#flanagans

“Finally! Our second home.”

“Hey. Can I help you?”

“You must be the man they call ‘Jasper Flanagan’. You’re rather... vibrant.”

“Thanks.” Jasper nods.

“I am the one my mother christened Rosemary, and my mother is the mother of your wife.”

“Cool. You wanna see Dorothy?”

“No, for I seek the man God crafted her to submit under, the man she is to obey. That is you?”

“Yep. Is something wrong?”

“Is anything right? But nay, this morning God found the grace in His heart to spare us from abnormal levels of tragedy... so far. I’ve traveled here because of my Earthly father, a man known as Gregory Talbert. He has kept strong the bloodline of not only the Talbert surname, but also the blood of kittens. He gifted me his two youngest, but the Devil has cast his tricks and spells upon my home. My youngest child has found himself allergic to these creatures, so I must banish them. Are you willing to shelter these lost souls? They come protected from ills and with knowledge of proper litter box use.”

“Sure, we like cats. Do they have names?”

“Hey, babe. Considering that we have cats and a baby now, I bought a toy vet station.”

“In blue?”

“Yeah. Girls shouldn’t be working at real jobs, even if it is something girly like veterinary science. A pink set is just gonna turn them into man-hating, ugly feminists.”

“You misunderstand me. I desire not for a pink toy to corrupt our fairer children. My words were only to reflect my curiosity on the potential lack of black, white, or gray toys.”

“Oh, right. No, it was just bright colors.”

“In such circumstance, I applaud you. A toy shaded with such strong masculine hues is a wonderful way to tell our future daughters that this entertainment vessel is only for our sons.”

As night falls, Jasper and Jet arrive at the house.

Jasper and Dorothy Flanagan stopped having children after the twins, having just 7: Jet, Onyx, Sapphire, Malachite, Amber, Carnelian, and adopted son Peregrine.

Jasper started off as a freelance Paranormal Investigator, but eventually dabbled in being an author and a social media influencer - neither took off. But he was happy with what he accomplished for both the Watcher and his own ego. Although they had their difficulties, Jasper and Dorothy never divorced and he attended her funeral.

I will no longer list birthdays, just courtships & weddings, and instead of a daily recount it just happens when it happens.

Rocky Eaten marries Traci Yarger.

Jet Flanagan starts courting Dolly.

“Do you hate me?”

Dorothy looks over at Peregrine, then dramatically sighs and closes her book. “I would much prefer if you had never been born, but if it were not you then it would simply be some other child spawned from Satan’s embrace. I do not blame you.”

“But do you hate me?”

“I adopted you, even when your parents were ready to cast you to Satan’s arms. Of all the people you know here on Earth, I dare say I hate you the least.”

“Does everyone hate me? Why did my parents give me away?”

“Your mother is a false Christian consumed by the devil’s passions and your father...” Dorothy pauses. “We’ll see about your father. Don’t you ever forget: what happened in the library was a secret, and telling anyone would damn you eternally.”

“I know. You keep telling me.”

“I’m joyed to hear of your understanding.”

Peregrine rocks on his feet. “Malachite likes me more than you like me. We play together all the time!”

“How delightful. Why not go play with him now?”

“The chemistry table blew up and he had to take a bath. He wouldn’t let me stay in the bathroom with him.”

“I imagine he wouldn’t. What has become of the chemistry table?”

“I think it’s still on fire.”

"...”

“...”