“Help me with this,” Juno’s mum handed him a bowl filled with egg to stir. His sister began setting the plates on the table.

In the kitchen, Juno’s father opened a few cupboards, going through each one. “Hey, hon’, you know where I kept the rest of the wine?”

“Isn’t it too early for that?” his wife gave him a resigned look.

“Never too early for some wine.” He opened another cupboard and checked the contents. His wife went back to pulling the chicken from the pot.

“Well, too bad,” he said. “You finished the last one yesterday—now go sit down. You’re taking up all the space.”

Juno laughed, then shut his mouth just as he saw his father’s still face. His father gave him a light slap on the back of the head as he walked out, taking his seat at the dinner table.

Moments later, the kids and their mother came out with trays filled with chicken, salad, sauce, and other delicacies. They arranged the meals on the table, then sat together and prayed.

“Bless this food, O Lord,” Reina-Juno’s sister spoke calmly as she ended her prayer. “May it give us health and nourishment throughout the day. Amen.”

Her hand was quick for the chicken and sauce. She didn’t care how the others saw her. “You snooze, you lose,” she said as she poured sauce onto her rice and chicken.

Juno looked at his mother, but she could do nothing except bow her head. Juno’s father gave him half of his steak as compensation.

They ate quietly—heavy meals in each of their plates—while the news echoed its segment loudly.

Their mother, who had only a sandwich and some tea, turned to Juno. “So, how’s school lately?”

“Nothing new,” Juno said as he slurped his spaghetti. “We got partnered the other day, though. We’re about to get ready for our internship.”

“Ah! So it’s finally time!” Juno’s father spoke proudly, placing a hand on Juno’s shoulder. “My son… finally on his way to being a hero.” He shook him gently.

Juno laughed, and his mother smiled.

“Not with those grades,” Reina muttered.

“Shut it,” Juno retorted.

“Hey!” The parents said in unison, staring daggers at Juno. His father removed his hand from Juno’s shoulder.

Juno went back to his food, nodding at Reina, who smiled across the table as she downed a glass of water.

“Well, you men can do as you like,” their mother said, staring at Reina. “My daughter's gonna be a doctor.” She paused, eyes soft. “Oh, I can see her in a coat already.”

“Mum…” Reina looked down at her plate, her cheeks beginning to flush.

“Hey, look at that,” their father said, pointing at Reina. “That’s how your mother looked on her wedding day.”

They all laughed, exchanging glances and smiles with each other.

The table was split in two: Juno and his father were brown-skinned, while his mother and sister were white. Their home was filled with pictures and flowers, and a small backyard with a swing covered in snow. Polished marble floors and a golden chandelier in the dining room.

Seconds later, Konin’s mum was on the screen again. Juno’s mum froze, staring. “It’s been three months since the incident of July 8th,” the reporter said, “and still tensions seem to continue to rise, following that there might be more events like what we saw a few days ago.”

Juno’s mother sighed. “That’s enough of that.”

She stood up and turned off the TV. When she sat back down, her eyes were flaring up. The table became quiet again, and everyone returned their attention to their food.

Reina placed her hand on her mother’s. Her mother rubbed her thumb along Reina’s fingers.

“Well,” their mother said, already shifting her focus, “I’ll let you guys finish up. I’ll take care of the dishes when you’re all done.”

She walked to the kitchen. Plates clattered in the sink, then she walked upstairs.

Their father wiped his lips with a napkin. “Reina, you can have this,” he said as he stood up, pointing at his food. “And you both—take care of the dishes.” Then he went upstairs.

Reina watched until his shadow faded from the steps. Then she went back to her meal, but she didn’t eat. She just used a fork to spin the rice around.

“What are you sulking about?” Juno asked.

Reina gave him a look—not like he could see it—then returned to staring at her food.