Enough!

We had dinner and I went home that very night. I still can't quite process what was happening. Karl was being weirded by me the whole time not that I can blame him. Still, I really am back.

I can hardly believe it but I don't think I'm in an illusion of some sort either because I can clearly feel all the sensations. I can even taste the noodles Karl cooked for us. But if it is indeed an illusion, then I would say that the one who cast it was pretty cruel.

But where is Iksha? That blue-haired woman and the mortema? Was this part of the covenant something they're talking about? Ha! Whatever. Illusion or not, I would like to see my family even just a bit.

I picked up my pace as soon as I saw the shop I frequently visit whenever I wanted to celebrate something but didn't have that much cash. Not that I ever had enough to begin with.

I double-checked the little change I have in my pocket before getting inside.

"Oy! Sean, it's been a while," greeted the old man as he wipes one of the tables. He's been running this shop for forty years already. He's getting old but the quality of his food never changed. In fact, he's very passionate about what he's doing.

"Y-Yeah. It's been a while." Indeed. It's been a while. Especially for me as it felt like it's been forever already. Making conversation with him is pretty awkward and a little heart-wrenching. Because I know that a year from now, he will die.

"Is there anything you want?"

"Uhh… Yes. Yes. A serving of stir-fried vegetables, please." I told him as I fumbled through the coins in my pocket. How much was it again? Oh! Right!

"Sure! Wait for a bit, okay? This old man is getting slow, haha." It didn't take long before he handed me the warm plastic containing my order.

"Please, come again," he said with a smile. But it was a struggle for me to smile back.

"Uhh… Uncle George." I called out to him before pulling the door open.

"Yes, Sean?"

"Nothing. Just — Just take care of your health." I told him.

"Ah? Hahha. Of course, I will. But don't say it like you're about to say goodbye. You too! You're still young so don't abuse your body." I shot him a smile, a genuine one, and left soon after.

"Sean!"

"What's this, Sean?" It was Luca and Dylan, my brothers. For some reason, my eyes began to heat up.

"Hey! You're crying," Luca said.

"Ah?" I immediately wipe it off with my sleeve. I don't understand why am I being emotional right now at all times. I need to have fun with them as much as I can. For I don't know when will all of this end. Who knows? Maybe I'm back to being Jack after I went to the bathroom.

"No, I'm not. Something went in my eyes. Where's father?"

"Upstairs," they both answered.

"What's he doing?"

"As usual. Drunk," Dylan said.

I don't know. But for some reason, I feel like I wanted to beat some sense into my father. I'm not angry at him. In fact, I understand why he's become like that. Especially since it hasn't been a year since mother died. But I can't allow him to remain like that. I wanted to see some hope in this household before I find myself in a different body again. I didn't really like the idea but I'm not sure how much longer I can stay here.

"Here. Bring this to the kitchen. I'll go get father," I told the two as I shoved the plastic to them.

Empty bottles, trash that hasn't been thrown out for days, untidy room, and a wasted man lying on the floor.

"Hey, father! Get up," I told him while shaking him.

"Hmm?"

"Get up. How could you lie on a floor this dirty? And have you seen yourself in the mirror? When was the last you've taken a bath?"

I made him lean on the bed frame and he smiled at me, more broadly than usual. "Well. Well. If it isn't Sean. Hic! My very responsible son."

"Father stop it."

"Oh, Sean. What'll I do without you? Hic! Your mom's gone." And he slid back on the floor again.

Sigh!

"And my worth's gone as well."

"Father, that's not true. Pull your shits together and move on. It wasn't just you who's lost someone."

"Hic! I'm a useless father, ain't I?" he said as he rolled to the side. "Can't even provide for my sons. Good thing we have you—"

"ENOUGH!"