Alex's Mansion

After mumbling a noncommittal excuse, Joe and Samantha fell into the type of rhythm adult children have returning to visit their parents. Small-talk peppered with inside jokes, references to shared history, all combined with a familiarity to the environment that only comes with growing up in a location. While Alex barely recognized his children, there was no doubt that they were home. And that gave Alex mixed emotions.

These strangers had at least a piece of his children inside of them. Joe still wore the same smile, had the same laugh. Samantha still tucked her hair over her ears when she was thinking. With a little bit of time, Alex was sure he would grow to love for these two, despite the sense of loss he felt in losing the Joe and Samantha that he had raised.

He didn't know, however, how long he would have them.

Alex had seen his boss transformed into his new wife, his wife into a live-in young sexpot, and his dowdy co-worker into a sexed-up secretary. His home was different, his car was different, his career was different. How long until these kids, already transformed by these other changes, were altered further?

Excusing himself from the pair, Alex explored his house alone. Perhaps the changes needed him to be close to occur. If he kept his distance as long as possible, he might be able to spare his offspring.

The house was significantly bigger than the one he had left that morning. Room after room, an office here, a sitting room there, a library here, a billiard room there. And bedrooms. So many bedrooms. As far as Alex knew, only himself, Jeffery (Jennifer, he corrected himself), and Tina lived there. Why were there so many rooms? Alex was about to ascend the stairs to the third floor and continue his exploration when he heard a bell ringing from the main floor, which could only mean one thing.

Dinner was ready.