It was a quiet Saturday afternoon in the Watterson household, a rare moment of stillness that hung in the air. Completely the opposite of the familiar cacophony of this family every day. Richard is taking Darwin and Anais to go fishing at a lake in the park. Leaving Gumball and his mother Nicole to look after the house.

Gumball was sprawled on the couch, a blue, furry mass of dejection. His usual mischievous grin was replaced by a downturned mouth, his bright eyes clouded over with a sadness that had become a frequent visitor in the past week. He'd been quieter, less prone to his usual cheery, optimistic personality, and it was starting to worry Nicole more than she let on. She watched her son from the kitchen, stirring a pot of what she hoped would be comforting tomato soup.

After a while, Nicole wiped her hands on her apron and came over, settling onto the couch next to Gumball as she asked him gently, her voice softer than her usual stern tone.

Nicole: "Gumball, sweetie?"

Gumball barely stirred, shifting slightly on the cushions.

Gumball: "Yeah, Mom?"

His voice was low, almost a whisper. This made Nicole's heart ached a bit, she hated seeing her 'Sweet Little Gummypuss' feeling fragile like this. Nicole resisted the urge to ruffle Gumball's fur, sensing that he wouldn't appreciate it at the moment right now. Instead, she placed a hand on his back, the gentle pressure a silent offering of comfort.

Nicole: "You've been... quiet lately, honey. Is everything okay?"

Gumball sighed and shrugged as he's running a hand through his messy blue hair.

Gumball: "I don't know, Mom. I just... I don't feel like myself anymore... It's like everything just feels... overwhelming to me. I feel like I'm not good enough at anything..."

Nicole listened to her son patiently as her brows furrowed with concern and her heart sank at his comment. She had always known Gumball to be full of life and creativity, but she understood that even the brightest stars could dim. Nicole then leans closer to her son as she spoke with her voice calm and reassuring.

Nicole: "Gumball, don't say that, sweetheart. You are more than enough for me, ok? It doesn't matter how much troubles you have caused, but to me, you'll always be one of my wonderful kids!"

Gumball turned to face his mom, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Gumball: "H-How? I keep letting everyone down just like that. Especially you!"

Nicole can't bear to see her sweet little boy being upset like this. She then pulled him into a warm embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around him as she speaks with a calm, motherly tone.

Nicole: "You could never let me down, sweetie! Even if you've made some mistakes, you're still my little Gummypuss after all!"

Gumball blushes at the nickname his mother just called him. Nicole hesitated for a moment before she continues, her arms still hugging her son tightly and her expression was serious yet loving.

Nicole: "It's okay to mess up a bit. Everyone does sometimes. What matters here is that you know how to learn from those mistakes and keep trying as hard as you can! And you know that I'll always be here to support you, right? You're allowed to feel down, sweetie. It doesn't mean anything is wrong with you. But don't let it define you. You are capable of many amazing things!"

At this point, her words seems to have made Gumball felt a bit better as he took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within him.

Gumball: "Thanks, Mom. I really needed to hear that."

Nicole: "Anytime, sweetie."

They both hugging each others for a while before they pulled away from each others embrace as Nicole spoke.

Nicole: "There you go! How about I go get you some soup to lift your mood up? It should be done by now."

Gumball smiled and nodded slowly before he stood up and following his mother into the kitchen. The smell of warm tomato soup filled the air, a familiar and comforting aroma that seemed to nudge away some of the gloom that had clung to the room.

As they ate, the silence between them felt less heavier, replaced by the comforting sounds of clinking spoons and quiet sipping. Nicole watched her son Gumball, who, for the first time in a while, looked like he was actually enjoying something again!

Gumball looked up to his mom, who's watching him lovingly as he let out a warm smile before he suddenly asked her, his voice's still a bit fragile.

Gumball: "Mom?"

Nicole: "Yes, sweetie?"

Gumball: "Well, do you think... do you think I'm a good boy?"

Nicole's heart swelled with a deep love for her son. She reached across the table and patted his head, her touch warm and grounding as she said, her voice full of genuine affection.

Nicole: "Of course you are, Gummypuss! And to think more clearly, you're smart, talented, funny, cheerful, sarcastic. And most of all, you are one of the most imaginative, adventurous, and bravest little boy I know! You have a heart of gold, even if you hide it sometimes."

Gumball let out a small giggle when his mom patted his head. Nicole then hesitated slightly as she glanced around to make sure no one was here at this moment, even though she knows that the other three were spending their times outdoors at the park right now.

Then, Nicole turned her attention back to her son as she asked.

Nicole: "By the way, can I tell you something?"

Gumball: "Okay. Go ahead, Mom."

Nicole took a deep breath before she responds to him with a soft smile.

Nicole: "To be honest, you're my favorite child, Gumball. No matter what happens, you'll always be my number one."

Gumball's eyes widened in surprise, and for the first time in a while, a genuine smile broke across his face.

Gumball: "Me? Really? But what about Anais and Darwin? There's them too, you know?"

His mother laughed, a melodious sound that washed over him like a warm wave.

Nicole: "Oh of course, they're also wonderful and I'll also love them too, don't get me wrong. But it's just... look at you! Both you and me are blue cats, we both look almost identical to each others. Not to mention, you're my firstborn child and we both shares a lot in common."

Nicole then leaned closer to her son and smiled at him as she continues.

Nicole: "And most importantly, you have some... sparks that I find it special, some kinds of wild energy that I can't help but adore it. You always managed to surprise me, even when you're driving me crazy. You always brought so much joy into our life, even when it's messy. And I wouldn't want to trade you for anything in this world!"

This was it. It was one of the truths she just voiced to her son, it had always existed within her heart. She used to have the same spark when she was a little girl. Gumball blushes at his mother's comment, a small patch of pink against his blue fur. It was the first genuine happiness that appeared on his face in weeks. He looked at his mother and responded, his voice filled with awe.

Gumball: "Wow... I guess I didn't realize how much loves and cares you've gave to me the whole time... Thanks mom, for saying all of these to me. You don't know how loved and appreciated I'm feeling right now..."

Nicole: *smiles* "You're welcome. But don't tell your siblings what I've just told you. This will remained as a secret between us, ok sweetie?"

Gumball: *nods* "Don't worry, Mom. My lips are sealed!"

After a while, they both finished their soup, their mood noticeably lighter. Nicole could feel the heavy blanket of sadness that had enveloped her son Gumball, has begun to lift, revealing the boisterous, energetic cat she knew and loved beneath.

Nicole: "Feeling better now, Gummypuss?"

Gumball looked at his mom as he responds, his mood now happy and content.

Gumball: "Yeah mom! So much better!"

Nicole smiled at him before she let out a suggestion, pushing her soup bowl away.

Nicole: "Now what do you say if we play some video games together? Sure we've done that occasionally before, but I'm feeling like I could use a good... pixelated brawl today."

She winked at him, a mischievous glint back in her eyes. Gumball's eyes lit up at his mother's wink, his usual enthusiasm returning as he responds.

Gumball: "Yes! Sure, let's do it! I'll destroy you this time, Mom!"

He hopped off his chair, his earlier lethargy completely forgotten. After then, Gumball and Nicole are both settled in front of the television, controllers in hand, ready to compete each others in the digital realm. They played games after games, the air in the living room filled with the sounds of laughter, friendly taunts, and the satisfying clicks of buttons. Gumball, earlier was a picture of dejection, now fully engaged, his eyes bright and focused. Nicole, despite her initial intention of simply comforting him, now found herself getting caught up in the fun with him, her competitive spirit have reawakened once again.

An hour slipped away like moments, the setting sun casting long shadows across the room. As they played one final match, the scores neck and neck, Gumball suddenly paused the game as he looked at his mother and speaks with his voice now softer and full of genuine gratitude.

Gumball: "Thanks for being there for me when I need you, Mom. You're the best Mom ever! I don't know what would I do without you."

Nicole smiled, ruffling his fur as she spoke.

Nicole: "Anytime, sweetie. And remember, you are my favorite, and I will always be here to cheer you on."

Gumball leaned against his mom, feeling grateful for her presence.

Gumball: "I love you, Mom."

Nicole: "I love you too, my little Gummypuss. Never forget that."

Then they gave each others a short hug. Nicole's heart filled with a deep and unconditional love for her sweet little boy. He was her quirky, chaotic, wonderful son, and even though she sometimes wanted to pull her hair out with his antics, but she wouldn't trade him for anything in this world.

After they pulled away from each others hug, they sat together and continued their video games, the sounds of it filling the room, Nicole knew that this was how it should be. A house full of love, laughter, and some occasional pixelated battles like this moment. It had been a hard week for her son Gumball, but she was glad that she was there to comfort him, to remind him that he wasn't ever truly alone, and that he was, beyond a doubt, her favorite! The housework could wait until later, she thought. Because right now, she just wanted to bask in the warmth of her son's happiness, and enjoy this moment of peace and playful connection with him.

~ END OF STORY! ~