1.I :

Beep, beep, beep!

My alarm blared throughout my room, a small barren space which lacked character—pizzazz. Though, it wasn’t like I had the money to decorate it. I didn’t want to go to school—who did? The sun had barely risen over the horizon, and a mere sliver of light escaped through the blinds. Rolling back and forth, I buried myself under the covers. Couldn’t I have one more wink of sleep? Just one! I pulled myself out of the covers and dragged my phone off the nightstand. 

Today should be the day. . .

I peered at my phone's lock screen—Thursday, May 24. 

Yes! Yes! Yes! I unlocked my phone. Another chapter was out! 

Nothing in the world could replace a good story. Stories had filled a gaping void in my life, one which I couldn’t repair myself. My story goes like this. . . a few years ago, my father walked out of my life, shortly after the birth of my twin half-brothers. I didn’t dwell on the loss; the ordeal finished long ago. Nevertheless, there were pieces missing—it was like putting a broken mirror back together, an impossible feat. 

The chapter ended. What would happen to the heroine?—would she prevail against the evil, tyrannical King? My real question should’ve been whether or not my brothers were hogging the bathroom. I hoped not! 

It was my job to look after my brothers, make sure they were clothed, fed, anything under the sun. Jobs were something you had to do—no choice about it. 

“Nick! Jay! Are you guys getting ready?” I shouted. 

In unison, I heard two voices. “Yes, sissy!” 

Good. . . I sauntered into the bathroom, turned on the tub faucet, and added a generous amount of bubble bath. Last night I got off work at 11, and when I came home, a pile of homework loitered on my desk, begging for my attention. I dipped my toes into the water, ready to forget about all my woes and worries. Would it hurt if I came into school late one mere day? 

No⸻just relax. 

I sank further and further into the tub, and the water cooed me into a mind-numbing relaxation. Could I have a life without hardships, one where I could be like everyone else? Some money, a father, and a mother to love was that too much to ask? I could dream and dream, and I could escape into stories, but nothing would change. Day in and day out, I would continue the gray, daily toil of life. 

Even if there was no higher being, I wished someone would bring me peace—please. 

“Sissy! Sissy! It’s time to go.” 

I kept my eyes fastened shut. 

Why was it my job to raise them? Why was it my job to provide for this so-called family? Why was I supposed to play the role of nurturer in place of my own mother and be the breadwinner in place of my own father? Who decided this! 

They screamed and screamed and screamed. Please stop—stop calling my name! Can’t you see!? Can’t you see I can’t do this anymore. . . Sleep engulfed me, yanking me into darkness. 

“Father. . .”

That voice—the pain, the anguish, the longing behind it was all but familiar. I knew it—used it. Flat tones always masked the ugliest emotions resting deep in the bosom—resentment, scorn, bitterness, disdain, and detestation. But when parents’ titles sugar-coated that voice, people always feigned ignorance. You must love your parents.

I opened my eyes, greeted with numerous fuzzy, colorful shapes. People? Where was I? This couldn’t be my dinky bathroom! The last time I checked, my bathroom could fit no more than two people! And someone had called me father—that didn’t make sense.

“It’s a miracle! We shall ride today. Go, go!—tell the messengers to notify the Lords that the King has woken!” 

“Quick, you, go get the doctor!” Someone yelled, doors slamming open and shut. 

“And you, open the windows!” Orders were barked left and right, countless heels clicked against wooden floors, and every sound rang against my pounding head. 

My eyes focused, unveiling the disoriented scene. A lone boy stood beside my bed, blue eyes glaring down at me, and maids swarmed the room, running around like headless chickens. Suddenly the realization hit me—I was this child’s father, the King they spoke of! Wait. . . I WAS A MAN!? A FATHER!?