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Surge walked Kit into their kitchen. “So that’s the project.”

“Sounds fun, ma’am.” Kit said.

Surge groaned and turned to face Kit.

“S- sorry.” Kit said, cowering.

“It’s not fun.” Surge replied. “It cries, we have to feed it a lot. Change its diapers. It’s harder than a Tamagotchi. At least I didn’t have to worry about failing a class. I can hit the reset button on a Tamagotchi; I can’t do that with this doll, let alone an actual baby.”

“That’s true.” Kit said, pulling a box of leftover pizza out.

“Ugh, what if he actually wants one of those things later on?” Surge asked.

Kit furrowed his brow as he set the box on the counter. “Why would he want a doll?”

“I meant a real baby.” Surge said, sitting at the bar. “What do you think? Does he look like that type?”

Kit shrugged. “I dunno, he does like kids.”

Surge slumped against the bar. “I don’t know what I’ll do if he does.” She replied. “Maybe this will change his mind. I can’t imagine someone willingly choosing to change diapers for… I dunno, two or three years, I think.”

Kit set a couple of plates on the counter. “So if you and Manic had kids would they be called tenhogs or hedgerecs?”

Surge smacked Kit on the arm. “Don’t encourage this.”

“S- sorry, ma’am.” Kit said, cowering.

“Don’t call me ma’am.” Surge snapped.

“S- sorry, I- I’m so sorry.” Kit whimpered.

Surge sighed and patted Kit on the head. “Sorry, Drippy.” She replied. “This is just stressing me out.”

“It’s… it’s okay.” Kit said, picking up their water cups. “Just relax, I’m making your favorite food.”

*

Manic and Sonia walk into their house with theirs and Sonic’s dolls.

Sonic was already in the kitchen, making nachos for them all. “Hey, try to keep it down. Mom’s taking a nap in her room.” He said. “She’s got a headache.”

Manic handed Spike to Sonic. “Here’s your boy.”

“I think you may be taking this a little too seriously.” Sonic said.

The dolls started crying.

“Are they synchronized?” Manic asked.

Aleena walked out of her room. “What on Mobius is- oh, it’s dolls.”

Sonic, Sonia, and Manic burst out laughing.

Aleena laughed. “Okay, you three get started on your homework, I’ll make you some food.”

“This is our homework.” Sonic said.

“Oh, that assignment.” Aleena said, pulling leftover grilled chicken salad out of the fridge.

The triplets sat down at the kitchen table and fed their dolls their bottles.

“I thought you had a headache, Mom.” Sonic said.

“I’m feeling better, but thanks.” Aleena replied. She pulled some bowls out of the cabinet.

“Was it this hard for you to raise us, Mother?” Sonia asked.

Aleena laughed. “I’d say harder.” She replied. She opened the salad container and started scooping a portion into each of the three bowls. “Sonic was an active baby; his little feet were constantly moving. Manic was a close second. He’d drum his little fingers. Oh, they’d get you all upset, Sonia.”

Sonia looked at her brothers.

“Sorry, sis.” Manic and Sonic said.

“It’s okay, I don’t remember it.” Sonia replied.

Aleena set the bowls in front of the triplets. “But you three were so cute.” She said, sitting down beside Sonia. “Especially when you’d snuggle together in your little crib.”

“Aww, do you have pictures?” Sonia asked.

“Yeah, but they’re not organized in a proper baby book.” Aleena replied. “I didn’t have the patience or time to organize them better back then and neither did your dad. We at least wrote some things down in a journal, like what your first words were and stuff. Uncle Chuck was nice enough to make a decent album.”

“I’d like to see them whenever you get the chance to get them out.” Sonia said.

“Remind me later.” Aleena replied.

*

Manic helped Aleena wash the dishes. “So can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” Aleena replied. “Is everything okay with you and Surge?”

“Yeah, uh… maybe….” Manic said, drying a cup. “Well, we’re doing this project and Surge is kinda acting kinda distant. She doesn’t know how to hold a baby. She’s not eager to help me and I kinda feel like I’m gonna be doing everything on my own.”

“There’s a few reasons as to why that happens.” Aleena replied. She handed Manic a plate, then started washing a bowl. “She could be overwhelmed at caring for a baby for the first time, she doesn’t know what to do, or both. I felt overwhelmed when you were born even though I knew what to do.”

Manic nodded. “Okay, so what can I do?”

“I can try to mentor her if she’d like that.” Aleena said, handing Manic the bowl.

Manic started drying the bowl. “I’ll ask her about it when I get the chance.” He replied. “It’s my turn anyway. Thanks, Ma.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.” Aleena said, hugging Manic. She let Manic go. “I should’ve dried my hands off first.”

Manic shrugged. “My shirt needs washing anyway.” He replied.

Sonic walked over to Manic and handed Hip to him. “Here’s your doll.”

Manic gently bounced Hip in his arms. “Okay, bedtime, little dude.” He said, walking to his room.