totally meta

chapter 44

Henry paced the jewelry store, glancing nervously at the display of engagement rings. His mind was spinning as he tried to choose the perfect one for Dr. Harris. It wasn't just the idea of getting the right ring—it was the weight of the decision behind it. He wanted to marry her. He knew that much. But the thought of actually proposing, of committing to something so permanent, made him feel like his heart was racing at superspeed. Considering he actually has superspeed, that is something.

After staring at a particularly elegant ring with a small diamond for what felt like an eternity, Henry decided to step outside for a breather. He pulled out his phone and dialed his mom. If anyone could help him sort through the chaos in his head, it was her.

"Hey, Mom," Henry said when she picked up.

"Henry, hi! Everything okay?" his mom's warm voice came through the line.

"Yeah, I... I need to tell you something," he began, hesitating as he glanced back at the store. "I'm... I'm going to propose to Dr. Harris."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before his mom spoke again, her voice a mixture of surprise and understanding. "You're really going to ask her to marry you?"

Henry nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "Yeah. I've been thinking about it for a while, and I know it's what I want to do. But... I guess I'm a little nervous."

"I knew your relationship with Dr. Harris was getting serious, but I didn't realize it was *that* serious," his mom said, her tone soft. "Are you sure you're ready for such a big commitment, Henry? Marriage isn't something you can just take lightly."

Henry sighed, leaning against the wall of the store. "That's the thing. I'm worried about it. I know marriage is a huge deal, but... I love her. And she's been there for me through everything, even when things got complicated with my powers and Seven Labs. I want to be with her."

His mom was quiet for a moment, and when she spoke again, her voice was filled with concern. "I believe you, Henry. But I just want you to be careful. Marriage can be... difficult. Your father and I, we loved each other once too, but after you were born, things changed. We couldn't make it work, and that's why we got divorced."

Henry closed his eyes, nodding to himself. He knew about his parents' divorce, how things had fallen apart after he was born. It had always been a painful subject, but his mom rarely talked about it in detail.

"I know," he said quietly. "And I'll be careful, Mom. I promise. But I think... I think this is different. I feel like Dr. Harris and I can make it work."

His mom sighed, the concern still lingering in her voice. "I'm glad you feel that way. And if you're sure, then go ahead. I just want you to be happy. And if Dr. Harris is the one who makes you happy, then I'll support you. Just remember, marriage isn't always easy."

"I will," Henry assured her. He paused, the words catching in his throat before he spoke again. "Mom, there's something else I've been meaning to ask you. Do you know where Dad is now? I mean... I haven't seen him since I was really little."

There was another long silence on the other end, and Henry could almost hear the tension in his mom's breath. When she finally spoke, her voice wavered slightly, as if she was holding back tears.

"He's... he's living out in the woods now," she said quietly. "Near a small town a few hours away. I'll give you the address."

Henry's heart sank. He hadn't realized how much it would hurt to hear his mom's voice break like that. He had always wondered about his dad, but he had never asked before. It had been easier not to think about it. But now, as he prepared to take a big step in his own life, the absence of his father weighed on him.

"Thanks, Mom," he said softly. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's okay, Henry," she replied, her voice regaining its strength. "You have a right to know. Just... be careful if you decide to reach out to him."

"I will," Henry promised again.

They said their goodbyes, and Henry stood there for a moment, looking out at the street. His mind was still buzzing with everything his mom had said. He was nervous, yes, but proposing to Dr. Harris felt right. He loved her, and he wanted to build a future with her.

With renewed determination, Henry walked back into the store. He knew what he had to do.

This was his choice, his life. And despite the fears and uncertainties, he was ready to take the next step.