I glide over to my bed, smoothing out the sheets and covers, making sure every corner is tucked neatly. Spinning on my heels, I sweep the floor, humming along with the song playing through my headphones. The rhythmic swish of the broom adds to the music's gentle cadence. I collect the dust and dirt, emptying the broom’s collection into the trash can next to my desk.

With a sense of satisfaction, I slide my belongings into their proper places, organizing my desk meticulously. Each item finds its home, from pens and notebooks to small keepsakes. I continue to my nightstand, arranging books and knick-knacks with care. Finally, I step back, surveying my clean, orderly room. A feeling of pure joy washes over me, intensified by the thought of being River's boyfriend. My heart swells with happiness, making the whole room seem to glow with a newfound warmth.

Dancing my way back into the living room to do some cleaning in there when my mom pulls my headphones off. “Hijo, are you gonna tell your mom why you are dancing or not?” She asked. I chuckle a bit as I rub the back of my neck. “Guess I’m still riding the high of being River’s boyfriend.” I mumble.

She reaches to ruffle my hair. “Ah, If you're gonna be cleaning non-stop can you clean my room too?” She jokes. I roll my eyes at her as I fix the couch pillows, refolding the throw blanket that my mom can’t seem to put back the way it needs to be. “I fear your room mom.” I joke back.

She rolls her eyes at me as she sits down at her spot. “You’re lucky I love you and I don’t sell you to the circus.” She smirked. She reached over to grab her planner, looking it over for a bit. “Like you have the time to find a circus to take me.” I retorted.

She glares at her, pushing her reading glasses up as she speaks, “Bold of you to assume I haven't already found one, hijo.” I let out a hearty laugh as I shook my head.”I wouldn’t doubt it for a moment mama” I said.

She starts writing her schedule for tomorrow as she always does once she is done with most of her work for the day. Her phone started ringing, making her jolt. She answers without looking at who is calling. 

“Mija, Ambrose said you were planning on bringing the dessert.” Abuelas voice came on the other end. Mom rolls her eyes slightly. “Si mamá.” she said. I hear the tsk come from the other end. 

“Is there a problem with that mamá?” Mom asks. Mom looked at her phone unmused. “Your brother was supposed to make the dessert for the family reunion.” abuela said.

I froze in my steps as I looked at my mom. Her eyes widened a bit, her eyebrows narrowed and a forced smile on her lips. “Mamá, I have made the dessert every year for the last 22 years.” her voice held a hint of anger. 

“Mija, it is time for a change. You make the same thing every year and it is boring. You know you are being childish for expecting it to stay the same when I asked you to bring the main dish.” abuela said. Mom's face was neutral, she was shutting down from her mom. This happens everytime Abuela calls, always judging my mom for wanting her things to stay her things. 

I grabbed the phone quickly from her hand, making her jolt a bit. “Abuela!” I said. “Ah, Mjio, how are you?” She asked in a more chipper tone. I take a deep breath, “Good, Abuela! How are you?” I ask back.

“I am good, Mijo. Just getting ready for the family reunion. Are you bringing a girlfriend this time around? You need to start getting ready for marriage and kids-” I quickly cut her off. “I’m not dating a girl!” 

A silence fell from the phone. Almost deafening as my heart was pounding in my ears. “Well then bring your boyfriend.” She said after a moment. I almost laughed when I heard that. “I want to meet the man who has mi bebé heart.” she finished.

I look to my mom for advice on what to say. She shrugs slightly, also unsure what to say. “Yeah, uh, I will invite him, abuela.” I say. “Good, good. I will see you all soon.” She hangs up.

I slowly hand my mom her phone back. “Are you okay, mama?” I asked. She sighs as she shakes her head. “Yes, hijo.” She said under her breath. I sat next to her and hugged her. She closes her eyes as she holds her breath. “How could it ever be just okay? I'd rather die than let you go.” I said.

She chuckles a bit as she glares at me. “Oh you were always the affectionate one Hijo. Now let me go.” She said, I sigh as I let her go knowing she was more on edge than normal.

“Are you really inviting River to our family reunion?” She asked. I paused as I grabbed the watering can and gave the plants some water. “I guess so… do you think it is a bad idea?” I ask.

She hums softly as she stands up, heading back to her computer. “If you want to, it is your choice. Don’t do it because you feel like you have to.” she said. She sat down and started typing away on her computer. I nod slightly at it as I look at our house plants. I really want to invite River.

River is my source of comfort but is it too soon? Probably but I want them by my side. I hold my breath, trying to not think about them rejecting my offer and finding it weird. River is not like that. River is my partner and they will not think I am weird. I am not their burden… I am not their burden.