Chapter 6: The Little Things That Make Us a Family

The golden rays of the setting sun spilled into the living room, casting a honeyed glow on the worn-out rug and the mismatched cushions strewn across the sofa. Liz stretched out lazily, her fingers absentmindedly flipping through a magazine as she turned to her older brother Wakasa, who had just come home with news of his upcoming interview.

“Bro,” she grinned, eyes sparkling, “now you'll get so much money from that company, right? We’re finally going to be rich!”

Her excitement was contagious, and even Ren, their youngest sibling, couldn’t help but jump into the conversation. “Hey,” he said, tugging at Wakasa’s sleeve, “will you give me pocket money too? I wanna buy a robot car.”

Their mother and father paused mid-conversation, glancing at each other in slight confusion. “Robot car?” Wakasa repeated with a chuckle, clearly amused. “You mean like... the ones in the movies?”

Ren nodded enthusiastically, eyes lighting up like stars. “Yes! It’s a remote control car that turns into a robot when you press the buttons on the controller!”

Liz snorted, rolling her eyes. “Oh, idiot. You’re fourteen. At your age, Mama was already married. And you’re here dreaming about toy cars like a baby.”

Ren turned red with embarrassment, glaring at her. “So what? And you're here daydreaming about becoming a singer. You think that’s modest?”

Before another sibling war could erupt, their father raised a hand gently. “Enough,” he said calmly, his voice grounding the room. Then, turning to Ren, he added with warmth, “Let’s put the car aside for a moment. Tell me, son—what do you want to become? Your siblings have dreams. What about you?”

Ren hesitated, his fingers fumbling nervously in his lap. His mother chuckled softly, eyes filled with affection. “Aw… what do you wanna be, my sweet boy?” she asked, placing a hand over his.

Ren blushed harder and buried his face into the crook of his arm. He couldn’t speak, too shy to say anything. Wakasa saved him from the moment, patting his back with a grin. “Don’t worry, Mom, Dad. Forget about some robot cars. I’ll buy you both real cars once I get the job. And you can drive wherever you want.”

Their mother laughed heartily at his proud declaration. Wakasa then turned to her with a more serious tone. “Mom, tomorrow I’m going for the interview at that company. I’m not sure where my documents are, so could you hand them to me in the morning before I leave?”

“Of course,” she nodded, standing up. “Now come on, Liz. Help me with the dishes.”

Liz groaned, dragging herself up from the sofa. “Ugh, Mom, you’re the only woman on earth who dares to order a future singer like me around,” she said, but followed her with a playful smile.

In the kitchen, their mother hummed as she laid out the plates while Liz arranged them absentmindedly, her mind drifting. Their father, Wakasa, and Ren joined shortly after, settling in for dinner. Ren took one bite and let out a dramatic sigh. “Ahh! So yummy! Mom, I love curry rice!”

“I knew that,” she replied, pleased. “That’s why I cooked it.”

Their father joined in with a gentle smile. “So, Ren… have you thought more about what you want to be? A policeman? A teacher? A barber?”

Ren mumbled through his food, avoiding the question altogether. Wakasa leaned in. “How’s school going, by the way?”

Ren gave a small nod but didn’t elaborate. He didn’t want to talk about how uncomfortable he felt when the girls at school approached him. There were things that still felt too complicated to explain.

Just then, Liz’s eyes wandered to the calendar on the kitchen wall. Her eyes widened. Tomorrow was their parents’ 20th wedding anniversary. An idea immediately sparked in her mind.

After dinner, as their mother cleaned up, Ren tugged at their father’s arm. “Papa, can I spend the night in your room? I wanna tell you lots of stories.”

“Sure,” he replied without hesitation, ruffling Ren’s hair.

But Liz blocked Ren’s path, her hands on her hips. “Nope! Ren’s not sleeping with Dad tonight. He’s a teenager now, and teenagers don’t need cuddles. Come with me—you’ll sleep with your siblings tonight.” She grabbed his wrist and pulled him along. Everyone else stared, puzzled by her sudden energy.

Once inside the room, Liz closed the door, spinning dramatically toward her brothers. “Bro, tomorrow is Mom and Dad’s 20th anniversary.”

Ren blinked. “That’s why you dragged me here, idiot?”

“Shut up,” Liz whispered, “and shhh—listen first.”

Meanwhile, in their quiet bedroom, their parents lay in bed under soft lighting. Their mother reached out tentatively, her voice almost a whisper. “Love…?”

“Hm? Yes, love?” he replied, his arm draped over his forehead.

“I wanted to ask something,” she said shyly. “Can you… skip work tomorrow?”

He turned his head to look at her, eyes soft. “Hmm… I’ll think about it. I’ll call in and ask for a day off.” She smiled in relief and snuggled into his side. He chuckled, brushing his fingers over her hair. “You’re acting like a lovesick teenager. You’re 35 and a mother of three.”

She sat up with a start. “Oh, Wakasa has his interview tomorrow! I need to find his documents,” she said, rushing out.

Back in the siblings’ room, Liz pulled out her tiny wallet. “I’ve got some pocket money. I’ll buy them a gift.”

Ren perked up. “Me too! But… what should I get?”

Liz thought for a moment. “Two bouquets. Couples love flowers.”

“I’ll buy a cake,” Wakasa added. “What flavor does Mom like?”

Right then, their mother entered with Wakasa’s documents. “What flavor who likes?” she asked suspiciously. But instead of questioning further, she handed the file to Wakasa and walked out. The three of them froze in place, hearts pounding in synchronized panic, but relieved she hadn’t discovered the surprise.

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The next day, Liz wandered through the local market, eventually settling on a delicate wrapped gift. Ren had skipped school and spent the whole morning searching for the most beautiful bouquet he could afford. By 3:30pm, Liz arrived at home—only to find the house locked. Ren arrived moments later, equally confused.

“Where’s Mom?” Liz frowned. “We’re usually home by 4:00… it’s only 3:30.”

“Maybe they’re trying to surprise us instead,” Ren guessed.

Just then, a car pulled up and Wakasa stepped out, surprised to see them waiting. “What are you two doing here?”

“Mom’s not home,” Ren replied.

“What if someone kidnapped them?” Liz added dramatically.

Wakasa sighed, searching under the doormat. He found a note in their father’s handwriting—it said they’d gone out for a walk. Wakasa stared at the writing for a long moment, a quiet wave of relief brushing through him. Maybe I was wrong, he thought. Dad’s been acting different lately, but… maybe he’s just happy I’m stepping up.

Ren peeked over his shoulder. “So Papa wrote it? Haha, I make him do my homework every morning too!”

Wakasa nearly dropped the paper. That’s why Ren always woke up early—he’d been quietly dragging their dad into morning homework marathons.

Then Gabe stepped out of the car and smiled. “Hey, is it someone’s anniversary?”

Liz nodded as her cheeks flushed pink. Just then, she noticed Ren was only holding one bouquet.

“They gave me only this one,” he mumbled. “Didn’t have enough for two.”

Wakasa unlocked the door, and they all stepped inside to prepare. Plates were set, the cake placed neatly in the center, candles lined up with care. Laughter filled the air as Liz sneakily served Gabe extra slices of cake, blushing harder each time he thanked her.

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Meanwhile, in a quiet, tree-lined park, their parents sat on a bench, hands entwined.

“I worry a lot,” their mother whispered. “But our kids… they’re growing up.”

“They’re good kids,” he said softly. “And I’m happy. Happy to be with you.”

“I know I faced a lot,” she replied, eyes misty. “But your burdens are even heavier. You’re a good husband. I’ll do my best to support you… till the end.”

He smiled gently, then stood. “Let’s go. Our kids must be home by now.”

When they arrived, they noticed an unfamiliar pair of shoes by the door—Gabe’s. Just as they were about to enter, a voice from inside shouted, “Ren! Don’t eat the cake! It’s for Mom and Dad!”

They looked at each other, stunned. Papa reached for the door and opened it to find their children rushing around in a whirlwind of flowers, laughter, and cake.

“HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MAMA AND PAPA!!!” they shouted in unison.

Their parents’ eyes filled with joy and disbelief as they were pulled into the warm, cozy celebration. Gabe was thanked for helping, and the room echoed with laughter, soft teasing, and the clink of plates being passed around. In all the joy, they forgot to ask Wakasa about his interview.

Liz continued serving Gabe, secretly stealing glances at him, and the evening felt like a perfect photograph—soft, golden, and full of love.

And just when it felt like nothing could ruin the moment… their father’s phone rang.

His smile faded.

And everything paused.

To be continued...

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Let me know when you’re ready for Chapter 7 🌟🌟🌟🌟🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩.