~~Hello readers, welcome to my Pokémon/Jetsons crossover fanfiction.
I don't own anything from Pokémon or The Jetsons.
Only my original characters belong to me.~~
~Introduction to My OC~
My name is Sioku Marie.
I am a ten-year-old female Pokemon trainer with curly brown hair and blue eyes.
My outfit usually consists of pink sparkly flat shoes, pink dress pants, a purple blouse with flower designs on the front, and a thin purple sweater.
I reside in Twinleaf Town with my mom, dad, older sister, and pet dog.
My mom is a teacher at the Pokemon Trainer school, and my dad is a medical scientist.
I was born with a special healing power called cell activation.
It allows me to heal people and animals' wounds when I touch and focus my energy on them.
My hobbies include spending time with my dog, playing with Pokemon, having Pokemon battles, exploring new places, watching Tv, and meeting people.
My dislikes include medical facilities, bullies, scary movies, and conflict.
~End Introduction~
This story begins in the Sinoh Region.
It was now mid morning in Twinleaf Town.
On the second floor inside the northwest house, I lay asleep in my bed with Piplup beside me.
My dog Trooper slept at the foot of the bed.
Trooper is a Rottweiler with black fur.
Sunlight shined brightly through all four windows which warmed the space.
Complete silence filled the medium sized room as my partner Pokemon and I slept peacefully under the covers.
Unfortunately, the peace didn't last very long.
A heavy pounding noise could be heard on the other side of my bedroom door which startled me.
Trooper immediately rose to a sitting position and started to bark loudly.
My eyes shot wide open as I jolted awake.
I looked around the bedroom wearily as my heart started to race with fear.
Loud noises usually gave me paranoia, so I couldn't think straight.
I didn't know how to respond to this situation right away.
Luckily, I heard an episode of the Jetsons playing on my Tv at a low volume.
Watching that classic cartoon always cheered me up whenever I felt down or scared.
Hearing the characters' voices also made me smile.
I focused on the Tv show in order to stay calm.
Listening to the cheerful sounds of George, Elroy, Mr. Spacely, and Uniblab's voices helped me relax almost instantly.
I giggled at Uniblab's obnoxious behavior.
Trooper continued to bark in a softer tone as he tried to look under the door.
"Trooper... what are you barking at?" I mumbled.
The large dog let out a low warning growl as he gazed at the door.
He could hear the sound of quiet footsteps outside my bedroom.
I sat up carefully in order to prevent myself from disturbing piplup.
"Trooper nuzzled me as I moved closer to him.
I affectionately wrapped my arms around the dog.
The dog let out a yawn which made me laugh.
I rubbed Trooper under his floppy ears.
"Who banged on my door just now?" I wondered with a yawn of my own.
Just when I thought it was all over, the pounding noises only grew even louder.
Trooper hopped off of my bed and ran toward the door while barking fiercely.
"Sad Sioku Marie! Get up and start your day this instant! You are not allowed to be lazy!" screamed a female voice from outside my room.
I automatically knew who that annoying voice belonged to.
"Joy killer," I thought with a sigh.
My older sister Mira had showed up to ruin my day as usual.
Making my life as miserable as possible was one of her favorite hobbies.
I refused to let Mira's madness bother me and brushed her off like dust.
"I'm coming Mira," I responded politely.
"Hurry up and get your butt downstairs! Don't fool around Sad Sioku!" Mira yelled before she walked away.
I climbed out of bed before walking across my room toward the wooden dresser.
My outfit was neatly laid out on top of it.
I quickly changed out of my blue fuzzy pajamas before placing them in a drawer.
I curiously looked toward the door and found Trooper laying across the doorway like a guard dog.
"Good boy Trooper," I praised.
The dog let out a relaxed sigh.
I then sat down on a stool in front of my vanity and retrieved my hairbrush from a drawer.
I slipped into my thoughts while slowly brushing the tangles out of my messy hair.
The Jetsons provided comforting background noise.
All was quiet until a second round of heavy pounding at the door suddenly pulled me out of my thoughts.
Trooper woke up and growled viciously.
Piplup also roused from its sleep.
"Sad Sioku! Quit playing around and come downstairs right now!" Mira bellowed.
I dropped my brush down on the vanity and sighed heavily.
"That girl seriously needs to learn how to be patient," I muttered to myself.
I ignored her and proceeded to style my hair in two French braids.
Ignoring the bothersome girl's constant yelling only fueled her anger.
Mira burst into the room and began stomping in my direction.
Trooper ran after Mira while glaring at her.
Mira stood behind my stool wearing an infuriated expression.
"Get back dog," she demanded roughly while trying to push him away from my side.
Trooper refused to obey her command and shoved himself in between us.
He growled at Mira whenever she tried to move him.
I turned around to see the enraged teen glaring down at me.
Mira is a 13-year-old girl with short black hair and red eyes.
Her outfit consisted of black tennis shoes and socks, black sweat pants, a gray long-sleeved shirt, and a plain gray hoody.
"Do you have to wake up with a bad attitude every morning? What's wrong with you?" I asked with a look of annoyance.
"No Sad Sioku, I don't have a bad attitude! You should've been downstairs an hour ago!" Mira yelled back.
I cringed at that awful nickname.
Sad Sioku had always been Mira's Nickname for me since she and I were small children.
"Mind your own business, will you? I'll meet you and Mother down there in a minute," I said boldly.
"Don't tell me what to do Sad Sioku! I've told you to come downstairs twice now!" Mira hollered.
"I was getting ready to leave my room when you barged in here," I argued.
Mira pointed to the Tv screen and retorted. "You are such a lier Sad Sioku. It's clearly obvious that you were watching Tv."
A brief period of silence passed between us.
Mira laughed obnoxiously as she recognized the Tv show that continued to play.
"What's so funny?" I asked with a glare.
"Sad Sioku, I can't believe that you're still watching The Jetsons. You should've abandoned this dumb show a few years ago," Mira answered rudely.
Another period of silence passed by.
"Get out of here and leave me alone," I said sternly.
"Whatever Sad Sioku," replied Mira with a huff before she walked away.
Trooper and I watched her intently as she exited my bedroom.
"Good riddance," I thought.
I opened up Piplup's Pokeball and commanded. "Piplup, return."
Piplup hopped off my bed before letting itself get pulled inside the Pokeball.
I took one look in the circular mirror to make sure that my braids wouldn't come undone.
Trooper stood patiently behind me.
I then put on my favorite necklace before packing my bag.
"Let's go Trooper," I urged while walking toward the door.
Trooper shook off, then rushed after me while wagging his tail wildly.
The sound of his excited panting made me laugh.
I let Trooper out of my room first before following him down the carpeted staircase.
The scent of hot breakfast foods reached my nose as I made my way through the kitchen.
"Let's go outside Trooper," I called to the dog.
Trooper panted happily as he followed me.
I giggled at the sound of his paws tapping on the tile floor.
"Go out," I urged after opening the sliding glass door.
Trooper took off outside while barking.
"Crazy dog," I commented as I closed the door.
I turned around and headed into the dining room where Mira and my mother Julie had been waiting.
Glass plates of hot food, glass cups of ice water, napkins, and silverware were neatly arranged on the wooden table.
"Look what the cat dragged in," Mira commented with a smirk.
I ignored Mira's rudeness and sat down in a chair across from her.
"Good morning Mother," I greeted politely.
Sitting in the seat beside me, the woman known as Julie frowned in my direction.
Julie is a woman in her mid forties with wavy black hair and red eyes.
Her outfit consisted of black tennis shoes and socks, black yoga pants, a gray long-sleeved T-shirt, and a gray woven sweater.
"You're late Sioku," she responded sternly.
"I'm sorry Mother," I said remorsefully.
"Next time, I expect to see you down here ten minutes earlier. Do you understand me?" Julie replied.
"Yes ma'am," I answered quietly.
A long period of silence passed between the three of us as we ate.
Mira broke the silence by jumping up from her seat wearing a boastful smile on her face.
"I know exactly why Sad Sioku was late for breakfast this morning. I caught her watching Tv again," the teen tattled.
"I'm not surprised," Julie responded with a sigh.
Mira's troublesome behavior bothered me to no end.
"You're so annoying," I interrupted with a glare toward Mira.
"Sioku, you don't have time to watch silly cartoons anymore. Your Pokemon journey is more important," Julie said harshly.
"I know Mother, but I only watch Tv at night. I was actually getting ready for the day," I replied calmly.
"Sad Sioku is obviously lying to you Mother. She never tells the truth," Mira chimed in.
My blood started to boil with rage.
The anger that I felt toward Mira burned inside me like a wild fire.
I also rose from my chair and glared daggers at her.
"Shut up Mira! I've had enough of your nonsense!" I shouted in her direction.
Mira laughed out loud in response.
"Hey Sad Sioku, where did you get the boldness to yell at me? Did the Jetsons give you your courage? I've always known that you couldn't fight your own battles," she taunted.
I kept an icy glare fixed on Mira and yelled back. "My favorite Tv shows are none of your business!"
"You're pathetic Sad Sioku," Mira said plainly.
"You have no room to talk," I replied bluntly.
Julie roughly pulled me back down onto the chair by the collar of my shirt.
"Sioku Marie, you are not allowed to treat your older sister that way. You'll do extra chores tonight as punishment for fighting with her," she scolded.
I lowered my head in shame.
"That serves you right for losing your temper, Sad Sioku," said Mira boastfully.
"That's enough now Mira," Julie replied calmly.
My face turned red with absolute shock.
"Mother, are you seriously letting Mira off the hook? She started that fight," I protested.
Julie dragged me closer to her and shot back. "Listen up little lady, I don't care who started that fight. You're in trouble for screaming at your sister."
Mira smirked at me, and I responded by turning my head away.
Silence returned to the room once again.
I gazed up at my mom with a stunned expression.
"Sioku, you know better than to argue with me. As soon as breakfast is over, start doing your chores immediately. Do I make myself clear?" Julie ordered firmly.
"Yes Mother," I answered softly.
"Julie then pointed at Mira and said in a calmer tone of voice. "You may leave the table now. Also, I would like you to begin training your Pokemon for the upcoming contest."
Julie's act of favoritism didn't surprise me in the slightest.
"Of course Mother," Mira replied innocently as she stood up.
I watched Mira with a look of disgust as she gleefully skipped away.
Without another word, I rose from my seat and carried my empty dishes to the sink.
I then returned to the table and collected Mira's dishes.
Julie followed me into the kitchen, then placed her dishes in the sink.
"Your father will be home from work soon. He's going to hear about your behavior," she said before walking away.
My mom was only met with silence.
I started to scrub the dishes with soap, water, and a sponge before loading them into a rack on the counter.
Thinking about the Jetsons helped me stay entertained while I did my chores.
I imagined those wonderful characters talking to me.
Uniblab's cute voice echoed in my head which caused me to blush.
"Oh Uniblab, I wish I could meet you and the others for real. My life would be much better than it is right now," I thought.
I paused abruptly when I heard a familiar robotic voice reply telepathically. "Do not fear Sioku, I am here for you. I am here."
The fact that Uniblab knew my name caused me to freeze in place.
I gasped quietly wearing an astonished expression.
"Uniblab... are you really talking to me?" I thought joyfully.
"Yes Sioku... yes Sioku," answered the robot.
My mind raced in all directions as I stood still.
"I must be daydreaming right now," I whispered.
"No Sioku, this isn't a dream. You are not dreaming. I am speaking to you," Uniblab responded.
"Thanks for talking to me Uniblab. You just brightened my day," I thought dreamily.
"You're very welcome Sioku, I am happy to assist you. Happy to assist," Uniblab replied cheerfully.
I couldn't help but smile at Uniblab's repetitive speech.
My thought process was suddenly interrupted when Julie entered the kitchen with a cold glare fixed on me.
I knew automatically that I was about to get in trouble.
"Sioku Marie! You know better than to daydream while doing your chores! What's gotten into you?" she shouted sternly.
I turned to her with a dumbfounded expression.
"What are you talking about?" I asked plainly.
"Don't play dumb with me Sioku, I saw you smiling! You were probably laughing at something stupid as usual," Julie shot back.
"I was laughing at the dog. Are you really calling Trooper stupid?" I said calmly.
"I don't care what you were laughing at. You broke another rule," Julie replied harshly.
A brief period of silence passed by as I resumed washing the dishes.
"I don't understand you Sioku. Why can't you act normal like Mira. You're a childish piece of work," Julie added before she marched away.
I frowned and let out a disappointed sigh.
"I deal with nonsense like that every day. My family is crazy," I thought sadly.
"It's okay Sioku, I'll be right by your side. Don't worry... don't worry," assured Uniblab.
"Thanks Uniblab," I thought with a smile.
Once the dishes had been cleaned, I wiped the stove and counters down with a wash cloth.
I heard Trooper whining and clawing at the back door, so I let him inside.
Trooper panted happily while wagging his tail.
I ruffled his fur as he brushed passed me.
"Good dogTrooper," I praised.
"Sioku, come in the living room. You left your Pokedex on the coffee table yesterday," called Julie.
"I'm coming Mother," I responded.
I calmly led Trooper into the living room, then grabbed my Pokedex off the smaller table.
Trooper laid down by the couch and fell asleep.
Julie paused the Tv and said. "Sioku, your first place to visit will be Jubilife City. You and Mira should be registered to enter the contest. Also, Sioku Marie, your father and I'll be watching your performance. There will be major consequences if he or I catch you goofing off."
Julie's threat sent chills rapidly crawling up my spine.
I stared up at her fearfully.
"Yes ma'am," I replied softly.
"You are excused," Julie added.
I started to tremble as Julie's recent threat echoed in my mind.
"Sioku... Sioku, I can sense your fear. Please calm down," urged Uniblab.
The soothing sound of Uniblab's voice helped me relax almost instantly.
I took a deep breath and thought. "You're a true friend Uniblab. I'm so lucky to have you."
Fortunately, Mira was nowhere to be seen.
I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that she wouldn't be bothering me any time soon.
"Let's go Uniblab," I said telepathically.
"Right... right," the robot responded.
I gladly exited my house through the front door, then hurried through Twinleaf Town.
The small town contained four houses.
The weather outside was gorgeous, and there wasn't a storm cloud in the sky.
~Back at Home: No POV~
In the living room, Julie resumed her Tv show.
The sound of the front door suddenly woke Trooper.
Trooper sat up and shook his head.
He stretched before walking toward the door.
A tall man with blond hair and glasses walked inside.
His outfit consisted of black shoes, a black uniform with blue outlines, a long white lab coat, white gloves, and a blue cowlick around his head.
The hairs on Trooper's neck stood straight up as he growled at the man viciously.
Unfazed, the man walked passed Trooper without acknowledging him.
Trooper watched the man with an intense expression.
Julie smiled brightly as she saw her husband enter the living room.
"Welcome home Colress dear," she greeted.
"Thank you Babe," Colress replied before he kissed his wife's forehead.
He sat down on the couch beside her.
"How was work today?" asked Julie.
Colress put his arm around Julie and answered. "Good, my experiments on various Pokemon have been going really well."
"That's wonderful," Julie said happily.
A brief period of silence passed between them.
"How is your day going so far?" asked Colress.
"My day was going just fine until Sioku got into a fight with Mira. Then she started talking back to me after I punished her. I also caught Sioku daydreaming during her chores earlier. I had already assigned Sioku extra chores for the day after her argument with Mira," Julie answered with an annoyed expression.
Colress gazed at his wife thoughtfully and said. "I'm so sorry Julie, you and our precious Mira shouldn't have had to deal with Sioku by yourselves. That little girl has been acting way too rebellious lately. I'll teach her a lesson later tonight. Sioku won't have the energy to protest against either of us when I'm finished with her."
"I knew I could count on you," Julie replied with a malicious grin.
"Where is Sioku now?" asked Colress as he scanned the surrounding area.
"She's outside catching some Pokemon," answered Julie.
"I'll wait here until Sioku comes back. She won't see me coming," Colress added wickedly.
~Outside of Twinleaf Town: Sioku's POV~
On the grassy path of Route 201, I stopped and retrieved Piplup's Pokeball from my bag.
"Come on out Piplup," I said while pushing a button.
The water type penguin Pokemon Piplup emerged from its Pokeball and stood next to me.
Piplup and I walked leisurely up a path that led to Lake Verity.
I suddenly paused as I spotted a bird-like Pokemon flying above my head.
Piplup curiously looked up.
I retrieved my Pokedex and pointed it up at the Pokemon.
The creature was a flying type bird Pokemon called Starly.
Starly flapped its wings as it hovered in the air near me.
"Hey Uniblab, I'm about to capture a Pokemon for the first time. I wish you could watch," I thought excitedly.
"That's great, I'll be watching you in spirit. You can do it Sioku. You can do it," Uniblab encouraged.
I faced my Pokemon wearing a confident smile.
"Piplup, it's time to battle. Aim your bubble attack up at Starly," I instructed.
Piplup jumped up and shot a stream of bubbles toward Starly.
Starly countered the attack by tackling Piplup to the ground.
"Use peck before Starly flies away," I commanded.
Piplup repeatedly pecked at Starly with its beak.
Starly fought back by using quick attack on Piplup.
Piplup stumbled backward in pain.
"Use bubble one more time," I said confidently.
Piplup shot a second stream of bubbles in Starly's face.
Starly fell to the ground with a thud.
I pulled an empty Pokeball out of my bag and threw it at the defeated Starly.
Starly let itself get pulled inside the Pokeball.
The Pokeball wobbled three times before it clicked shut.
I picked up the Pokeball and held it high in the air triumphantly.
"We did it Piplup, I caught a Starly!" I cheered.
Piplup posed victoriously in response.
"Congratulations Sioku... congratulations," said Uniblab.
"Thanks Uniblab, I couldn't have done it without you by my side. I love you so much already," I replied happily.
I walked quickly up the path toward Sangem Town with Piplup by my side.
"Sioku... Sioku, where are you off to?" asked Uniblab.
"My Piplup and I are going to a Pokemon center in the next town. The Pokemon center is a place where trainers and Pokemon can rest and restore their energy," I explained.
Piplup and I passed Lake Verity before we entered Sangem Town.
The small town contained a research lab, a Pokemon center, a Pokemart, two houses, and a beach.
I returned Piplup to its Pokeball, then rushed into the Pokemon center.
"Good morning mis, welcome to the Pokemon center. How may I help you?" greeted Nurse Joy as I approached the front desk.
"Same to you Nurse Joy, my name is Sioku. Both of my Pokemon need to be restored," I responded.
"I would gladly do that for you," she said with a smile.
"Thank you ma'am," I replied graciously.
I placed Piplup and Starly's Pokeballs into the tray.
Nurse Joy picked up the tray and carried it to a machine.
I sat down on one of the chairs in the lobby and waited patiently.
"Sioku, what's going on?" asked Uniblab.
"Nurse Joy is healing my Pokemon right now," I answered.
"Sioku, what is a Pokemon?" Uniblab continued.
"Pokemon are magical creatures who possess all kinds of powers. Most Pokemon can evolve into bigger versions of themselves. People can keep Pokemon as pets and train them to fight in battles. Trainers are allowed to carry up to six Pokemon with them at a time during their travels," I explained.
Nurse Joy's voice suddenly pulled me out of my thoughts. "Sioku, your Pokemon are ready."
I stood up and walked quickly toward the front desk.
Nurse Joy set the tray down, and I retrieved both of my Pokeballs.
"Thank you very much Nurse Joy," I said graciously.
"Your welcome Sioku, please feel free to come back any time. I wish you the best of luck on your journey," she replied.
I sent Piplup out of its Pokeball before exiting the Pokemon center.
Piplup happily ran beside me as we reversed our route back to Lake Verity.
On our way to the lake, I heard a rustling sound coming from a nearby bush.
I stopped in my tracks and stared at the bush from a safe distance.
"Stay still Piplup," I whispered.
Piplup stood protectively in front of me.
"Sioku, are you all right?" asked Uniblab telepathically.
I smiled warmly and thought. "Yes, you don't need to worry about me. I think there's a wild Pokemon nearby."
"I wish you the best of luck with your next capture. Best of luck," Uniblab said happily.
"Thank you so much," I whispered back.
Piplup and I waited patiently while staring at the bush.
A lion cub-like creature slowly crawled out to reveal itself..
I pointed my Pokedex at it.
The new creature was an electric type Pokemon called Shinx.
Shinx' tail sparked wildly as it stared at Piplup.
I couldn't help but giggle at that.
"It looks like Shinx wants to have a battle with you," I said to Piplup.
Piplup stood proudly and aimed a stream of bubbles in Shinx' face.
Shinx countered by zapping Piplup with a spark attack.
Piplup fell to the floor in pain.
I stared down at my Pokemon with a saddened expression.
"Piplup, are you okay?" I asked worriedly.
The penguin Pokemon slowly rose to its feet.
"That's the spirit Piplup," I encouraged.
"Now use pound," I instructed.
Piplup repeatedly struck Shinx' back with its beak.
Shinx fought back by tackling Piplup to the ground.
"Use bubble and aim it upward," I commanded.
Piplup covered Shinx with a stream of bubbles, causing it to slide off of Piplup's back.
"Now use pound one more time," I instructed.
Piplup rose to its feet, charged forward, then slammed its beak down on Shinx.
Shinx crashed to to the ground with a hard thud.
Reaching into my bag, I retrieved an empty Pokeball.
I tossed the Pokeball toward Shinx who lay still on the ground.
The Pokeball enveloped Shinx before clicking shut around it.
I watched hopefully as the Pokeball wobbled three times.
A feeling of relief washed over me as I looked down at my newly occupied Pokeball on the ground.
I picked up Shinx' Pokeball and held it high in the air.
"We did it Piplup! I just caught Shinx!" I cheered.
Piplup posed victoriously at my side.
"Congratulations Sioku," praised Uniblab.
"Thanks Uniblab," I replied telepathically.
With Shinx now on my team, Piplup and I made our way back to Sangem Town.
I returned Piplup to its Pokeball before entering the Pokemon center.
Mira suddenly blocked my path with a smirk before I could reach the front desk.
"I thought I'd find you here Sad Sioku," she said smugly.
"What do you want? Shouldn't you be training your Pokemon?" I replied with a glare toward her.
Mira glared back at me and snapped. "Don't accuse me of slacking off! I was training at the lake!"
I shook my head at Mira in disgust.
"Whatever mama's girl," I said with a huff.
Mira let out a growl of frustration.
"You'll regret saying those words to me," she replied bitterly.
I hurried passed her, then approached the front desk.
"Hello Sioku, how may I help you?" greeted Nurse Joy.
I smiled politely and responded. "Good afternoon Nurse Joy, it's nice to see you again. Two of my Pokemon need to be restored."
"I'll gladly do that for you," the nurse added.
I placed Piplup and Shinx' Pokeballs into the tray before making my way to the sitting area.
Mira threw me a glare before exiting the building.
"Grow up Mira," I called after her.
A brief period of silence passed by.
I bowed my head and sighed heavily.
"Sioku... Sioku, you seem to be down about something. What's bothering you?" asked Uniblab.
"My annoying sister Mira," I thought.
"I'll try my best to cheer you up," Uniblab added.
"I'm glad you're here," I thought with a small smile.
"You'll never be alone," the robot replied.
My telepathic conversation with Uniblab was suddenly cut off when Nurse Joy called out my name.
I immediately rose from my seat, then walked back toward the desk.
"Your Pokemon are healthy and ready to go," said Nurse Joy as she set the tray down.
"Thank you very much," I replied while retrieving my Pokeballs.
"Have a safe journey," Nurse Joy added.
I waved to her before leaving the Pokemon center.
To my surprise, Shinx emerged from its Pokeball and started to run circles around me.
I ruffled the lion's fur happily.
"You have a lot of energy," I commented.
Shinx brushed up against my leg in return.
Outside the small town, my new Pokemon and I strolled leisurely through Route 201.
I looked up at the partly cloudy sky as we traveled.
Shinx gleefully ran down the path with the wind blowing through its fur.
"Wait for me!" I called while jogging after Shinx.
I grinned playfully as I picked up speed.
"I'll race you home," I said competitively.
Shinx wagged its tail in return.
The wind blew my hair around as I continued running down the grassy path.
Shinx and I slowed down as we entered Twinleaf Town.
I opened up a Pokeball and commanded. "Shinx, return."
With its ears drooping, Shinx tiredly let itself get pulled inside the ball.
"That Shinx is so cute," I thought with a content smile.
"I'm glad you have it," replied Uniblab.
The incident between Mira and me played in my mind as I stepped closer to my home.
I cautiously entered the house with my guard up.
A wave of panic washed over me as I sensed an unsettling presence in the area.
I pushed those fearful thoughts aside and continued treading slowly through the hallway.
The ominous aura grew stronger as I entered the living room.
My stomach began to tie up in knots.
Sitting on the couch beside Julie was my vile father Dr. Colress.
The two sat still next to each other wearing blank expressions.
Complete silence filled the surrounding area like a dark void.
My heart dropped to the floor as I stared at my parents in anticipation.
The joy that I felt earlier vanished instantly.
I sat silently on the couch across from them.