Seven months have elapsed since setting the stats.

The world un-pauses, and I find myself in Charlie's house, resting in a baby swing. The room is cozy with warm, earthy tones and soft lighting casting a gentle glow. Shelves lined with books and framed photos give it a lived-in, welcoming feel, while a plush rug beneath me adds comfort. The scent of old books mixes with a faint hint of vanilla, creating a sense of calm and familiarity. Though it's my parent's home, it feels familiar yet different. Charlie's favorite recliner appears almost pristine; the paint on the walls is pure white; and the TV over the fireplace is an older model. Even the photographs on the walls in matching picture frames add a touch of homeliness.

I hear footsteps from the hallway and see Charlie, whose beaming happiness makes me smile. He scoops me up, cradling me in his arms. I feel a sense of safety and security, knowing I'm with someone who truly cares for me. I try to speak to him to brighten his day, but all I can do is babble. Nestled in his embrace, a wave of warmth and contentment washes over me. Despite my inability to articulate my thoughts, a deep sense of connection and love fills the room. "There you are, Bells. How is my little girl doing this evening?"

SKILL INITIATED

COMMUNICATION: LEVEL 0/5

You have embarked on the journey to articulate yourself to the world. Whether it be listening to others, expressing yourself, drawing your desires, or writing. Progress to Level 1 requires saying one word.

Level 1 unlocks speech. Achievement unlocked: "BABY'S FIRST WORD!"

Level 2 unlocks Skill–ARTS AND CRAFTS

Level 3 unlocks a 2x bonus for communication skills during the tutorial.

Level 4 unlocks the Passive Skill-CONFIDENCE.

Level 5 unlocks a 10x bonus for communication skills. All communication skills will be available.

The pop-up notification nudges me to advance my skills, as the tutorial lies ahead. Below the notification, a progress bar slowly fills as I listen to Charlie recount his day. My smile widens for two reasons: Charlie's vibrant storytelling and the excitement of discovering new game features that aid in my progression and skill acquisition. With any luck, these new skills will offer protection against the looming supernatural challenges.

One month later.

Trying to level my communication skills to level 1 was difficult. The progress bar was only half full. It's frustrating not being able to go somewhere or wanting something and not being able to communicate it.

SKILL INITIATED

MOTOR: LEVEL 0/5

You have embarked on the journey to move around the world. Everyone around you is walking, so why can't you?

Level 1 unlocks sitting and gripping objects. Achievement Unlocked: START OF SOMETHING NEW!

Level 2 unlocks standing. Achievement Unlocked: I AM COMING FOR YOU, WORLD.

Level 3 unlocks walking. Achievement Unlocked: BABY STEPS

Level 4 unlocks the balance skill. Achievement Unlocked: NOT YET A BALLERINA

Level 5 unlocks a 10x bonus for all motor skills. All motor skills will be unlocked.

QUEST INITIATED!

QUEST: ADVANCE MOTOR SKILL TO LEVEL 3

QUEST REWARD: 30XP, COLOR CHANGING BALL

The quests seem easy to achieve. I hope that quests outside of the tutorial aren't as simple.

As the days go by, I dedicate myself relentlessly to honing my motor and communication skills. The inability to speak is maddening, but the sheer frustration of not being able to walk is even more unbearable. I despise being carried from place to place, feeling utterly helpless. Achieving Level 1 appears deceptively easy, but it's far from it. This life-as-a-game shit is pushing me to the edge. With no other distractions, I channel every ounce of my energy into conquering these two pivotal skills.

Over the past few days, Dad has been holding me with an intensity that feels almost sacred. It's as if I'm the most precious thing in his world. In stark contrast, Mom's attentiveness has noticeably waned, and I can't help but wonder if this was the same dynamic the first time around. How did Renee end up with custody of me back then if the situation was similar? Something doesn't add up, and it's gnawing at my thoughts.

A nagging suspicion lingers in my mind. From what I remember, Dad was never this emotionally expressive. He was always mellow, his awkwardness palpable in those rare moments when he did show emotion. So, what has happened to trigger this dramatic shift in his demeanor? Why is he now wearing his heart so openly on his sleeve?

A few days later, nestled in Dad's lap as he watches his favorite live sports show, I find the courage to speak. I've been silently observing him for hours, absorbing the warmth and familiarity of the moment.

"Da... da," I finally utter. A burst of joy fills me. I did it!

ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED

BABY'S FIRST WORD.

You have spoken your first word. Time to converse more!

QUEST COMPLETED!

QUEST: LEARN YOUR FIRST SKILL

QUEST REWARDED

LEVEL UP! YOU ARE NOW LEVEL 2.

YOUR HP HAS INCREASED BY 10 HP POINTS

20XP TO NEXT LEVEL

"Did you just say something?" Charlie's eyes widen as he quickly turns toward me. His mouth opens and closes as he searches for the right words.
"Da... Da..." I say, smiling widely. I nod enthusiastically, hoping he understands.
Charlie's face lights up. "Renee! Come here! Bella said her first word!"
I hear a quiet rustling followed by soft footsteps. My mother approaches with a slight frown, wiping her hands on her apron. Her eyes lock onto mine, a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "She said a word? That's great, Charlie. What did she say?"
I frown slightly, glancing back at Charlie before repeating, "Dada."
"Look! She just said her first word!" Charlie beams with pride. "I'm so proud it was 'dada.' This is the happiest moment of my life. Nothing can compare to hearing her call me dad," he says lovingly.
"That's nice, dear," Renee responds, her voice detached and indifferent. "Is there anything else you need? I was about to start my next painting." Her recent hobby seems to consume more of her attention than my milestone.
A wave of disappointment washes over me. How could she be so indifferent? A tiny tear forms and falls, expressing my displeasure as I stare at Renee, feeling the ache of an unfulfilled bond. She hasn't earned the title of "mom" in my eyes. In my previous life, she was inadequate, but this—this is worse. When they divorce, I will refuse to stay silent. I will demand a parent who genuinely cares.

Four months later.

Renee has further distanced herself, not just from me but from Dad as well. I notice the deepening worry lines on his forehead. Feeling a pang of sadness for him, I toddle over and lift my arms, silently asking for a hug. "Up," I say softly.

Charlie's lips curl into a faint smile as he lifts me, love gleaming in his eyes. "How are you today, Bells?"

"Good, Dada." I beam up at him with a wide smile.

QUEST INITIATED!

QUEST: MAKE CHARLIE HAPPY AGAIN

TIME LIMIT: SECOND BIRTHDAY

QUEST REWARD: UNKNOWN SKILL, LIFE EVENT CHOICE, 50XP, 5 ABILITY POINTS

As a wave of determination washes over me, I tighten my grip and envelop Charlie's neck in a heartfelt hug, feeling the strain of his burdens through the tense muscles in his back. I've watched the fatigue carve deeper shadows under his eyes over the last few months, each day seeming to weigh heavier on his spirits. The lines of worry etched across his face tell stories of countless sleepless nights and relentless battles. My heart aches, knowing I can't instantly lift the weight he's carrying. Yet a flicker of hope sparks within me—unlike Charlie, who battles daily, I have an entire year to embark on this daunting new quest. For a moment, I silently promise him and myself that I will make it count, not just for my sake, but to bring back a semblance of peace to his weary soul.

Eleven months later.

Sprawled on my toddler bed, the room blurs into a dreamlike haze. My gaze fixated on a floating, semi-transparent screen before my eyes, displaying my stats in a mesmerizing array of colors and numbers. The soft glow from the screen casts subtle shadows against the walls adorned with child drawings. My fingers tingling with excitement as I review my latest efforts. Each earned point feels like a hard-won treasure. After careful contemplation, I allocate my precious points, each decision potentially shaping my tiny world significantly. Progress, however small, sends a ripple of satisfaction through me as my stats evolve, one increment at a time.

PLAYER PAGE

PLAYER NAME: ISABELLA SWAN

PLAYER TITLE: BELLS

PLAYER SPECIES: HUMAN

PLAYER CLASS: AWAKENED GAMER

AGE: 23 MONTHS

LEVEL: 4

XP: 70/120

STAT POINTS: 10

SKILL POINTS: 0

HP: 80/100

MP: 0/0

STRENGTH: 5/500

DEXTERITY: 5/500 (-10)

CONSTITUTION: 5/500

INTELLIGENCE: 9/500

WISDOM: 5/500

CHARISMA: 5/500 (-15)

LUCK: 12/3000 (+30%)

ACHIEVEMENTS:

BABY'S FIRST WORDS

START OF SOMETHING NEW TO SEE

I'M COMING FOR YOU, WORLD.

BUFFS:

ACCIDENT PRONE

ADAPTIVE SHIELD

CHEAT DEATH

NEW LIFE

MENTAL SHIELD

TALENTLESS

TROUBLE MAGNET

UNDISCOVERED

UNDISCOVERED

SKILLS:

ARTS AND CRAFTS: LEVEL 2/25

COMMUNICATION: LEVEL 3/5

MOTOR: LEVEL 4/5

POTTY: 3/5

BALANCE SKILL: 1/50

I still haven't been able to improve Charlie's happiness, and it's making me increasingly anxious. Renee and Charlie's arguments seem to erupt over the smallest things, as trivial as the color of the bedsheets. Recently, Renee has even taken to sleeping in the spare room. Observing them, it's painfully clear their relationship is heading for a split. In that event, I can only hope that I'll get to stay with Dad. He's the one who truly cares for me, showering me with love, playing with me, and always smiling when we're together.

As the days drag on, I find solace in honing my skills. With determination, I've almost maxed out all of my abilities. Each new level brings a fleeting sense of accomplishment and happiness. However, balance remains elusive, stubbornly stuck at level 1 despite my best efforts. This single skill, in its stagnation, seems to mirror the imbalance in the household, a constant reminder of the stability I crave but can't quite attain.