#multiple universes

You looked out the window at the darkening streets and distorted waterlogged lights. Your mom was mostly quiet in the front, desperately trying to get to the restaurant you both had been invited to, on time. You almost wished the music was a little louder to drown out your jittery nerves.

You sat on your hands to keep from shaking.

“Do we have to go, mom? What if they don’t like me?”

You couldn’t see, but you could already tell she was looking back at you through the rearview mirror. “They’re going to love you, sweetheart. I promise.”

You sank into the crinkly material of your coat, hiding more of your face. The water slowly dripping down the window was suddenly a lot more fascinating than before.

“You said that last time.”

It was quiet again while your mom took a large purposeful breath. “I know that… I know last time was not what we hoped it would be, but this time is different. I can feel it. And I won’t ever… I promise that everything is going to be okay. You know I love you, right?”

You pressed your head to the window. “Yeah.”

“Everything’s going to be okay. You’ll see. Besides! If nothing else, we’ll get to eat our favorite food~ You can even choose a dessert if you want~”

It didn’t help, but it was something. At least the heat was starting to work now that you had been in the car long enough. “Can I still get one even if I’m not that hungry?”

Your mom was quick to answer. Quick to try and reassure you. “Of course honey.”

“Even if I can’t eat all of my food before it?”

“Absolutely! We can just put it in a to-go box for later. It will be all yours.”

“No matter what?”

“No matter what.”

You finally allowed yourself to relax a little knowing that, if nothing else, you would have a sweet treat waiting for you at the end of it all.

…

You just hoped these, Monsters, were as good and nice like your mom thought they were. She deserved better than someone like Steve.