22:00 Hours: The "Total System Meltdown"
[Author's POV]
The clock struck 10:00 PM, and the "Glow" of the baby shower officially flickered out. The 7th-month hormones, combined with the exhaustion of a full day of "Social Interface," triggered a Level 5 Mood Swing. Jay was no longer the "Gracious Empress." She was now the "Grand Arbiter of Grievances," and the University Squad was about to be processed.
The Victim Log: [Jay's POV]
I sat on the velvet throne in the center of the lounge, Alexander and Aurora doing a "Synchronized Riot" in my ribs. I looked at the group, and suddenly, everything about them was 1,000% Wrong.
To Keiran: "Why are you breathing so loudly, Keiran? Are you trying to steal all the oxygen from the Prince and Princess? You're being an 'Atmospheric Thief'!"
To Bridget & Felix: "And you two! Why are you standing so 'Tactically'? Are you expecting a 'Hostile Takeover' at a baby shower? You're making the twins feel like they're being 'Monitored' for a crime they haven't committed yet!"
To Calix & Mica: "Your laughter is 2,000% too sharp! It's 'Phonetically Aggressive'! My ears are 'Glitching'!"
To Ella: "Ella, stop being so 'Independent'! It's making me feel 'Emotionally Insecure' for my future daughter! Go find a 'Software Update' or something!"
The Results:
The squad stood frozen. Bridget looked at Felix, who slowly raised his hands in a "Tactical Surrender." Keiran actually stopped breathing for ten seconds until his face turned blue.
The "Safe Zone" Exceptions
However, the "Mood-Swing Firewall" had three authorized users:
Mamma Serina: Who was currently rubbing my shoulders. I leaned into her. "Mamma, why is everyone so 'Difficult'?"
Pappa Keizer: Who was sitting in the corner. I pointed at him. "Pappa is the only one who understands 'Silent Efficiency'."
Rina: Who was sitting at my feet. "Rina, your 'Analog Energy' is the only thing keeping my 'CPU' from exploding."
The "Hubby" Intervention: [Keifer's POV]
I saw the "Red Alert" in Jay's eyes. It was time to "De-escalate" before the University Squad was permanently deleted from the estate.
"Everyone," I commanded, my voice dropping into a low, "Alpha" frequency. "The Empress has reached 'Storage Capacity'. Clear the 'Perimeter'. Now. 1,000%."
The squad didn't wait. They vanished into the guest wings like a "Deleted File."
I walked over to Jay, ignored her "You're too tall, Keifer!" protest, and scooped her up. I carried her to the balcony for some "Thermal Regulation" (fresh air). As the moonlight hit her, her eyes softened, the "Rage" turning back into "Radiance."
The "Moonlight Sync" Photo
I pulled out my phone. I wanted to archive this—the 7th-month curve, the moonlight, and the woman who ruled my world.
[Image Description: A high-definition photo taken by Keifer.]
Foreground: Jay is sitting in a white wicker chair on the balcony, her hands cradling the massive 7-month bump. She's wearing a silk lavender robe, her hair slightly messy, and her expression is a mix of "Post-Crying" softness and "Empress" pride.
Action: Keifer is leaning over her from behind, his large hand splayed over the top of the bump, his other hand resting on Jay's shoulder. He is looking down at her with 2,000% devotion, his "Ice King" mask completely shattered.
Background: The dark, lush gardens of the Watson estate under a silver moon.
Caption: "7th Month. System Overloaded. Heart 1,000% Full."