The golden rays of late afternoon spilled through the living room curtains, stretching across the freshly cleaned tiles. Jason stepped in quietly, setting the shopping bags down by the couch. The faint aroma of air freshener mixed with the soft sound of laughter from the television.
On the screen, animated characters raced across a magical landscape—the show was "Crystal Kingdom Adventures," Sophie's favorite. She was curled up on the couch in her casual dress, completely absorbed until she noticed him standing by the door.
Her eyes widened instantly. "Jason!" she called, springing up like a spark. "You're back! Finally!"
Jason smiled, shutting the door behind him. "Yeah, I'm back," he said, his voice calm and warm. "The house looks really good."
Sophie grinned proudly. "I told you I'd make it shine before we visit Elena!"
Jason chuckled lightly, hanging his jacket on the stand. "That explains why I can see my reflection on the floor. You've been working hard, huh?"
"Of course!" she said, putting her hands on her hips dramatically. "Elena's rich—her house is probably all shiny and perfect. I can't have her thinking we live in a junkyard."
Jason raised a brow. "A junkyard?"
Sophie laughed. "You know what I mean!"
He walked toward her, picking up a small cushion that had fallen on the floor. "Well, the place does look impressive. So tell me—did you check everything?"
"Yup! The dishes are clean, the laundry's folded, I even arranged your toolbox corner," she said proudly. "And I cleaned your boots! You're welcome."
Jason tilted his head slightly. "You cleaned my boots?"
"Yup," she said, nodding fast. "They were dusty."
He smiled faintly. "You've been busier than I thought."
Sophie twirled a bit, clearly enjoying his approval. "You like the dress?"
Jason's eyes moved over her simple floral outfit—it was cute, but plain. "It's nice," he said teasingly, "but you look like you're going to a family picnic, not a mansion."
Sophie gasped. "What's wrong with it?"
"Nothing," Jason said, suppressing a grin. "Except that I got you something better."
He reached for one of the shopping bags and placed it gently on the couch. Sophie's eyes grew wide as he brought out a box wrapped neatly in silver paper.
"What's that?" she asked, already bouncing on her toes.
"Something expensive," Jason said casually. "A proper dress—and a few clothes you might like."
She snatched the box excitedly. "You bought me something expensive? Jason, you didn't have to!"
"I wanted to," he said simply.
Sophie unwrapped the box carefully at first, but once the shimmer of blue fabric peeked through, she tore the rest of the wrapping off in pure excitement. The same sapphire gown from the boutique glowed faintly under the light. She gasped audibly.
"Jason… this is… beautiful!"
Jason smiled, watching her eyes sparkle as she ran her hands over the smooth fabric. "You like it?"
"Are you kidding? It's the prettiest thing I've ever seen!" she said, spinning the gown in the air. "Oh my God, Jason, this looks like something princesses wear!"
"Then it fits," he said, leaning back against the couch.
She turned to him, eyes glistening. "Thank you," she whispered, hugging him tightly. "You're the best brother ever."
Jason chuckled softly and patted her head. "You're welcome, Soph. Just don't ruin it before we get there, okay?"
"I won't!" she said, releasing him. "Wait—what are you wearing?"
Jason motioned to one of the other bags. "Got myself something too. Something… less mechanic."
Sophie laughed at his choice of words. "Finally! You're gonna look like someone's boyfriend instead of a workshop manager."
He rolled his eyes, but his lips curved in amusement. "You talk too much sometimes, you know that?"
"That's because I'm excited!" she said, skipping toward her room. "We're going to Elena's mansion! Do you know how long I've dreamed of going to a place like that?"
Jason smiled faintly, watching her vanish down the hall with the gown pressed to her chest. Her excitement was infectious, almost childlike—and for a moment, it reminded him what he was fighting for.
He sat down slowly, rubbing his neck. It had been a long day. He hadn't even eaten lunch yet, but Sophie's joy made it hard to think about food. Her laughter echoed faintly as she tried on the new dress behind her door.
Then the familiar blue interface blinked into his vision—the System.
[System Notification: User's Companion Detected – Sophie]
[Emotional Stability: 93% ↑]
[Happiness: 98% ↑]
[Status Growth: Minor Increase in Self-Esteem, Confidence, and Spirit Bond Detected.]
Jason exhaled quietly. She's really growing.
But then his eyes caught a lower bar flashing yellow.
[Education Level: 46% ↓ - Declining Cognitive Activity Detected.]
His chest tightened slightly. He hadn't enrolled her back in school yet. With everything happening—the system, the fights, Elena—it had slipped his mind.
As the car horn honked outside, Sophie dashed back into the living room, twirling in her gown.
"Well?" she asked, posing dramatically. "How do I look?"
Jason smiled warmly. "Like you belong in a palace."
She giggled. "You're just saying that because I'm your sister."
He shrugged lightly. "Maybe. But it's still true."
"Come on!" she urged, tugging his arm. "The car's waiting! We're going to be late!"
Jason grabbed his jacket and checked his reflection in the mirror. His new suit fit perfectly—sharp, clean, and confident.
As they stepped outside, the same black Mercedes from earlier idled at the curb. The driver opened the door for them, greeting Jason respectfully.
Inside the car, Sophie's excitement filled the space. She pressed her face to the window, pointing at tall buildings, cafes, and the wide city roads.
"Jason, look! That's the place I saw on TV! And that's the big mall they built last month!"
Jason chuckled softly. "You've been watching too much Crystal Kingdom Adventures. You sound like you're narrating an episode."
She pouted playfully. "I'm just happy! You never take me anywhere fancy."
He smirked. "Guess today's an exception."
Sophie nodded rapidly. "You think Elena will like me?"
"She already does," Jason said confidently.
The system flickered again faintly, displaying a small prompt in the corner of his vision.
[Emotional Connection Detected: Jason → Sophie (Protective)]
[Motivation Increase: +12%]
Jason smiled quietly to himself. Everything was changing—slowly but surely. He wasn't just the struggling mechanic anymore. He had purpose, people to protect, and for the first time in years, something close to happiness.
As the car cruised through the glowing streets, Sophie kept pointing, laughing, and chatting non-stop.
"Jason, when I grow up," she said suddenly, "I want to own a place like Elena's."
Jason turned his head slightly, watching her reflection in the window. "Then you'll have to study for it."
She frowned. "Study?"
"Yeah," he said softly, his voice calm but firm. "You're smart, Soph. You just need to focus again. I'll make sure you get into a good school soon."
Her eyes softened. "Promise?"
"Promise."
She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder as the car rolled on, the city lights flickering past them like a dream finally beginning to take shape.