Disclaimer: All characters and settings belong to Bethesda.

Random short stories from the Wasteland. They are definitely not to be taken seriously. Really.

Chapter 3: It's Nora's birthday. Shaun has a surprise gift for Nora.

Campfire Tales from the Commonwealth

3. Mother's Birthday

Mother's birthday. That was a new event to the old man.

For sixty years, he had lived without a parent. And now, he had a mother. A mother half his age, but still, his biological parent.

Shaun teleported to the filthy surface world against his own wish. His mother had chosen to take up residence in the Commonwealth instead. Why? He'd never understand. But it was her choice.

And today, because of her choice, he stepped on the dusty pavement and walked into a house he'd once lived as an infant. His old home, although he had no recollection of whatsoever. His mother had made this her home again. Shaun disapproved of her decision, but then again, it was her choice.

With a thoughtfully chosen, perfectly wrapped gift in his hand, Shaun knocked on the front door.

There was no answer.

He tried his luck and turned the knob. The door opened.

The living room was empty, so was the kitchen. Mother was not yet home, apparently.

Curious, Shaun studied the place that had once been a happy home for his... family. He could almost see a robot at the kitchen, his father on the couch, and his mother holding an infant, walking up the down the hallway.

What was his old room like? the old man wondered.

Shaun walked down the short hallway and found a room on the right with its door wide open. An empty, rusty crib in the room told him that this had once been his world. A strange, bitter yet sweet feeling rose from inside. He was home. After six decades, he was home-

A sudden noise from the room across startled him. Shaun turned and glanced at the close door across the hallway.

Should he call for reinforcement? He was weaponless, defenseless. The answer was obvious.

"X6-88, report to my position immediately," said Shaun to his hidden communication device.

Less than a few seconds later, the tall man materialized next to him.

"Sir?"

Shaun nodded at the sealed door. It was all X6-88 needed. With his weapon in his hands, the courser quietly stalked to the door then flung it open.

Then came an audible gasp from the stoic man in black.

"What's going on?" asked Shaun, approaching the courser.

The courser slammed the door close before Shaun could peek in. "Nothing, sir. Just a... molerat."

"Then kill it," said Shaun, frowning. "Can't have a molerat in my mother's house."

"Perhaps it's Mrs Taylor's... pet, sir. We should leave the present behind and head back."

"Why would mother keep a molerat as a pet? It's unsanitary. Get your gun ready."

Shaun pushed the courser away and opened the door. It was the biggest mistake in his life.

Lying on the bed, tied up with a giant ribbon was a bald man, wearing absolutely nothing but a pair of sunglasses.

Both the old man and the bald one screamed in absolute terror.

A/N: Disclaimer: This story was written on a tablet, in bed, while having a fever and heavily medicated by cold medicines. It was originally composed in an email, as an impromptu story to annoy a friend whose name will not be revealed.

Thanks for reading.

(If you're waiting for Project Wanderer update. I'm sorry, I've been sick. Cold, fever and all that great stuff. A new chapter will be up in a week or so.)

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