: The Masochistic Son

4

The teen's expression changed. The scene the bullet comments were hoping for didn't happen. Instead, I thought I saw a hint of confusion in his eyes... and was that enjoyment?

A mechanical game voice sounded in my ear: [Son's Favorability has increased to 30.]

Hearing the system announcement, my face filled with confusion. 'Could it be that this cheap Son of mine is a masochist?'

This strengthened my suspicion. 'The mission of this parenting simulation game must be to fix this dysfunctional family!'

The teen stood up and obediently went to find a cloth to wipe the coffee table.

I reached out and smacked him on the head again. "Get that yellow hair of yours cut, now! And throw out all that junk on your ears! What I say, goes!"

[Son's Favorability has increased to 50.]

I looked down at my hand, my suspicion now solidified. 'One smack raises his favorability by 20. He really is a masochist!'

I ordered him to clean with me. If the house wasn't spotless, he absolutely wasn't allowed to eat dinner!

Soon, under my strict commands, he obediently put a clean cover on the sofa. I replaced the burnt-out lightbulb, and I painted over the moldy walls with a fresh coat.

The house was soon sparkling clean.

Looking at the clean home, my mood instantly improved.

Realizing I still didn't know my Son's name, I kicked him lightly on the butt. "Get out your homework and textbooks. I want to see your academic progress!"

[Son's Favorability has increased to 60.]

The textbooks and homework were spotless. They had clearly never been used.

'Just as I thought. The stereotype that problem kids are all slackers is spot on!'

I rolled my eyes in disgust, smacked the back of his head a few more times, and forced him to write his name.

Looking at his crooked handwriting, I learned that my cheap Son was named Leo Sinclair, was 14 years old, and was in his second year of junior high.

I grabbed the Feather Duster and began supervising his studies and homework. For every single character he wrote wrong, he got a harsh swat!

When it came to dealing with problem kids, I was an old pro.

My own child in the real world also liked to skip class and get into fights in junior high. But under my strict supervision, his grades shot straight up!

Uncut jade does not shine. I would never allow my child to be a slacker!

Not even in a game!

After my series of maneuvers, his favorability toward me reached 80.

The clock on the wall soon neared five o'clock. Leo Sinclair's face, which had been normal, suddenly turned ashen. A black mist swirled around him, and he asked me in a sinister tone, "Mom, aren't you going to pick up my little sister from school?"