(Author's note: Seems like lately, doing twists on MightyMrJ's premises has been a thing for me. Just had this idea and thought I'd set it up. There was no particular reason to switch to the version of Linda who is a single working mom, that was just to distinguish it from the other branch a bit more and that is the version of Linda I write most often. So, I gave some of Dad's lines to Jon.)
The following morning Jon awoke and clambered out of bed. He made his way downstairs where his mom was rushing around sorting out breakfast, her fluffy dressing gown flapping wildly as she darted about. Mikey was complaining they run out of his favorite sugary cereal, and Zoe was sitting at the table with her usual sullen demeanor. Jon brushed past her, grabbed a slice of toast. "Morning, Mom." Jon’s mom made an exasperated noise and turned back to the counter as Jon slid in next to his siblings.
“Guess I’ll just make the breakfasts, and everyone’s lunches then!” Linda grumbled to herself, “and then I’ll drop Mikey off, go to work, do the grocery shopping, the tidying, everything by myself as usual!”. Jon could tell she was getting stressed out and didn’t want to be around for the usual explosive rant that always followed.
“Um, I think I’ll skip breakfast and grab a quick shower,” he said meekly. His mom glanced over at him. Her eyes narrowed for a moment, and then she resumed her muttering before turning back to the counter. Jon quickly retreated back upstairs and to his room. He quickly stripped down to his boxers and hurried into the bathroom. He turned the shower on and stepped under the water. He allowed the hot water to fall over him for a few moments before beginning his usual washing ritual. Shampoo, rinse, body wash, rinse, and out. He switched the water off and wrapped his towel around his waist. By the time he left the bathroom the noise downstairs had finished. Thankfully he’d missed mom’s explosion. He breathed a sigh of relief and walked back to his room. He opened the door and yelped in surprise.
“Okay,” Linda said from her seat on his bed, “I’ve had enough” she added.
“I haven’t done anything though,” Jon protested.
“Nobody has! I get your point.” Linda snapped. "I didn't appreciate how hard it is."
“Sorry?” Jon asked feeling confused.
“I said I get it..." Jon suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine. He saw his mother react as if the same thing happened to her. "Oh, thank god that worked," Linda said. "I'm not sure how long it will take...we were asleep last time. I'm going to go get dressed." She headed out, leaving him confused.
Jon waited until she was outside, then locked the door and went for the stone. He got to where he left it just in time for it to vanish. But it wasn't alone. He could see other things in the room vanishing and being replaced by other items. Bedside lamp changed to different one. Nightstand it was on...popped out and replaced. Clock radio....wait...he didn't have one of those before.
"What did she just do?" Jon said, moving forward and nearly tripping as the carpet vanished, revealing the floors beneath it.
