Story only: https://aryion.com/g4/view/767999

Years in the future, but not many...

A woman stands in the kitchen of her home, humming to herself as she joyously prepares a small treat. Her hand-made cookies are delicious enough simply by virtue of their sweetness and texture, but it is the love she puts into each and every batch that gives them their true flavor. She mixes the dough gently, feeling yet another kick from inside her swollen belly. Unlike the one in the kitchen, her own oven works full-time, the two precious buns inside less than a month away from being welcomed into the world.

A car pulls into the short driveway outside. She perks up at the sound; though the sun has set not too long ago, it is only now that her day truly begins. The excited pitter-patter of a child's footsteps replaces the gentle hum of the car engine, followed by the familiar creak of the front door. A young girl bounds into the kitchen, wrapping her delicate arms around the woman's leg. Cannie is the pride and joy of the family, taking after her mother in so many ways. The girl enjoys her time in school well enough, but to her there is no better feeling than returning home, basking in the warm embrace of her family's love. She knows of her imminent role as the older sister, and where else but home is the best place to prepare for it?

The woman gives a contented giggle; the afternoon routine has begun. In a matter of moments, they will be joined by the only missing member of the family. She pauses to reflect upon her surroundings -- dear, sweet Cannie, squeezing against her with youthful vigor; the twins sleeping within her womb, soon to be given the gift of life; even the two silly plushies that sat atop the fridge, given to her years ago as a joke that today remained as treasured objects of sentiment. This was the life she had built with the one who would soon walk through the front door, greeting her with a warm embrace and a kiss that had graced her cheek a thousand times before.

Even though these evenings played out similarly, the days were never monotonous or bleak; every time still felt like the very first. It was far from the first time this little ritual had occurred, but it was by no means even close to the last. Two more will soon partake in these precious moments, bringing with them entirely new joys. As another pair of footsteps echoes from the hallway, the woman turns to face the one she shares her life with, her firstborn still clinging to her side all the while. The final member of the family steps inside the kitchen, and Ginger speaks the familiar phrase she has been looking forward to all day.

"Welcome home, hun!"

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This story was inspired by the wonderful piece above, done by  SpaghettiCultists! His depiction of Ginger as a caring mother and loving wife is positively radiant.

A small caveat: Cannie's name is pronounced with a long A like "Connie" -- the spelling is intentional. It is a complement to her mother's name in a mildly subtle way. I do not plan on introducing her as an "official" character; she is simply Ginger's canonical firstborn in scenarios where she becomes a mother.

Regardless, I hope you find this piece and the accompanying story enjoyable. I encourage you to think of it as one of many possible endings to the tale of Ginger; a potential future where she finds fulfillment not only in her stomach, but in her desire for a life filled with warmth and love.

As for who her spouse is, I leave it to your own interpretation. Perhaps they are a manifestation of my own desires, or an old roommate who won her heart, or perhaps even you. There are many possible candidates, all of which may be considered the proper answer in their own way.

Until next time, my friends...~

funnyman: I always appreciate comments! Knowing that my posts are worth your attention is very valuable to me :D

Constructive feedback also helps me make better content! Please don’t be afraid to speak your mind.

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