It was almost 8 PM at night. The snow had finally stopped. Rei, Sera, Alya, and Mr. and Mrs. Ishimia were all enjoying each other's company. Warm laughter filled the room. For the first time, Rei felt like he had a real family.
Then it all went silent…
Mrs. Ishimia's eyes grew serious. She leaned forward, her tone sharp.
"So, Rei… when are you thinking about getting married to Sera?"
"Married?" Rei blinked.
"Not again, mooooommmm!" yelled Sera, throwing her hands up.
Rei's soul visibly left his body.
Mr. Ishimia grabbed Rei's hand dramatically.
"Rei… I've raised my daughter with love… Please take care of her…"
"I THINK YOU'VE GOT IT ALL WRONG, SIR!!" Rei shouted, panicking.
Alya stepped up next.
"Please take care of my sis," she said with a sweet smile that somehow felt like a threat.
Sera gave a broken laugh.
"It was nice knowing you guys," she whispered… and collapsed on the couch like she was passing away.
"SERA, STAY WITH ME!!" Rei yelled, shaking her like a fallen comrade.
Mrs. Ishimia tilted her head.
"Oh, I had one more question… but she's sleeping. How can I ask her now?"
"She's not sleeping, Mrs. Ishimia… You literally showed her heaven this time!" said Rei, face in disbelief.
Sera slowly opened her eyes.
"I saw a golden gate… and some clouds…"
"SHE SAW HEAVEN!!" Rei cried out again, dramatically pointing to the ceiling.
"Rei," Mrs. Ishimia said again, eyes sharp.
"Yeah?" Rei replied nervously.
"How many children are you thinking of having with Sera?"
Rei and Sera's faces went red. Like, full crimson. Like they were about to explode.
"I see heaven…" they both muttered as they smacked their heads onto the table and passed out—again.
"Some more questions, guys!" Alya said cheerfully, slapping their cheeks softly.
"Why did I even bother finding her?" groaned Sera.
"I should've slept a little longer…" Rei mumbled.
Mrs. Ishimia clapped her hands.
"So, Rei—what do you want as your first child? Boy, girl, or twins?"
Rei looked at her, face blank, soul gone. No expression at all.
"I would like a girl."
"Huh?!" Sera sat up straight.
"I mean… she didn't ask if you were the mother or not, so I just answered honestly."
"Oh, right… WAIT, WHAT?! DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER GIRL IN YOUR EYES OTHER THAN ME?!"
"Huh?"
"Nothin'."
Mrs. Ishimia grinned and fired off again.
"So, Rei, would you like two, three, or four children? Or… are you and Sera gonna build a whole soccer team?"
Rei looked at Mr. Ishimia, begging with his eyes.
"Save me…"
Mr. Ishimia sipped his tea and looked away.
"Who are you? I don't even know you."
"TRAITOR," Sera growled.
"Even Mr. Ishimia betrayed us," groaned Rei.
-to be continued
-~Rei