Peter sat across from Uncle Ben at the kitchen table. Morning sunlight filtered through the window.
Coffee steam rose from Ben's mug. The conversation they needed to have couldn't wait any longer.
"We need to move," Peter said.
Ben looked up from his newspaper. "Move? Pete, we just paid off the mortgage."
"Exactly. Which is why we can afford something better." Peter had his laptop open. Security reports and real estate listings pulled up on the screen. "This neighborhood isn't safe anymore. Crime statistics have gone up thirty percent in the last year. Break-ins. Muggings. It's getting worse."
Ben set down his coffee. "We've lived here for twenty years."
"I know. And I love this house. But I also know what's smart." Peter turned the laptop around. Showed Ben the listings he'd compiled.
"Middle-class neighborhood. Better security. Actual police presence. Not mansion-level expensive. Just... safer."
Ben studied the screen. His expression was conflicted. Peter could see the internal debate happening.
"The house has three bedrooms," Peter continued. "Bigger kitchen for Aunt May. Garage for your tools. Yard is about the same size. And it's only fifteen minutes from here. Same schools. Same commute to your job."
"About that," Ben said. He pushed the laptop back gently. "Even if we move, I'm keeping my job."
Peter had expected this. "Uncle Ben, you don't need to work anymore. We have enough money that—"
"I like my job, Pete." Ben's voice was firm. "It's not about the money. It's about having something to do. Having purpose. I'm not ready to retire at fifty-two."
Peter studied his uncle's face. Saw the determination there. The pride. Uncle Ben defined himself partly through his work. Taking that away would hurt him more than help.
"Okay," Peter said. "Keep the job. But let's move somewhere safer. Please."
Ben looked at the listings again. Scrolled through the photos. Peter had chosen carefully. Nice houses but not ostentatious.
The kind of place a successful family might live without drawing too much attention.
"What does May think?" Ben asked.
"She agrees with me. We talked about it yesterday while you were at work."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "Ganging up on me?"
"Strategic planning," Peter corrected with a small smile.
Ben chuckled. Then nodded slowly. "Alright. Let's look at houses this weekend. But nothing too fancy. We're not trying to impress anyone."
"Deal."
Aunt May walked into the kitchen. She looked healthier now. Color back in her cheeks.
The surgery had gone perfectly. Two weeks of recovery and she was almost back to normal.
"Good morning, boys," she said. Her smile was warm and genuine. "Are we talking about the move?"
"Ben agreed," Peter said.
May clasped her hands together. "Oh, wonderful! I've already been looking at paint colors for the new kitchen."
Ben laughed. "We haven't even picked a house yet."
"Details," May said airily. She poured herself coffee. "I'm just so excited. A fresh start. And Peter, since we're talking about changes... have you thought about what I suggested?"
Peter knew exactly what she meant. "The haircut?"
"You've had the same style since you were twelve. You're almost sixteen now. Time for something more mature."
Ben looked between them. "What's wrong with his hair?"
"Nothing's wrong with it," May said. "It's just very... boyish. Peter's growing up. He should look the part."
Read up till chapter 30 on Patreon, marvelstark.