Homer and Bart sat on the couch watching Itchy and Scratchy. The so-called Simpsons gene that has been plaguing the family for the last two days has come to light as true, with Lisa guaranteed a bright future. Homer sat on the couch, smiling, knowing his daughter will have a successful life ahead of her.
As Homer dreams about what career Lisa will take when she is older, Bart sat down on the couch with his elbow placed on the side of the couch. His hand placed on the right side of his head with a troubled expression.
"I don't get it" he thought. "Why is Lisa guaranteed a successful future while I'm a failure?" the boy thought as images sprung into his head of the most unattractive possible outcomes in the future.
His eyes widen with terror as he jumps off the couch and walks away. This leaves his father watching itchy and scratchy on his own.
Noticing his son's sudden absence, he looked to his right to see him walking out of the room. Homer called him "Bart! Where are you going? You said you wanted to watch Itchy and Scratchy with me?" he said in a sad tone. He wondered why his son would leave so early, especially over something he wanted to do
Bart turned around and said" I can't end up that way Dad," he said in a worried tone as his eyes widened with terror."
"What do you mean that way, son?" he asked visibly shaken, unsure of what his son would say.
He pointed at his father and said" Like you Dad!" as he felt his voice quiver. "I don't want to be like you Dad!" he said as tears flowed down his eyes. But before Homer could comfort his son, Bart sprinted out of the room upstairs, tears streaming down his face. He realized the future was bleak.
As Bart ran upstairs, Homer's heart sank in sadness and confusion. Two of his three kids have told him they don't want to be like him. He placed his hand on his head and asked, "Am I really that terrible of a father?" He pondered to himself, as he shed a tear.
Homer didn't understand why his son felt that way. He always had a positive relationship with Bart, and he never expected him to say anything like that to him. He wanted to comfort him; however, he knew he needed to let Bart have his own time to himself.
Homer quickly got up from the couch and walked into the kitchen to see Marge feeding Maggie some baby food. He watched as Marge sang a song for her daughter and fed Maggie some baby food. "At least Marge is happy" he thought in his mind, Homer smiled at the sight. However, the feeling of guilt stung him as he knew that the information, he was about to tell his wife was going to ruin her day.
As Marge finished feeding Maggie, she turned around to see her husband watching her smile. However, as she saw the smile, she knew something was wrong. She knew what Homer would tell her going to be something bad, so she walked out of the kitchen into the living room. She asked homer to sit next to her.
Homer obliged and sat next to his wife. He placed his hands on Marge's hands and said" Marge… there's something wrong with Bart." He said in a sad tone as he looked at his wife in her eyes" Am I a bad father Marge?" He replied with a saddened expression.
Marge was shocked by Homer's question. She knew her husband was dumb and arrogant at times. However, she would never classify him as a terrible father. However, as she stared into her husband's eyes, she could see the pain and suffering he suffered through.
She took a deep breath and said" No Homer, I don't think you are a terrible father at all. You have your rough moments here and there, but I know you love me and the kids to bits." She replied in a reassuring tone" Why have you begun to question your fathership? Is it something Bart said?"
Homer reluctantly nodded" Yeah Marge it's just that… well… he doesn't want to be like me and he thinks I'm a failure," he said as he felt a tear roll down his eye" Because of the Simpson gene, and its effects he thinks that he's going to be a failure and because of that he sees me as one." He said in an emotional tone as he tried to keep himself together.
Marge let out a sigh of frustration after hearing the news she heard. She placed her hand on Homer's head and stroked it. "No Homer you aren't a failure, and it's obvious that you aren't one because you have me, and the kids. However, for Bart I'm not entirely sure about his future, but the one thing I do know is that we will support him no matter what.
They both embraced, comforting each other in this dark time. Marge knew that she needed to comfort her son so that Bart can be reassured that he will have a bright future and be loved by his family. Marge stood up and told homer that she will go upstairs and talk to Bart about the situation he's dealing with.
Homer nodded, saying that if Bart's situation gets worse, he will get involved. Marge nodded thanking him for his support. She got up from the couch and walked up the stairs. In her mind she hoped that the situation didn't become worse than it already is.
As Bart entered the bathroom, he closed the door and locked it so no one could interrupt him with his thoughts. He turned around and stared at himself in the mirror. The thoughts about his future and ending up like his father kept taunting him in his friend's "It's ok son, you're going to be a spectacular failure." The words kept echoing in his mind, and he felt his confidence and happiness sink lower and lower as he shifted his head downwards and looked down at the floor with his half-opened eyes.
"Is my future really that bleak or is it my mind playing tricks on me?" he asked quietly, as he continued to stare at the floor trapped in his thoughts.
While he was in his thoughts, he heard a knocking sound on the door, as he turned around, he heard a faint sound, the sound was his mom calling his name" Bart can we talk? I just want to see if you're OK." Hearing Marge's voice he began to feel guilty for dragging her into this mess. Marge waited on the other side of the door ready to greet her son in her arms.
Bart sighed, trying to think of an excuse to dodge the question. He knew he didn't want to upset his mom by worrying her about his safety, however, he needed some extra time for himself. So, in the heat of the moment, he walked over to the bath and turned on the tap. This was so that a soothing, comforting warm water flowed into the bath.
"My apology, mom, but I was just hanging out in the bathroom for a bit and got lost in my thoughts. However, you reminded me that I needed a bath from being outside with my cousins charging at them with pans on my head. It sure made me sweat a lot mom." He said the last in his usual tone trying to get her off his back.
Marge did her signature hmm sound as she walked away from the bathroom upset, knowing that his son doesn't want to talk to her." Maybe he might talk to me when he's ready" she thought and began her way back downstairs.
In Lisa's room she stared out of her window admiring the beautiful sunset in front of her. When she saw those vibrant oranges and reds, she felt a great sense of happiness knowing that because of the "Simpson gene" that her future is guaranteed to be a success.
But unbeknownst to Lisa, her own brother is suffering the same downward spiral she suffered yesterday.
As evening turned to night, Bart was still inside the bathroom trapped in his own thoughts and demons, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was doomed, that he would end up like his father, the Simpson gene told him that he and his father were failures, so why would he want to be like his dad?
In Lisa's room, oblivious to her brother's turmoil, she continued to bask in joy in her seat. She thought about what she could accomplish. "I could become a doctor, wait! Maybe an artist" she said to herself and felt the giddiness rise inside her." Or maybe I could become a professional saxophonist!" she exclaimed as she bounced around in her chair.
While she basked in the joy of this one precious moment, a thought rushed through her head: "Wait a minute? If I'm determined to be successful because I'm a female with the X gene, would that make Bart…?" she said worriedly, as she placed her hands on her head. "No! This means Bart's going to be a failure…" she said slowly as she realized what the situation earlier truly meant. with Homer's cousins barely living compared to her cousins who became doctors and had other successful business adventures.
As she slowly realized the true meaning of the Simpsons gene she felt conflicted. She was happy that she was guaranteed a successful future, however, the feeling that Bart might end up as a "failure" is begging to become troublesome for her as she felt the same feeling as Bart did yesterday.
As she analyzed herself in the mirror, she knew that her older brother must be suffering through the same doubts about himself as she was suffering from earlier. She knew that her brother must be scared out of his mind, uncertain of the future that awaits. Lisa obviously understood what her brother went through because she had experienced it herself.
She was deep in her thoughts when she heard a twist on her doorknob. She turned back to see the door slowly open, she watched as she saw her brother with a serious look, staring into her soul, as Bart's eyes pierced into Lisa's soul, Lisa couldn't believe how serious Bart's expression was, she hardly ever saw that side of him over the years they have spent time together, but as she looked into Bart's eyes she realized what he was truly feeling, which scared her because it was the one thing she knew Bart always felt, and that was jealousy.
Lisa slowly said" Bart… I know what you'll say... and I understand, I understand the feeling of jealousy that corrupts your soul. But Bart! Just remember, I didn't choose the life of success, the life chose me…" she said the last part in a sad tone, and she looked to the ground with shame.
As Lisa finished speaking, Bart felt his anger grow even more as he listened to her words. He hated the condescending tone she put on. As if she understood his struggles, with anger building up inside of him he said" Oh save me from your self-righteousness, Lisa!" he snapped and continued his rage.
"You get everything you want Lisa don't you? And I get left to drown in my own pool of sorrows because of some stupid gene" he said as he clenched his fist harder as he continued" What about me Lisa? What about my future? Am I just going to be a failure like I'm destined to be?
His eyes filled up with resentment as he couldn't even look at his own sister. "You don't understand how it feels to always be overshadowed by you, to always be looked down by everyone because you're so much better than me. I thought you were smart because you learned to be intelligent, because you learned to become a saxophonist, because you developed to become the smartest person in the world." He said as he turned around and quietly replied "". But you were born smart, you didn't earn a damn thing because you're a fraud." He said as he slowly walked out of his room.
Lisa was surprised by her brother's outburst and sat shaken down to the core, but not hearing what Bart muttered before he walked out of the room saying." Bart what was the last thing you said?" she asked in a worried tone, not sure if she even wanted to know what her brother thought about her.
With rage he quickly turned around" You're a FRAUD!" he said loudly" You were never smart because you learned to become smart, you were gifted it like destiny was on your side, and I was left with my own struggles, left to rot because of some stupid gene, and I can tell you are looking down at me at this very moment." He said as he slowly breathed in and out to try to calm down.
Lisa interjected" But Bart! Iv never looked down at you, it didn't matter if I got higher grades in school than you, I've never looked down at you, I never knew the benefits the Simpson gene would give me."
Bart's anger slowly faded away." But it's not just about the Simpsons gene, it's about everything else. You are always the center of attention because of your accomplishments, you are always the center of attention because of your ability to get top grades in class, and what am I? I'm looked down upon as the troublemaker, the underachiever. I'd never expected to achieve anything remarkable in my life because I'm constantly overshadowed by you."
As Bart vented all of his frustrations, Lisa looked at him stunned. She couldn't believe that her own brother said she had never tried in her life because of her gene.
Lisa feeling offended said" Bart you don't get the right to claim that I never tried In my life, you're making it out that that through my entire life that Iv never failed at anything and that iv never struggled. But that's not true, I've gone through my own personal struggles in my life, same as you," she said slowly, trying to calm her brother down.
Bart exhaled, listening to Lisa's words, "Ahh, fine Lisa, I guess I was wrong about how you never struggled through anything, even with some stupid gene, you still struggle, after all, you're human."
Lisa smiled at Barts words, as Bart thought about the situation, he had an epiphany, he continued" You know, me blaming my failures on the gene was selfishness on me, it was a crutch to hide my lack of effort I actually give in the things I love." He smiled and said" Even though this so-called gene is going to make me a "failure". What does failure mean? Homer has Marge and three kids. He has friends and even though he isn't the most caring father in the world, I know deep down that he cares deeply for us."
In the midst of his self-reflection, he recalled all the accomplishments homers had made over the years, as he reflected, he thought back to the time when His father was in space, or the times where he met tons of famous celebrities. In his mind he truly began to question if his father was actually a "failure" and if he really should be worried about his future.
After listening to Bart's words, Lisa felt relief that Bart understood the situation better than she did. The feeling of being an underachiever was unfamiliar to her since she had never experienced it before. However, now that she has learned about her brother's internal struggles, she is not willing to let some genes ruin her relationship with him in the future.
With tears in her eyes, Lisa hugged Bart and said" Oh Bart you're right, we shouldn't let this gene situation ruin our bond, were so much better than that, we have our own strengths and struggles, now knowing how you feel I will be there to help no matter what."
Bart smiled at his sister's words, he knew she was always the caring type, and listening to her forgive him after his outburst made him feel guilty in a weird way, pushing those feelings to the side he said" Thanks Lisa I appreciate it, I shouldn't let my own jealously consume me and I shouldn't let your own success be a crutch for me to fail. It doesn't matter if destiny is or isn't on my side Lisa. In the end, I will become successful and nothing will stop me from achieving my personal goals."
As Bart and Lisa were reconciling trying to find common ground between each other, Marge and Homer were downstairs, hoping things were going well for their special little guy.
Homer Walking Place in said," You know Marge, over the years we have been married I never expected my son to look up to me and say that I'm a failure." He said in tone as he wiped a tear away" That hurts more than every time I uttered D'oh."
Marge feeling sorry for her husband said" C'mon Homie you ain't no failure for me or the kids. We have had our ups and downs in the past, but everything ended up fine, didn't it? Homer, we both know you sacrifice a lot for the children, and that's why I love you." she said with a smile.
Listening to Marge's reassuring words Homer wiped away his tears. "That's right Marge, this might be a fork in the road, but we will get through this together, as husbands and God for sure family."
With a new sense of determination, Homer and Marge began their journey up the stairs. However, before they could do so, Marge picked up Maggie from the kitchen and they walked up the stairs. As they reached the top Marge stepped into Maggie's room and took her youngest child to bed and kissed her on her head. She left her room.
Homer and Marge began searching for Bart. Not too long after they started their search, they heard Bart and Lisa in Lisa's room apologizing to each other about their insecurities. Waiting for the right time to walk into the room they both waited.
When the time was right Homer knocked on the door. "Can I come in?" he asked in a friendly manner.
Bart and Lisa who were sitting on Lisa's bed nodded at each other. Bart said," Sure Dad, you can come in".
After Bart gives them both confirmation that they can come in Homer and Marge walk through the door to be greeted by their two oldest children sitting on Lisa's bed with happy faces.
Homer was glad to see his two children are doing ok walked over to them" Bart I'm sorry that you think I'm a failure boy, but if you want, I can change".
As Homer spoke Bart looked at his father with mixed emotions in his eyes. He was proud that his father wanted to change for him, but he didn't want his own insecurities to make him change" You don't have to do it for me Dad" he said sincerely" It's not about whether you are a failure or not, it's that I need to make my own path and not follow your footsteps or anyone's footsteps. I want to be Bart Simpson."
Homer nodded in agreement." Bart, it's important for you to choose your own path in life. However, just remember that your family will always support you no matter what you choose to do with your life.
Marge wanted to join the conversation and stepped forward and said, "Bart, we believe in you, we know you can succeed and accomplish remarkable things. You're a talented individual and will always be my special little guy, and if you do things in your own way, that's fine."
Lisa who was listening quietly added her own thoughts. "Bart, I know it's tough to deal with jealousy and uncertainty, but just remember that we are all here for you and will support you through thick and thin. Just remember that because you think you haven't achieved anything in life doesn't mean you can't achieve anything.
Bart looked up at his family with mixed emotions. He was happy they supported him through a dark time. However, he knew he had to focus on himself and not let jealousy cloud his judgment. He said" Thank you guys," he said sincerely, for helping me through a time like this. I will try to focus on my own journey and not let this gene define me. I just need some time to figure this all out."
Homer smiled then placed his hand on Bart's shoulder, "you can take all of the time you need son, just remember Bart that failure is a part of life, and when failure happens always rise through it".
Bart nodded feeling relief that his family supported him. He knew he wanted to make a mark in this world, and he knew that if he really wanted to succeed then he would have to try to be the best version of himself.
As the days passed by, he tried harder in school, getting the grades that wanted, the grades ge struggled to get in the past, he was proud of himself that he achieved something he thought he wouldn't be able to achieve in a million years.
His family became more supportive of Bart. Every time he struggled with something they always landed a helping hand. Even Lisa the person he used to jealous of always helped him when he was at his worst, and it never felt like she was being condescending or looking down at him.
Now as the days passed, Bart was standing on top of the grassy hill with the wind blowing around him. He felt a sense of peace and clarity he hadn't experienced in a long time. He stared at the beautiful sunset in front of him wondering about the endless possibilities in the future. He knew that his journey to becoming the best had just begun and there would be challenges ahead. However, now with a new sense of confidence, he felt more confident than ever that he could overcome them.