Draven narrowed his eyes.
He was sure she'd throw paper.
So when his hand revealed scissors and hers came down as rock, all he could do was freeze.
A single bead of sweat slid down his temple.
Across them , his mother smiled sweetly.
"Aw, honey… is something wrong? You don't look too good. Maybe you should just accept your loss and shop here like a good boy."
His eye twitched.
> Like hell I will, he thought, forcing a shaky smile, sweat still pouring.
"Mom, don't you think telling me to give up when you haven't even won yet is a bit—"
WHACK!
Her hand swung down mid-sentence, smacking the top of his head with a sharp, practiced slap.
His eyes went wide.
"AAAAHHHH!"
He let out a high-pitched scream, clutching his head and dropping to one knee like he'd been hit by divine punishment.
> Jesus Christ! he thought, gritting his teeth and frantically rubbing his scalp.
What the hell?! It's like my skull's being torn apart!
Tears pricked the corners of his eyes as he looked up, betrayed.
"What was that for?!"
She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Watch your tone, brat. I'm your mother."
Still holding his head, Draven sniffled, a single tear rolling down.
> What did I even say?!
"Hey—" he began Muttering, "—you could've just told me instead of—"
He stopped.
She was looming.
Shadow cast. Smile gone. Eyes narrowed.
"…Hmmmm? What were you saying?"
He swallowed hard, heart racing.
> Crap. Did she hear that?
He let out a shaky, very obviously fake laugh.
"I-I said… I'm sorry. Yep. Totally my fault."
She puffed out her cheeks, clearly pleased.
"Good! You know when you're wrong. Now that that's settled…"
She smiled cheerfully. "Let's continue."
Draven blinked, still rubbing the growing bump on his head.
> I kinda feel like she hit me for no reason…