Static poured his morning drink of choice: hot tea with lemon. He was off for the next 4 days because the film studio was taking a hiatus so the actors could recover from the 24 hour shoot. He liked the extra morning time to sleep, but often didn’t know exactly what to do. He always had so much free time after work most days. He didn’t exactly have friends anymore. Video games were something that felt too mechanical except animal crossing. He enjoyed the animals. It reminded him of neopets.
He sipped his tea and looked through his newsfeed. Since he was part computer it just meant he was daydreaming through his eyes. “…..maybe I’ll go on a walk.. nevermind it’s raining.” He tuned back into reality and heard a knock on his door. He goes to a open and sees Uncle Carlos, a rough man, shorter than Static now, that used to work at the mechanics with him and his dad.
“Oh! Hi tito!” Static had not seen his uncle in a few months. He used to periodically come over after his parents passed away. He helped Static pick up on quick adulting things such as meals and helping settle his parents estate since they passed away. But after Static turned 21, he came around less often. Static’s studio job made weekly visits hard.
“Your aunt wanted me to tell you that your cousin is getting married next week. We sent an invite, but I guess you didn’t get it.” For Filipino families, gatherings meant a lot and Static had started to avoid his family from excuse after excuse. But it was only because his vision wasn’t sharp and unlike before the curse things were difficult. His uncle’s brow furrowed as he saw the stack of mail. “Now I see why.” He goes over and Static lightly panics. “Ah sorry I was going to go through it on my days off.” He put his hand on the stack to hold it down from being sorted. But the real reason he hardly likes to check his mail is seeing his parents name written over and over. It made it feel like they were alive but it had been almost 10 years since they passed.
“Li,” he called out, which his uncle often used instead of his full name. “What are your plans? Do you have plans to start a family? Maybe this wedding is a way to work yourself back into family gatherings.” Static shook his head. “I don’t think I can start a family with my situation... And you know it’s been hard since the upgrade to go to areas without wifi.” Uncle Carlos actually didn’t really understand the wifi thing. All he knew is that since Static has changed, he got worse and worse. He wasn’t the same kid in the mechanic shop.
“Just please try and make an effort for your family. Your tita misses you.” Static nods. “I know I know.” He sighs then looks at his uncle who is looking around the house. A lot had still gone untouched. The house didn’t smell, but was just cluttered and dusty. Static basically navigated around the mess itself of packed boxes and untouched chairs, such as a chair his Dad used to sit in he would avoid.
Uncle Carlos looked at his nephew and gave a light huff. “Get your shoes on. You’re coming over for lunch today. Don’t worry I have a strong wifi signal at the house. Static got his shoes on and got in the car.
——————-
After they got some distance out from the house his vision went out. The blind trust he had to have for his uncle was high. Static knew him like a dad. He knew his uncle wouldn’t do something against him. So when they arrived he still felt relieved that he didn't betray him.
Static’s aunt rushed out of the house to hug him. “Hi Tita-“ “Oh!! It’s been so so long Li!! We’ve missed seeing your face.” Static chuckled. “Well it’s not much to look at..” His Aunt gave a half smile since it seemed his confidence was still where it was at back in high school when the curse happened. Around the hallways Static saw photos of his extended family, his cousin’s graduation photo along with his family, back before the curse. Static had rich black hair and bright eyes.
His uncle came beside him. “Come out to the garage to help me with something.” Static followed to find a small motorbike. It was orange and yellow. His uncle seemed to be repairing it. On the side was a small hotspot attached. Static’s eyes opened.
His uncle turned to him,”You've been so bound to the house since your upgrade. At least with this you could have a portable spot while driving. And.” He stops and pulls another hot spot out. “Me and your aunt will pay for these so you can come out to family events. We’ll try to not go too far from the cell tours.”
Static looked down at the gadgets and back up to his uncle. He turned and gave his uncle a huge hug. To have some sort of parental figures at all meant a lot. He smiled as he held onto the hotspot and walked into the kitchen where his aunt prepared a small lunch. His cousin who is about to get married comes out on the phone chatting with her fiancé.
“I know you think that color will look better in the photos but it’s really gaudy. I know you’re a fashion designer but I’m pretty sure I know best.” His cousin sat down at the table and quickly hung up. “I’m so done talking to Belle about wedding stuff. I just want to be married and off on my honeymoon with her.” Their parents smiled but were worried. His aunt spoke. “You should at least call and apologize. Maybe invite her over so Li can meet her!”
His cousin turned to him, “Yo Li!! It’s been forever cuz!!” (By this point Static knows his nickname to be Li but not his real name.) She sat down next to him and started chatting. By the time they finished eating it was 1:30 and his cousin had to take off with his aunt leaving him with Uncle Carlos. Static ended up falling asleep for a bit after he ate a big lunch. More than he usually eats. His uncle sat on the other end of the couch petting his shaggy hair.
“Rest up little Little lilly”