Life with superheroes

"Dear gentlemen! Ladies! And our lovely children! Please enjoy our special performance!"

"That's right—what you see before your eyes are mutants, those terrifying creatures that people whisper about in fear!"

"But here, they are nothing more than magical beings for your entertainment!"

As the host spoke, a performer holding a long whip cracked it sharply against a mutant's back.

The mutant, with a hard shell on its back and short limbs, resembled an oversized upright turtle. As the whip struck, the mutant obediently dropped to the ground, crawling in circles like a turtle.

The audience responded with warm applause, but some faces displayed visible disgust.

Mike frowned, turning to Charles and Eric. "Stop watching this. Let's go!"

"Dad!" Charles exclaimed, his pale face betraying his unease. "Is he... like us?"

Mike hesitated, wanting to shield the boy from the harsh truth, but in the end, he nodded. The children already knew the answer, and denying it would feel hollow. Right now, Charles and Eric didn't need lies—they needed comfort.

Mike stepped forward and hugged Charles tightly.

Though shaken, Charles peeked over Mike's shoulder, unable to look away from the performance.

"These people are disgusting! Filthy bastards!" Eric hissed, his fists clenched in fury.

Mike didn't scold Eric for cursing. Instead, he pulled the boy into his embrace and gently said, "Calm yourself. Don't let your emotions take over. Control your abilities."

Eric nodded, burying his face into Mike's chest to avoid watching further.

Clark, standing off to the side, also turned his head in disgust. The show struck an unsettling chord in him as well, reminding him of his similarities to the mutants.

The performance continued.

Another mutant was brought out—a young woman with insect-like antennae. Her ability allowed her to exhale crystalline bubbles, which sparkled beautifully under the stage lights.

Like the first mutant, she too performed under the crack of a whip, her talents reduced to a spectacle for applause.

Eric, trembling with rage, turned to Mike. "Dad, I want to save them!"

Mike sighed, meeting the boy's fiery gaze. "Charles, try reaching out to them. See what they want."

Charles wiped his tears and focused on the mutant crawling on the ground.

The mutant paused for a moment, scanning the crowd, but the whip cracked again, forcing him back to his performance. After a few seconds, Charles gasped, then shifted his focus to the second mutant.

"Well?" Mike asked, noting Charles's troubled expression.

Charles shook his head, his voice heavy with despair. "They both refused."

"What?" Eric whispered in disbelief. "Why?"

"They said if they leave, their lives will only get worse. At least here, they get food and money." Charles's voice broke as he sobbed softly.

Mike sighed inwardly, his heart heavy with understanding. It made sense.

He picked up Eric and Charles, ushering them toward the exit. "Let's go."

If they stayed any longer, the emotional toll might cause the children to lose control of their powers.

Clark followed them out, his face grim.

The show concluded behind them with exaggerated antics from clowns, eliciting laughter from the audience. But for the Kent family, the experience left no joy—only unease and sorrow.

Once outside, the suffocating tension eased slightly for Charles and Eric, though their spirits remained low. Mike decided to take them to a nearby restaurant to lift their mood.

They sat around a table, but the three boys barely touched their food, sipping their juices in silence.

Breaking the heavy quiet, Clark asked, "Dad, why did they refuse?"

Charles and Eric looked up, their faces expectant, as if hoping for an answer that would make sense of everything.

Mike took a long sip of coffee, exhaling slowly. "If you save them, then what? What happens next?"

Eric's voice was fervent. "Then they'll be free!"

"Free?" Mike asked, his tone calm yet firm. "Does freedom fill their stomachs? Does it keep them alive? With their appearance, do you think anyone will give them jobs?"

Eric faltered, falling silent.

Charles spoke hesitantly. "But... we could help them. We could take care of them."

Mike's gaze softened, but his words remained practical. "And if you save these two, what about the others? Will you save all mutants? Find work for all of them?"

Charles had no response.

Eric, however, clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with determination. "Then we'll save everyone!"

Charles turned to his brother, surprised by the passion in his words. After a moment, he nodded resolutely. "Yes. We'll save them all!"

Mike smiled faintly, proud of their conviction. "Not now," he said gently. "You need to grow first. Become strong enough to make this dream a reality."

"But no matter what, as long as you're doing the right thing, I'll support you."

The boys nodded firmly, their resolve solidifying.

Mike ruffled their hair. "Good. Now eat up. Growing starts with a full stomach."

"Okay!" they replied in unison, their spirits lifting slightly as they dug into their meals.

Clark watched the exchange quietly, warmth swelling in his chest. He felt a deep pride in his family and the values they shared.

After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant. The night was alive with festive lights as Christmas approached, and the streets buzzed with cheerful activity. The family strolled for a while to relax before heading home.

The drive back to the villa was quiet. The winding road through the hills was serene, but Mike occasionally glanced at Charles and Eric in the rearview mirror. Both boys stared out of the windows, lost in thought. The events of the evening had left a profound impact on them.

Mike smiled softly to himself. If they wanted to change the world, he thought, then they should go for it.

Suddenly, Clark, who had been gazing out ahead, tensed. "Dad, stop the car!"

Mike frowned, instinctively slowing down. "What is it?"

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