Jon's high-heels training went relatively well. Once he focused on his steps, he was able to walk mostly without tripping. There was still the occasional misstep, but nothing as bad as the first time, and it had allowed him to learn how to avoid falling when that happened. He got a lot of stares too, but he barely noticed, too concentrated on walking to care.
He finally got back home, his feet hurting from the exercise, and was relieved to get back his pink slippers. He couldn't imagine how he would feel after a whole day tomorrow, but he wasn't looking forward to it.
"Jon? You're late!" He heard his mother say from the dining room, where she was eating with his siblings. "We've begun eating without you. Hurry up, before it gets cold!"
"Coming!" He replied, knowing better than to make her wait. However, the moment he entered the dining room, a thought made him pause. All his family was here, and while he thought their mind had been altered, he still had no confirmation... One of them would surely notice his footwear, but did he want to test his theory with everyone here?
He quickly decided he couldn't keep it a secret any longer. That didn't mean he was serene, far from it, but his mother's lack of reaction earlier had given him the confidence he needed to try. In the worst-case scenario, he would just need to suffer from some teasing from his siblings.
He went to the table, trying to see any sign of surprise on their faces. His efforts were pretty pointless as nobody was looking at him, Zoe was focused on her plate while Mikey was too busy telling his mother about some adventure he had at school to pay him any mind.
Jon considered deliberately bringing their attention toward his shoes, but quickly dismissed the idea. He wasn't that confident.
Instead, he just served himself some food and started eating. He didn't notice anything strange during the meal either. Mickey was still trying to monopolize his mother's attention, and Zoe was still mostly silent, only talking when talked to.
By the end of the meal, Jon still wasn't sure if they had memories of his new shoes or not. His sister had gone back in her room and his brother was watching TV on the couch. He was left alone still eating with his mother, but she, too, would soon finish her plate and leave him alone at the table. There probably wouldn't be a better time to ask her if she noticed anything... If he could muster the courage to do it.
Jon took a deep inspiration. "Mom?" Jon said, still unsure of what to say.
"Hmm?" Inquired his mother, her mouth full.
Jon almost gave up with just that, but he fought his instinct and said: "It's about my shoes..."
"Yes?"
"Well... I was wondering... What do you think... ?" Jon had a hard time making a complete sentence.
"Which ones?" She simply asked?
"What?"
"You're wearing your slippers right now, right?" She looked quickly under the table to confirm what she said. "Which shoes do you want my opinion on?"
Jon was taken aback. She talked like it was something he asked often... Though maybe he did in this reality. "I... er... Just forget it... Sorry..."
She looked at him suspiciously but without ill-intent. "Do you have anything you want to tell me?"
"No... It's... Don't worry about it." Jon said. He knew he couldn't pretend everything was perfect, but he didn't want to bother her with something she could do nothing about.
"If something bothers you, you can tell me." Jon stayed silent, so she continued. "I know I already told you that, but I'll say it again. You can wear whatever you want! Don't listen to what other people say. If you want to wear girl's shoes, it's your choice and nobody can tell you what to do."
Jon still didn't say anything, he just didn't know how to respond to this. He had guessed her mind had been altered and that she would accept him like this, but he didn't think she would be this supportive of his decision, even if it wasn't really his.
"It's fine if you don't want to tell me what bother you." His mother eventually continued. "Just remember I'm here if you need help."
"I know." Jon finally replied. "Thanks." He smiled a little. He really had a great mom.
