy blonde hair similar to Luke's. Nothing distinguishable was within the man, clearly having a slim mustache and beard that suited a man his age.

(Luke’s dad) Mary, why so mad…Achoo! Want me to get you a cup of coffee?

(Mary) No thanks, honey, I just lost my temper, that's all…

(Luke’s dad) How about we take this conversation to the kitchen table? Breakfast is already ready. Make sure you get dressed Luke.

Opening the big closet door, it opened to see many black shirts and black pants that the boy usually wears.

(Luke’s thoughts) Guess I’ll go with the usual…

Soon as he was finished dressing up, he then met up with his mother and father at the breakfast table.

______________________________________________________________________________

Light sprayed through the blinds of the windows as Luke walked into the kitchen. He felt a sudden urge to remove the blinds, but he knew he did not want another fuss from his mother.

In the dimly lit kitchen, the utensils that the family ate with were all golden and metallic, and the plates were made with extra care. The cups were also glass silverware that seemed hand-crafted as well as handkerchiefs being used as replacements for napkins.

(Luke’s Dad) Mary, you have done it again! These bacon and eggs with white rice sure are delicious, but try to keep the oil down a little…

Luke’s dad was eating his freshly made breakfast that his wife made. Having a friendly smile upon his carefree face.

(Luke’s dad) So Luke, do you mind telling me what you said to your mother?

(Luke) I just wanted to hang out with Fred, that’s all…

(Luke’s dad) Why not just invite the fellow over then?

(Luke) But dad, he wants me to come over to his place though.

Luke’s dad dropped his gold fork as he looked at him, his eyes narrowing.

(Luke’s dad) No. You won’t be going.

(Luke) D-Dad—

(Luke’s dad) If your mother says no, and if I say no, then it’s clear that you won’t be going.

The family remained silent for a moment before the father scooted his chair closer to Luke's and leaned towards him.

(Luke’s dad) You’ll understand what I’m talking about, and besides…

Luke’s dad got up from his seat, not even finishing his plate. He then looked at Luke with a serious face that could make any kid remain silent.

(Luke’s dad) You’re not ready…

Luke’s father then left the kitchen and put on his black coat and hat, clearly going to work for the day despite it being a Saturday.

(Luke’s dad) I’ll be back early today, I hope you don’t go anywhere Luke, for your own sake.

(Mary) I’ll keep an eye on him, Joseph. Do you really have to work on a Saturday?

(Luke’s dad) It’s only for a little bit. Just need to plan out something…

Opening the only door to the outside world, Joseph left the building, blowing his nose on the way out. Feeling like he was lost somehow, Luke looked down and shut his eyes.

As for Mary…

(Mary) Ow, I’m going to use the restroom, I’m still constipated from yesterday…

Mary as well got up from her seat, barely finishing her breakfast. Since Joseph left, she also cleaned up his breakfast and hers but left Luke’s breakfast alone since he still had a lot on his plate.

(Mary) Please promise your dad you won’t be going anywhere.

Luke remained silent, not wanting to listen to his mother anymore, trying to block all the words and sounds that belittled him. Even though Mary was constipated, she decided to let Luke’s behavior be.

While ignoring his mom, he turned on the TV to look for anything fun to watch.

(Mary) No matter how much you’ll ignore me … You’ll always be my son …

From there, Mary left towards the bathroom, trying to handle her stomach issues, while Luke watched from a boxed TV.

Surfing the channels, looking through something pleasant to watch, it all looked boring for him at the moment.

(Bunny Human News Reporter) Uh, more reports of kids going missing all around the Azazel subtropical region, some say that it is linked to a cartel named Los Cerdos de—

Luke changed the channel, looking through the History Channel.

(Human Historian) In Khazuan Territory, there is clear evidence that the people there may not be the only ones—

Luke changed the channel again to the sci-fi channel, showcasing a human and dog human astronomist.

(Human Astronomist) You know, Terra is a weird planet for us humans and beast humans.

(Dog Human Astronomist) How so?

(Human Astronomist) Well, for one thing, many evidence suggests that our planet may be artifi—

Luke then turned off the TV, not wanting to watch a bunch of conspiracy theorists that are playing the roles of journalists and scientists.