The following morning, William awoke to the smell of something sweet and familiar.For a moment, he thought he was dreaming — that he'd returned to those rare mornings of his childhood when his grandmother would bake cherry pies while humming softly in the kitchen.
But when he opened his eyes, Cherry the kitten was curled on his chest, purring like a tiny engine.The golden light of the Legacy Revival System interface shimmered beside him, casting gentle rays across the room.
Good morning, William.Today's forecast: Joy and nostalgia.
William chuckled. "You sound suspiciously upbeat this morning."
Because today, I will revive not only the world's dreams… but yours.
He blinked. "Mine?"
Personal Favorites Detected:• Dr Pepper — 100% authentic original formula.• Fresh cherries — organic, year-round.• Classic childhood foods and restaurants — under revival.
William sat up so quickly Cherry squeaked in protest."You mean… you're bringing them back?"
Correct.Your love for these things shaped who you are.They will shape the world again.
Breakfast at the Rescue
William arrived at Oakridge Animal Rescue carrying a basket the system had prepared: fresh cherries, homemade pastries, and two bottles of ice-cold Dr Pepper.
Sophia was crouched beside a group of puppies when he walked in.She looked up, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him.
"Is that… breakfast?" she asked, laughing softly.
"Breakfast," William confirmed, setting the basket on a table. "The best kind."
She peeked inside, gasping. "Cherries! And… is that Dr Pepper? I haven't had one of these in forever."
"They're special," William said, handing her a bottle. "Like a taste of childhood."
They clinked bottles like glasses and took a sip together.Sophia closed her eyes, savoring the flavor."It's perfect," she whispered. "Exactly how I remember it."
William watched her, his heart tightening.For the first time, he realized how much he wanted to create these moments not just for himself, but for her.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
After breakfast, they walked through the city, which was slowly transforming thanks to William's quiet interventions:
Streetlamps now glowed with soft golden light.
Toy stores bustled with families again.
Small diners and bakeries had new life, their windows filled with colorful displays.
They stopped outside a newly reopened Dr Pepper soda shop, styled like a classic 1950s diner.A neon sign read: "The Original Taste of Joy."
Sophia's jaw dropped. "You… did this?"
William grinned sheepishly. "Maybe."
Inside, the air smelled of cherries, cinnamon, and nostalgia.Behind the counter, a smiling employee handed them two cherry sodas topped with whipped cream.
Sophia laughed, her eyes shining."This feels like stepping back in time."
"That's the point," William said softly. "I want people to feel like kids again. Even if it's just for a moment."
The Heart of Christmas Revival
As they left the shop, Sophia noticed teams of workers stringing lights along the streets, even though December was still weeks away.
"Are you already preparing for Christmas?" she asked curiously.
William's smile turned wistful."Not just preparing. Rebuilding."
They stopped at a quiet park where a massive evergreen tree stood at the center.Around it, workers were setting up classic wooden decorations — elves, reindeer, and even a life-size Santa's sleigh.
"When I was a kid," William said, his voice soft, "Christmas felt like magic.There were lights everywhere, parades, huge displays in shop windows.It wasn't about buying things — it was about wonder."
Sophia's eyes softened. "I remember that too."
"I want to bring it back," William said firmly."Not just here, but everywhere. A global celebration, the way it used to be."
Sophia squeezed his hand. "You will. I believe in you."
The system's voice whispered privately in William's mind.
"Christmas Revival Project: Phase One complete.Public rollout begins in seven days."
Romantic Building — Subtle and Sweet
As dusk fell, William invited Sophia to walk by the river.The city lights reflected off the water, casting a golden glow around them.
Sophia laughed as she recounted a childhood memory of sneaking cookies before bedtime.William shared his own story about his grandmother teaching him how to pit cherries perfectly.
Their conversation flowed easily, filled with teasing and shared nostalgia.
When Sophia tripped slightly on a loose stone, William caught her, his hands steadying her waist.For a moment, they froze, eyes locking.
"Careful," he murmured.
Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't pull away immediately."Thanks."
They continued walking, the unspoken tension between them growing — slow, steady, and real.
Foreshadowing the Sanctuary
Later that night, William stood at his apartment window, gazing toward the distant mountains.The city was alive with lights now, his vision slowly becoming reality.
Sophia's laughter from earlier echoed in his mind, blending with the system's quiet hum.
"Soon, William," the system whispered."A sanctuary will be ready for you and those you love.A place with orchards, horses, and a lake untouched by the world's chaos.There, you will find peace — and a future."
William closed his eyes, imagining it:A crystal-blue lake reflecting the stars, surrounded by wild forests and blooming cherry trees.Sophia's laughter carrying on the breeze.And deep beneath the mountain, a secret river flowing toward a destiny he couldn't yet comprehend.
Ending Scene: A Taste of Childhood
Before bed, William opened a jar of fresh cherries the system had prepared.He sat at the table, savoring each one slowly, his thoughts drifting between past and future.
Cherry the kitten jumped onto the table, pawing at a cherry stem.William chuckled, stroking her fur.
"Life's about moments like this," he murmured. "Simple, sweet… and worth protecting."
As he turned off the lights, the city outside glowed softly — and somewhere in the distance, the first Christmas lights of the season flickered to life.