A month had passed since Richard's regression, and life in the small house settled into a steady rhythm. The air was always filled with the sound of laughter, mostly from his mother and her sister, Gabriella, who visited almost every day with her daughter, little Rosemary.
For Richard, though, every visit was both a blessing and a curse.
"Don't you two have anywhere else to go?" he complained inwardly, watching Rosemary giggle as she hugged him tight. "I need to train how to walk, not entertain a clingy baby!"
"Aw, how sweet," Gabriella said softly, smiling at the sight. "I wish this day could just stop here."
Her tone made Mary pause, her expression changing slightly.
"Are you sure about moving abroad?" Mary asked softly, concern in her voice.
Gabriella gave a weak smile. "My husband got promoted. We're leaving next week."
Richard froze. He had grown attached to Rosemary, his first real connection in this second life. But he knew he couldn't interfere with fate yet. Changing the wrong detail could ripple into chaos later.
He sighed quietly. "Fine then, I'll just focus on walking," he muttered in thought, shifting his tiny legs again.
That afternoon, while Mary and Gabriella went to the kitchen to prepare milk, Richard saw his chance. He steadied himself, wobbling on untrained legs. His body trembled, but he gritted his teeth.
"One step… two steps…"
Then, he stood.
When the two mothers returned, the sight froze them both.
"Oh my Richard?!" Mary cried out, nearly dropping the bottle.
Gabriella's eyes widened. "He's walking?! Already?! that's amazing!!"
Mary quickly grabbed her phone, snapping photos and laughing breathlessly.
"My baby's a genius!"
Richard stared at the flashing screen and smirked inwardly.
"Videos, huh? Maybe this could actually make us money. Yeah, let's use this chances. I also need some few hands on politics, and what's the better way to manipulate masses as a famous being"
A few days later, the day of departure came.
The house was filled with soft conversation and heavy emotion. Gabriella hugged her sister tightly, trying not to cry.
"Be safe out there, alright?" Mary's husband said, shaking her hand firmly.
"I will," Gabriella replied, forcing a smile.
Mary's eyes glistened as she whispered, "Don't forget to call, okay? You'll always have family here."
The babies watched quietly. Rosemary reached out her tiny hand, and Richard met it with a gentle tap on her forehead.
"Don't forget what I showed you, alright? Be nice to your parents," he said softly.
Rosemary giggled, her small smile bright even through the sad air.
As the car pulled away, Richard stared from the window.
"Goodbye, Rose. My first bond in this life… I'll see you next time don't worry."
Weeks later, Richard lay in his crib, deep in thought. His mother's videos of his first steps were online now, but the results annoyed him.
"Five hundred views Only? That's it?" he muttered to himself. "A three month old walking should've gone viral!"
He sighed. "Even if I become reincarnator I am still unpopular."
Then his mother suddenly entered, eyes wide with excitement.
"Hey, honey! A management company just contacted us! They want to collaborate with us for our baby genius Richard!"
Richard blinked, then smiled slyly.
"Finally. Step one visibility. The 1st step to help me prepare for the apocalypse is done. Now for the next step to gain fame and recognition"
He closed his eyes, a faint grin curling on his lips.
"Don't worry I will never let the scene of a Hopeless London ever be seen again"