"Welcome to the Mortis Funeral Home," Matthew said cheerfully, hands behind his back, "Thank you for choosing our services."

Victor clicked his teeth, nervously watching his teary eyed customer.

Matthew took the hint. "Oh, and, uh, we are deeply sorry for your loss."

The woman wiped a handkerchief against her face. "Young man, may I speak to the owner of this establishment? You seem very sweet, but I wish to meet with the person in charge."

Matthew smiled, bashful. He turned to Victor, a tall, willowy man with pale skin and dark hair. "That would be Victor Mortis, my father. He's mute, though, so I help him communicate with customers. But please keep in mind that he's not deaf, so you can direct any questions to him."

--

Victor sighed, stumbling downstairs and pulling off his tie. He fell into a chair, and Matthew was immediately at his side, helping him take off his coat.

"We did good today," Matthew observed, hanging up Victor's jacket by the door.

"Over seven clients. I'm exhausted," Victor said, his voice a soft rasp, "I'm probably going to sleep for the next couple of hours. There's leftovers in the fridge, okay? Make sure Esper gets some too."

"Yes, sir!" Matthew said, giving Victor a thumbs up.

A small head peeked around the corner. "Dad's home!" Aunora shouted.

Aunora and Umbra burst from the bedroom, stumbling and tripping into each other in an attempt to reach Victor first. Aunora climbed into Victor's lap, pouting.

"Umbra hit me!"

"No I didn't! She's lying! She hit me first, so I hit her!"

"That's because Umbra wouldn't let me watch TV!"

"Because Dad put be in charge!"

"Why's Umbra always in charge?"

"Because I'm going to be twelve in six months, and that's one year from being a teenager! And you're just a little kid!"

"I'm nine!"

Victor blinked, struggling to catch the entire rapidfire conversation. "Ah..." Victor murmured, tugging at his collar, "Aunora, Umbra's in charge while Matthew and I are working, so listen to him. Umbra, don't be bossy." Umbra gasp at the word 'bossy.'

Victor placed a hand on both Umbra and Aunora's heads, a tired smile coming to his lips. "Right now, I'm really tired, so I'm going to need you two to be quiet while I sleep a little. Try not to give Matthew any trouble. He's had a long day too."

Victor stood up, only to sway, catching himself on the counter with a trembling hand. Matthew sprung to his side, holding him up by the waist.

"Dad, are you okay?" Matthew murmured, staring up at Victor. He was only a few inches shorter than Victor, having hit a growth spurt last year when he was fourteen.

"Fine," Victor replied through grit teeth, face pale, "Just a little dizzy."

"Do you need me to help you to your bedroom?"

Victor shook his head, bracing himself with his arms. "I'll be fine. Go play with your brother and sister, they must be lonely. Esper's asleep in my room, right?"

Umbra nodded, his tyrannical air vanishing when Victor almost collapsed. "Yes sir, he was tired."

"I guess that makes two of us."