Hiro's eyelids fluttered open, greeted by the gentle rays of sunlight that filtered through his bedroom window. As he stretched his limbs and yawned, he noticed the tantalizing aroma of breakfast wafting through the air. Curiosity piqued, he made his way to the kitchen, where his father Koji stood, fully engrossed in the culinary art of cooking.
"Good morning, Hiro," Koji greeted with a warm smile, his skilled hands expertly maneuvering pots and pans on the stove. "I hope you slept well."
Hiro returned the smile and nodded. "Morning, Dad. Yeah, I had a good rest."
As Hiro settled into a chair at the kitchen table, he watched his father prepare a delectable feast. The sizzle of bacon, the crackling of eggs in the pan—it was a symphony of flavors in the making. The pleasant atmosphere filled the room, creating a sense of comfort that Hiro cherished.
With breakfast nearing completion, Koji paused for a moment and turned to Hiro. His expression grew serious as he spoke, his voice tinged with a touch of concern. "Hiro, I have some news. I'll be leaving for a few days on a business trip. Are you going to be alright being alone?"
Hiro nodded, his face displaying a mix of assurance and independence. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll be fine. I'll have Anito to keep me company, and I can take care of myself."
Koji smiled, appreciating his son's self-reliance. "That's good to hear, Hiro. Just remember to eat properly, alright? Don't let the excitement of the game make you neglect your meals. And make sure to lock all the doors and windows when you're home alone."
Hiro nodded once again, his determination evident. "I promise, Dad. I won't forget to eat, and I'll keep everything secure."
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Koji's gaze softened, a paternal pride evident in his eyes. He walked over to Hiro and ruffled his hair affectionately. "I know I can trust you, Hiro. You're growing up to be a responsible young man. Take care of yourself while I'm away, and remember that I'm just a phone call away if you need anything."
Hiro smiled appreciatively, grateful for the bond he shared with his father. "Thanks, Dad. Have a safe trip, and I'll make sure everything's alright here."
With their heartfelt exchange concluded, Koji returned to the final preparations of their breakfast. As they sat down to eat, the familiar sound of conversation and laughter filled the air, reminding Hiro of the warmth and love that permeated their home.
Koji excused himself from the table with a smile, apologizing for the interruption. He headed towards his office, leaving Hiro to enjoy his meal in the peaceful solitude of the kitchen. As Hiro savored each bite, his mind wandered to the virtual world of Anito and the character he would create anew.
His thoughts swirled with possibilities. Should he embrace the arcane arts and become a powerful mage, wielding destructive spells? Or perhaps he would don the armor of a noble knight, defending the innocent with unwavering valor. The choices seemed endless, and Hiro relished the opportunity to start afresh, unburdened by past defeats.
As he finished his meal, Hiro's attention shifted to his father's muffled voice coming from the office. Koji's tone carried a hint of urgency, and Hiro couldn't help but wonder about the nature of the call. He admired his father's dedication and responsibility, even outside their home. It was moments like these that made Hiro truly appreciate the incredible person his father was.
With his empty plate before him, Hiro cleared the table and washed the dishes, the comforting routine allowing his mind to wander. The decision about his new character weighed on him, each class and playstyle offering its own allure. But deep down, Hiro knew that it wasn't just about power or skills. It was about finding his own identity, his own path within the vast digital realm.
Lost in thought, Hiro returned to his room, where his computer awaited him. He booted it up, the screen flickering to life with anticipation. As the login screen of Anito appeared, he took a deep breath, ready to embark on a new chapter of his virtual journey.