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Liam's Pov
Alan and Judith let Jake set up his new game console, but he turned to me "Promise you'll play with me before you leave!"
"I promise." and just like that, Jake darted off to set up his new PlayStation
Eve: "You just bound yourself to a legally non-binding contract with an 7-year-old. Risk level: minimal."
Judith and I sat on the patio while Alan ducked inside for a moment.
"Sometimes, I feel… stuck. My whole world's this house, Jake, Alan, cooking… no friends, no outings. Just… the routine."
"Yeah. I get it. The walls close in when every day looks the same. Maybe try something completely different — a cooking class, surfing, even a gym membership. Something just for you."
"Surfing? I can't even swim." she said with a faint smile which showed more regret.
"All the more reason to start small. You're a great wife and a great mom Judith, but you deserve something that's just yours."
Eve: "Empathy level: maximum. You're basically a walking emotional support latte."
Judith's gaze softened. I knew that she always liked me — not because I flattered her, but because I understood and talked with her without judging.
Alan came back out, sitting down with us and asked "So, this new DA job — excited?"
"Yeah. It's the start line, not the finish. Big challenges ahead, but I'm ready."
"Any special someone in New York?" Judith asked with curiosity
"Casual flings here and there, but nothing serious. Right now, my focus is one hundred percent on the job ahead."
Alan shook his head with a mix of admiration and annoyance and said "You always make it sound like you've got life figured out."
"Nothing's figured out. I just move toward my goals and deal with the obstacles as they show up."
Eve: "Translation: Zen warrior mindset with a side of smug charm. Works every time."
Alan chuckled, Judith smiled warmly, and for a moment, everything felt like the picture-perfect family lunch… minus Mom ranking us in her head.
After playing with Jake for sometime as promised, I said my goodbye to the three of them and left.
The cab hummed along the streets of Sherman Oaks, sunlight slanting low as the day eased toward evening.
Lunch with Alan, Judith, and Jake had been… different.
At first, it felt like stepping onto a set with familiar faces, familiar quirks, the easy humor that came with them, but once you were actually there, sitting across the table, you noticed more.
Judith's quiet sighs when she thought no one was watching. Alan's way of smiling too wide whenever he mentioned his latest "accomplishment." Jake's excitement masking the fact he probably didn't get much of that kind of attention.
It wasn't all comedy beats. There was life happening in between the jokes.
"You're thinking about them." Eve asked
'It wasn't something I could switch off. I'd gone into this expecting lighthearted fun, like interacting with characters in a story that I already knew but now… they weren't just characters.'
"I get it. You met them, you talked to them, and now they're real to you. That's not a bad thing — just don't lose yourself in it."
She wasn't mocking me, not this time. Her voice was softer.
'This world might have been built for someone's entertainment, but from where I was standing, it was real enough. Real enough for them to have struggles I couldn't just ignore.'
"True. But remember, you can't fix everything for everyone. No one can. You still have to live your life. Make your choices. Decide what matters to you. The rest… you let go."
Her words landed somewhere between advice and warning, and I knew she was right.
I'd thought I could keep them at arm's length, treat them as part of the scenery, but I couldn't. Not anymore.
"Then don't. Care about them if you want. Just promise me you'll care about yourself just as much. You've got a chance here that most people don't even dream about — to build your life the way you want. Don't waste it being a supporting character in someone else's story."
By the time the cab reached my building, the sun had dipped low enough to paint the sky in orange and violet.
I unlocked the apartment and stood for a moment in the quiet.
I couldn't change everything in this world, but I could choose the battles I fought and with the DA job starting soon, I'd need every ounce of focus, skill, and the right people by my side, but also something more pressing that I realized was this place wasn't just a backdrop. It was as real as I wanted it to be.
"And just so we're clear, I'll let you get wrapped up in people's lives when it matters… but if you disappear into their world again, I'm dragging you out myself."
I chuckled, shaking my head. I knew she meant it. And maybe that was exactly what I needed someone who could keep me grounded without clipping my wings.
Mom's name flashed across my phone screen, and I picked up. "Liam, sweetheart," she said warmly, and I could hear that little lilt in her voice she only used with me. "How's my favorite son doing?"
I smiled despite myself. "I'm doing fine, Mom. How about you?"
"Oh, I'm wonderful now that you're here in California. I swear, it feels like forever since I last saw you. Are you settling in okay? Is the apartment well maintained? You've been eating properly, right?"
I chuckled. "Yes, yes, and yes. I'm fine, Mom."
"That's good. Well, I just called to say I'll be there at 6:30 sharp to pick you up. I've made reservations at a very good restaurant, so wear something that makes you look as handsome as I know you are."
"Works for me," I said. "And thanks for arranging it."
She sounded pleased. "Oh, it's no trouble at all. You know I love spending time with you. We'll have a lovely evening."
"Looking forward to it," I told her.
"Good boy," she said fondly, then, "Alright, I'll let you rest. I'll see you soon, Liam."
After the call ended, I checked the time—4:50 p.m. Still had a little over an hour. Perfect window for a nap.
Eve, I said in my head, wake me up at six.
Her voice slipped in, smooth and slightly teasing. "So… I'm officially your personal wake-up service now? You know I'm capable of more than just telling you when to open your eyes, right?"
"Yeah, but you're the only alarm clock I can't smash against the wall," I said. "And you never run out of battery."
"True," she replied with mock pride. "But don't think that means I won't abuse my power. I could wake you up at 5:59 with a lecture about how napping before dinner is a bad life choice."
"Do that, and I'll just go back to sleep to spite you."
She chuckled. "Alright, fine. I'll wake you up on time. But only because keeping you alive and in one piece is apparently part of my job description. Also, the risk of maternal wrath if you're late is… well, let's just say I've calculated the odds, and they're terrifying."
That made me laugh. "Exactly why I'm counting on you. Last thing I need is Mom showing up, breaking down the door, and dragging me to dinner."
"I'd actually enjoy watching that," she said slyly, then softened her tone. "But seriously—rest. I'll wake you. No sass… unless you oversleep."
"Good," I murmured, already sinking into the couch. "And Eve?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"Anytime," she replied, and this time there was no teasing—just quiet reassurance as I drifted off.
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Read 10 advanced chapters at;
patreon.com/Dreamwalker1