"That's our boy"

Time spent with my family feels like heaven. The change in atmosphere, my parents being goofy as ever and Jane sleek in my arms...I've never wished for anything more.

"So today's my last day??" I enthusiastically ask the doctor who came in to check up on my health status.

"Yes, Mr. Jones. You're free to go after I have run some tests on you. Probably in a few hours by this evening." I wanted to jump up to the ceiling but my muscles are all cramped from laying on the bed for some too many inhumane hours.

"I'm so happy! I thought I would have to stay for a few more days but it seems like you all have helped me get better sooner! My catalysts!" My exclamation makes them laugh heartily.

"Alright, I'm going to go make your room for you, baby boy. It gets shabby even if you haven't been staying there for a few days." My mom states out and I nod.

"Did Dan come over sometime?"

"Yes, he did. But then he left for practice again."

Oh...

The practice...

How could I forget about that?

But now since I've been proclaimed as the elemental...there's no absolute chance for me to join the Academy.

Now I'm sad...

"Ron. I know what you're thinking. But imagine, my boy," my dad sits beside me and pats my shoulder. I always forget that my parents and I share a mind link through blood. My mom, upon a signal from dad, beckons Jane out and starts a casual talk with her. That leaves me alone with my father and I'm all ears to what he has to say.

"You have a lot more responsibility on your shoulders now, son. The people will look up to you, even more than the king or the royalty because you're their hero. You were aloof and were a free bird when your identity was still under the shadows, but now is not the case. It's changed, and I hope you do whatever is right to keep the people happy. That's the sign of a true leader. Royalty, or not."

I'm feeling very motivated now, and I sincerely wish to keep the motivation burning in me to carry on my duties just like my father had said.

"I understand, dad. I'll be serious."

"Be yourself, my boy."

That hit harder than ever. I blink as I'm taken aback and dumbfounded. My mother walks back in and kisses my cheek before leaving once and for all.

"We'll come pick you up when the hospital calls us, alright?"

"Okay, dad. Thank you! I love you!" I shout when they were just about to close the door behind them. And my awkward father doesn't respond but just chuckles and walks farther away.

"That was so cute."

"Huh? What was cute?"

"Nothing." upon that, I narrow my eyes on Jane.

"What? Don't look at me like that!"

"Fine. But tell me. What about Natalie?" I enquire again, three days in a row.

"Oh. Right. She was discharged this morning. It totally slipped from my mind." I say nothing and oat her back.

"You're a busy lady yourself, your Highness. And about the King, he's truly happy with what we've done, right?" The query still resides in my mind even if I've been assured for more than a hundred times by my Princess.

The doctor comes in again, the male nurse behind him holding a tray of various instruments.

"I'll have a few ml of your blood, mister."

"Yup." I extend my hand without any hesitation, having used to small injuries all my life now.

"That's it. I'll get your reports ready in an hour, Mr. Jones."

"And I'll be waiting!" The doctor chuckles along with me because he understands. No one likes to be bed ridden in a hospital for far too long.

—

"We're here~"

"And I hate this wheelchair." I huff and puff as I complain about the uncomfortable wheelchair I was seated onto. My butt starts to ache, the pain starting to ride up to my lower back as the sparks spurge on.

"Oh, we're almost going home you big baby!~" again...

"Jane." I clench my jaw, in a adoring-irritated way.

"Do NOT call me a baby ever again."

"Uh huh? What are you going to do about it?" she challenges me, her face coming closer to mine as she bends to my height.

"I could prove it to you that I'm not a baby anymore..."

Oh, yes. She realised she's in trouble now~

Her cheeks redden but the challenge in her eyes stays for awhile. Just a minute later, my gaze intensifies and she is forced to look away.

"That's what I thought, baby girl."

"Alright, the billings are done and I've cleaned your room too- why are you laughing?" My mom asks sternly to the man she calls her husband.

"I'm so sorry to say this but, Ron, you look HIDEOUS sitting in that wheelchair!!" dad bends over whilst bursting into a fit of laughter. The sentence was so sudden and triumph that I too burst into shocked giggles which turned into full on laughter.

"Y-you look like a clown in that dress too!" be begins wheezing and I slap my tough in amusement, regretting it later as I let out an, "ouch".

"You never understand this father-son duo anyway, honey. Let's buy some medicines for him. Help me?"

"Sure, Mrs.Jo— I mean, mom." aw my heart!

I heard the voices of the two while I was still laughing with my dad as we made silly faces to each other. Truly, if anything, my parents are my superheros because they brought me up in the most special ways. The hardships they've been through as farmers...I know I'm acknowledging this again but I can't help but admire these lovely people around me.

Soon after my mom purchases the required medicines, I get inside the small car my family owns, Jane right behind us in her royal modern carriage.

"I wish we were rich too..." I simply joke, already knowing I'm going to get an earful from them.

"Ronnie. Us farmers provide the-"

"Food and grain to every family in the city, honey. I know mom. I know. I just...I want you all to live your lives luxuriously. You both have been working so hard for me and the society but, I personally want to see you both smiling and spending your old ages in happiness, without tensions."

"Oh, Ronnie..." her soft warmth of her hand caresses my hair and I lean on her shoulder.

"We will, baby. One day."

"I will, momma. One day. I love you both so much. I'll do everything in my power to bring as much happiness as you can take. I promise."

"That's our boy."