Real.Doc - Part 2 - Joe (English Version)

Here and there

Joe, Mary, and Rony decided to stop by the mall to pick up a few things for the house. While passing by an electronics store, Joe couldn't help but notice the latest gaming consoles on display. Seeing Joe's interest, Rony quipped, "Ah, you were one of those?" Joe smiled, admitting his guilt. Rony corrected, "You still are one of those?"

Joe, looking like he was having ideas, joined them and went back home. Once there, he used his phone to check the prices. After some consideration, he decided to test his new card and... was impressed with the same-day delivery.

"What is it?" Mary asked, hearing the doorbell ring for the delivery. Shortly after, Joe returned with several boxes.

Rony found it amusing and commented, "Looks like we're going to have a kid in the house, one way or another."

Joe quickly set up the new game and was amazed at the advancements. He spent the day reliving his teenage years, eating pizza, drinking beer, and gaming for hours. Rony and Mary went to bed early, as usual. Joe played a bit longer, then started missing Lilian. He wished she was there.

He turned everything off, took a shower, got dressed, and headed to Lilly's house. Fortunately, she had authorized his entry. It was dark when he arrived, indicating she was probably already asleep.

Joe went straight to her bedroom and felt a huge relief seeing her sleeping peacefully. Very quietly, he removed his shoes and lay down beside her, giving her a gentle hug.

~ ~ ~

(Lilly's perspective)

I woke up feeling someone hugging me and immediately recognized Joe. I pulled him closer and whispered, "I'm glad you're here."

"I couldn't sleep without you," he said, kissing my face.

Warm and cozy, we fell asleep wonderfully. Waking up next to him was like a dream, as if I had returned to my best days with him.

"Am I dreaming?" I asked.

He answered with his beautiful smile, leaning in to whisper in my ear, "I'm back, ballerina."

At that moment, he looked so handsome. The daylight illuminated his face perfectly, reminding me of my childhood love for him. I touched his beautiful face, getting emotional over the whole situation.

"Oh no. No, no, no...," he pleaded. "Don't cry." He hugged me tightly, covering me with kisses.

Over breakfast, Joe shared his experience with his new corporate card. Jase was thrilled with the news. Joe used his phone to show the console and games to Jase, who then used his own device to show tips and tutorials.

"You have to show me how to do that because I don't think it's possible," Jase said.

"Trust me, just follow this tutorial. It's an amazing game... you have no idea..."

"Why don't we install one here for you?"

"What?" Jase had never thought about getting a video game like that.

"Wait," Joe said, seeing something on his phone. "Done. It should be here in an hour."

"What?!" Jase stood up, surprised, but immediately went to the living room to study the TV and the stand. Joe followed, and they started discussing the best way to set up the new game. The delivery arrived in about half an hour. "The kids" took longer to unbox and assemble everything than the delivery itself. Soon they were playing and lost track of the world.

~ ~ ~

(External Narrator)

At breakfast, Mary asked her assistant, "And Cao?"

"He didn't sleep at home. He left almost at dawn and hasn't returned."

"Thank you."

After the assistant left, Rony asked, "What's wrong? Why do you want to know where he is?"

"I miss him."

Rony grew a bit concerned. If Mary was feeling this now, imagine when the baby was born. He needed to talk to Lilian.

~ ~ ~

(Lilly's Perspective)

It didn't take long for Joe to say he needed to go home. He mentioned they would continue playing online. As I walked him to the door, I confessed, "I hate this part."

He looked thoughtful and leaned in to say goodbye, "I'll be back soon."

~ ~ ~

(External Narrator)

On his way back home, Joe felt the same sadness. He was torn and trying to do his best in the situation. As soon as he arrived, Mary greeted him with the same affection she showed Chaos. This love always touched both Rony and Joe. Everyone knew he wasn't Chaos, but his mere resemblance warmed MaryAnne's heart. Rony was grateful that Joe accepted staying in that role for Mary.

In the late afternoon, Joe called Lilian.

"Hi."

"Hey, you. I missed you."

"Me too."

"Jase asked me to tell you he unlocked something?"

Joe chuckled.

"Tell him I'll check it out. But first, I wanted to talk to you quickly."

"Sure, what's up?"

"What do you think about... living together again?"

Joe was talking on his phone outside the house, away from everyone, but he could see when Rony came out hurriedly and looked at him, waiting for the answer too. That was Rony's power: reading minds or simply overhearing conversations from a distance.

"I think... yes."

"Yes?" Joe asked to confirm. Rony raised his hands in celebration and rushed back inside.

"Talk to her there and let me know. Jase and I have already discussed it, and he's fine with it."

Joe celebrated quietly.

"Okay! Ron and I will talk to her and let you know."

"Alright."

Inside the house, Rony seemed excited too.

During dinner, Mary asked, "Are you going out again?"

"About that..." Joe began, "now that things have changed."

"And with a baby on the way," Rony added.

"Would you consider having Lilian and Jase with us again?"

"Living here?" Mary asked. "Under the same roof with that boy? I don't know..."

"Just think about it," Joe urged.