The three-day celebration in Red Tide City finally drew to a close.
Carrying the weighty "40th Anniversary Contributor Medal," Innie returned to her home in the capital in the evening's fading light.
As she pushed open the door, the aroma of stewed meat greeted her.
A pot lid rattled softly in the kitchen, where John stood in an apron, watching the stove intently.
"You're back?" He turned and wiped the water from his hands. "Sit down. The water just boiled."
Yet as he spoke, his gaze drifted involuntarily to Innie's chest.
The dark gold medal gleamed faintly beneath the indoor lights, impossible to miss.
Innie noticed, and a smug little smile curved her lips.
She deliberately puffed out her chest, as though presenting a newly completed achievement in the laboratory.
"Take a good look, Comrade John," she said, half joking.
"Lord Louis pinned this on me himself. Starting today, shouldn't logistical duties like washing the dishes and taking out the rubbish fall entirely to you?"
John froze for a second, then caught on.
He straightened with exaggerated solemnity and raised a hand to his chest in a rather comical salute.
"As you command, esteemed Academician." His tone was excessively grave, but his eyes were full of laughter. "It is my honor to serve under your leadership."
Laughter soon filled the living room.
Her elderly mother approached with a serving platter, her husband's father put down his newspaper, and the children fought over seats at the table.
Laughter rose from every corner, and no one needed to make an effort to keep their voice down.
The Magitech Radio on the wall played a lively waltz, its melody echoing through the room.
Suddenly, the music was cut off abruptly.
What came from the speaker next was not music, but the chief announcer's