Mona stepped inside her apartment and was about to slide off her shoes when she noticed a pair of red heels that sat untidily next to her multiple pairs of shoes. Before she could process anything else, a loud high pitched voice came from in front of her.

“Mona!” the voice cheered. Mona grimaced before looking up. She saw a beautiful, curvaceous woman standing in front of her with a ladle in one hand. The woman smiled before tucking a piece of her curly brown hair back.

“Aunt Lorey. What are you doing here?” Mona asked as she slid off her sandals. The woman frowned before grabbing Mona’s wrist and gently pulling her to the kitchen.

“What do you mean what am I doing here?! I’m here because someone here doesn’t know how to feed herself,” her aunt said as she pushed Mona down onto a chair. Mona’s eyes traveled down to the various dishes of food that sat on the table, still steaming from just being cooked. She felt a tug in her stomach as saliva gathered at her throat.

“It… doesn’t look that bad,” she muttered as she picked up the ladle, and started to ladle some soup into her bowl. Her aunt smile as she rubbed her shoulders before taking her seat, across from Mona. Mona kept her eyes down as they started to eat.

“But, where did you come from? You’re not wearing your uniform so it doesn’t seem like you came from school,” her aunt asked. Mona froze for a second.

“Uh… I didn’t feel well today so I didn’t go to school,” Mona answered quietly.

“Where did you go then?”

“Just… I went around for some air.”

“Air?”

“Yes,” Mona finished her bowl and got up from her seat. She placed the ceramic into the sink and began washing it. Her aunt quickly popped up next to her.

“Wash mine too, please! I mean, I did cook for you anyways.” her aunt gave her a nudge and smiled. Mona chuckled back and nodded her head. Her aunt laughed before going to the living room. After Mona finished, she went into the living room also. She looked to see her aunt packing up.

“Are you leaving already?” Mona asked, feeling a bit empty inside. Her aunt looked up and gave her a nod.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“Yea, there are some things that I still need to take care of at the shop,” her aunt gave her a sad smile.

“Ah… well, you better get going then. Thanks for the meal,” Mona brought her hands back and looked down. Her aunt saw this and let out a sigh.

“I’m sorry, my dear. I want to stay too,” her aunt walked up and wrapped her arms around Mona’s thin body. Mona breathed in sharply, surprised at the sudden affection. Her aunt then pulled away and patted her on the head. “Tell you what, the next time I come, I will make your favorite.”

“My favorite?” Mona raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, your favorite. Spaghetti with meatballs!” her aunt beamed. One of Mona’s eyes twitched for just a split second before she beamed back a smile and nodded. Her aunt let out a sigh of relief before grabbing her bag. “I will get going then,” her aunt turned to leave. She didn’t walk far before stopping. “Oh yes, I almost forgot!” she exclaimed and walked back to Mona. “Where is it?” she looked up as one of her hands entered her purse, searching for something. Mona tilted her head, curious. Her aunt frowned for a moment before brightening up. “Got it!” she pulled out a small CD case from inside her bag, “here, for you,” she handed it to Mona.

“What is it?” Mona asked as she took the cd case in between her fingers.

“It’s the new game by Cloud Climbing Company called Road Builders. It’s been out for three months now, and everyone is into it… well everyone except for you, my dear,” her aunt answered back. Mona scanned the cover and it read Road Builder: The Best New VRMMORPG Game of 2116. The hand not holding the CD clenched itself into a hard fist.

“... why are you giving me this?” she looked up at her aunt and smiled nervously, “I do-”

“Because I thought that you would have fun with it! You see… when Mina was alive she really enjoyed VRMMORPG games. Only a couple of people knew she was Daisy, the strongest player in Shining Armour… there was an uproar when she deleted the character… and soon afterward… you know,” her aunt let out a sigh. Mona bit on her lip. She knew it all, she knew it all too well. “Anyways, give it a try and tell me if you like. I started playing recently too so maybe we can play together sometimes,” her aunt rubbed her shoulder. Mona nodded her head.

“Alright then. I will give it a try later,” Mona simply said. Her aunt smiled walking towards the door. She pulled on the door handle but stopped before exiting.

“Ah,” her aunt looked back, “I almost forgot to tell you the most important part about that game. Do you know why they chose the name Road Builder?” Mona shook her head, “it’s because the game is about building your own road, becoming the person you want to be. Hehe! I know it’s a little cheesy, but it’s a good message right?” her aunt beamed. Mona thought for a moment before nodding her head and smiled. She then watched as her aunt waved goodbye to her and left her apartment. When the door closed the smile disappeared from her face as she stared lifelessly towards the door.

“But aunty… spaghetti with meatballs isn’t my favorite food… it is hers,” she muttered. Only silence heard her in that apartment, and only silence replied back.