I woke up to a gentle shake. My eyes began fluttering open and scanned the area with my eyes still half-open. I saw a figure beside me. “Hey, wake up.” a male voice gently told me. Is it my father? I tried opening my eyes wider and it is my father. “Wh-what's wrong...?” I asked. “Oh, thank goodness you're awake. I was afraid you'd fall asleep endlessly again.” he said with relief. Huh... now that he mentioned it, I didn't dream of anything. And my body still feels fresh. I rose from my laying position. “What time is it...?” I asked my father. “It's 18:27 PM. It's almost dinner time.” he told. “What?!” I gasped in shock and immediately got off from my bed. “Hey, calm down. You'll stumble and fall.” he said. As if it was planned, I did nearly stumble and fall, only to be saved by the wall I held onto. My father sighed. I turned around and saw him shaking head with a smile. “Geez, be more careful. We'll be waiting downstairs.” he said and left my room. “Yeah.” I said. Afterwards, I head to the bathroom.
I rushed downstairs and I can smell my mother's cookings. “Wow... it smells great? What's for today's dinner?” I asked. “Well, since you missed out Christmas, I figured we'd make a Christmas special dinner. But, it's surprise~!” my mother giggled. Oh, yeah. I was told I slept for nearly a year. I turned around to the living room and saw my father with my little sister who's crawling on the floor while playing with her toys, and my brother sitting on the couch watching a cartoon. “What'cha watchin', li'l buddy?” I asked. “Anime!” he cheered. “Well, I can see that ya li'l dork. I meant what anime?” I said while pinching his cheeks. “Oweee! It'sh N*ruto!” he said. I laughed and let go of his cheeks. “Alright, alright. I'm just kidding. I know what you're watching.” I told. “Broootherrr!” he playfully starts punching me. I held my arms up to protect myself as I laughed.
(I hope this does not get copyright striked lmao)
“Now, now, you two. Don't fight, okay?” my father chuckled. We retreated and nodded. Both of us then watched the TV.
...
“Dinner's ready!” my mother yelled. All of us looked to the dining hall and rushed there. I can smell the food just from the living room. “Yay! Dinner!” li'l bro cheered. “Wow... a lot of chicken and cake? When did you have the time to make it?” I asked my mom. “Oh, we just ordered the cake from a bakery.” she said. I thought she cooked it herself. Though, it might take a lot of time. “And that large chicken on the plate?” I asked again. “I cooked it myself. That I can assure.” she said triumphantly. A lot of food for today's dinner, huh? I think today I'll be puking for a full hour...
“Hm? What's wrong, Y/n?” my father asked as he gently placed my little sister into the crib. “I... just think it's too much food. I really appreciate it! But... isn't this a bit too much?” I said. “Ahaha! Silly, we're having guests later!” my mother said. Oh, that makes sense. “And if we have leftover, we can just eat them the next day.” my father added. “You're right. Who are the guests?” I asked. “Your grandparents, uncles and aunts of course!” my mother said happily. She's perhaps very ecstatic. “So we're waiting for them first?”
“Duh!” my two year old brother sassed. “Wow, look at you, being all sassy.” I poked his nose. He's a fast learner. He can speak just from the age of two. And this leads him to learn a lot of questionable words. “Then, as we wait, how about we give you your gifts?” my mother suggested. “Sounds wonderful! I'll get them.” my father stood up. “Ooh! Let me help, dad!” li'l bro eagerly jumped off from his seat and followed father. I laughed at this sight.
After a few minutes, they returned with their gifts in hand. My brother only carried one and my father carried the rest. “Was this really needed? I have nothing in return.” I said. “It's alright. You waking up is like a Christmas miracle on its own.” my mother answered. “Here! Open mine, first. It's the most special one!” my brother eagerly handed it to me. I took it and opened it. “Huh?”
It was a new phone and a toy? Alongside a letter inside it. “You... got me a new phone? And what's this toy? Don't tell me it's actually yours and you gifted me your old toy.” I said. “Whaaat? How do you know?” my brother just frowned. “Did I figure it out too quickly?” I chuckled. “But dad bought the new phone and I just used it as a gift. Isn't it special?” he cheered up back again. “Wow... thanks a lot, li'l bro and father.” I said as I bowed and then patted my brother's head. “Hahaha! It's all good, son. Oh, and maybe you should start calling us more informally?” he laughed. “Informally? What do you mean?” I asked. “You keep calling us ‘father’ and ‘mother’ for years. Just call us ‘dad’ and ‘mom’. It's alright!” he said. Come to think of it, I remember when I was adopted, I have always called them in a more formal manner. “Are you sure?”
“You're always so polite, even to your own family. We were just thinking of maybe you should loosen up a bit. It's okay to be informal with us, but don't misbehave.” my mother said. “I'm not sure if I entirely understand, but alright.” I scratched my head. “Anyways, my gift is next.” dad said. He handed me his gift. “Thanks, dad.” I smiled and eagerly shakes the box in curiosity. “Ahahaha! You immediately went informal!” he laughed suddenly. “H-huh? Was it too soon?”
“Nah, it's fine. I'm just happy to hear it. But I like the part where you immediately do something you're told. It's a good side of you.” he said. “Ah... w-well... because your my dad and mom. It'd only make sense that way.” I rebutted. “Fair point. Well, don't hold on any longer, go ahead and open it!” he said. I carefully pulled the ribbon crossed the entire box and opened the top. “Whoa! Dad, you got me this?”
I pulled out a Nintendo 3DS. “Yes! Isn't it wonderful? I saved up enough money for this.” he said. “Wow... then, thanks dad.” I said. I can't wait to play games on it.
“And finally, how about mine?” my mother stood up and handed me her gift. I took it and unwrapped it.
“Huh...? What's this?”
I pulled out a shirt with a picture on it.
The picture shows Flandre Scarlet, from the game
“Mom... did you bought this for me?” I asked. “Of course. I figured you would like it, since it is your favourite game. And it has pretty patterns on it.” she said. My head started to pound again. I didn't want to make my family worry again, so I held in the pain. I folded the shirt back. “T-thanks, mom...” I said. Not sure if I'll gladly wear it often.
Then suddenly, the doorbell rang. “I'll go get it.” dad said. He stood up and went to the entrance door. “Ah, welcome! Please, come in.” dad spoke faintly in the background. Then a lot of footsteps came in. Then a bunch of laughter as they slowly approached the dining room. I tried to see what's going on in the living room. There's my cousins, grandma and grandpa, and uncles and aunts. Oh, god. Why do I feel nervous?
“Is that Y/n I see?” my grandma said. I was startled, but stood up anyways. “H-hey, grandma...” I waved awkwardly, unsure of what to say. “Oh...!! My grandchild!” she said with unexplainable joy filling her voice as she swiftly approached me and gave me a warm embrace. “Hello, grandma. Good evening...” I greeted. “I'm so glad to see you awake, Y/n. Good evening to you, too.” she spoke. She then lets go, revealing her teary face. “You look awful.” one of my cousin said. “Ahaha... I guess I do, huh?” I scratched the back of my head as I said that, and also trying to fix my appearance. “Well, we're so happy that you're awake. We were so worried. And when we heard you woke up, we feel the need to celebrate it.” my grandpa said. “Really? But there's absolutely no need to...!” I said. “No, we must. Don't be so humble about it. You really haven't changed, Y/n.” my uncle laughed. I just chuckled awkwardly as an answer.
We all gathered around the table inside the dining room. Everyone brought gifts for me, for Christmas and my awake. Then, we all prayed together. And finally, we eat dinner together. It's more like... a party. A lot of things happened than just dinner. We played games and talk a lot of what I missed while I was asleep.
...
...
...
It's now 10 PM. The other family members slowly began to depart. “Waaahhh!! No! I don't wanna leave!” one of my younger cousins cried. “Shhh... it's okay! We can visit them again.” her mother said. “Ahaha! Yeah, come visit again some time, aunt.” I said. “Yes, we will. Please await our future arrival. In the mean time, please excuse us.” she replied as she carried her daughter. Both of us bowed and wave eachother goodbye. “That was fun. Too bad it was rather short-lived.” my dad said. That's true. I haven't seen them for nearly a year. “Worry not, we will see them during New Year's.” my mom replied as she washed the dishses alongside my little brother. “Oh, yes. Dear? Could you carry our little girl back to her room?” my mom said. “Oh, yes, of course.” he answered. “Y/n, before I go, be sure to wake up early tomorrow.” my dad said. “W-what? Tomorrow?”
“Yes. We have to tell the principal that you're awake and pick up the lessons you missed out.” he explained. “I-I see. I understand, dad.” I nodded. “Very well, have a good night, son.” he said and left. I sighed from exhaustion and headed upstairs to my room.
I changed my clothes and jumped onto the bed with exhaustion. I feel tired and full after the party. But... that really didn't help clear my thoughts a lot. I still wonder of the strange headaches I suffer a lot. I could never tell anyone, I don't want to worry them. Besides, what would thess headaches even mean? Was it because of my dreams? But I dreamt of nothing lately. The last time I did was when I first woke up again, I could remember myself dreaming something that feels so real, I had nearly mistaken it for what truly happened to me. “All... I remember that it was... about my dad's game. Touhou Project...” I mumbled to myself. I sighed even more and tried to sleep.
...
Didn't fall asleep at all. I tried to force my eyes shut, but it keeps slowly opening on their own. Then, I remembered of the message on my computer screen. “They want to tell me something? But what could it be? Who is this person?”
A light headache. Ugh, again?! I can't believe this. Maybe I should've told my parents about it so I can get a medicine for my headaches. But why? I remember not the type to easily have headaches unless it's stress. Especially as frequent as this. Am I suffering an illness? I mean, in my sleepy state a disease can easily infect me, I guess? It can't just be a coincidence.
When the headache slowly got worse, I tried to change my thoughts. It slowly disappeared and before I even realize it, I soon fall asleep anyways.
...
To be continued.
I guess as a part of being an author, there's gotta be at least someone who tryna rush me. Well it happens a lot, considering there's my other popular book and I keep seeing comments rushing me to update LMAO.
Not that I'm naming anyone or blaming them, I just feel like speaking it out just cuz I feel like it.
Coincidentally I'm suffering a lot of headaches myself. Days have especially been stressful for me.
But I always try to spare my time for something else so here it is.
Thanks for reading.