New York.
In just a few short years.
It had gone from an age when weapons and troops served as threats to one where seeing Superheroes was nothing out of the ordinary.
When people saw a hotheaded young boy spraying some unidentified white fluid all over other people's walls and windows, they would call out, "Failing Man!"
Christmas at the Wick family home was finally lively this year.
Ariana typed intently at her keyboard while Little Bear used his nimble hands to knit her a pair of wool socks to keep her warm.
The Wick family preferred Christmas in London to Christmas in New York.
It had more atmosphere.
Though their old house was smaller than this one, it held their family's memories.
Watson turned off his phone. Even if Jesus himself showed up today, he wouldn't stop him from enjoying Christmas with his family.
Mrs. Wick brewed a cup of hot tea. Black tea was her favorite, followed by coffee.
She always liked being in the open-plan kitchen, where the view of her whole family deserved five stars.
Watson came over to his wife and slipped an arm around her well-maintained waist, setting his phone on the table with a helpless air.
Mrs. Wick knew that her troublesome Valery had been creating problems for his brother-in-law again.
"Valery drank a whole bar dry. We should consider sending him back to Jovanovic. That's where he belongs."
Watson gave a helpless, wry smile. "He's as out of place as a brown bear that wandered into a school."
Mrs. Wick kissed her husband's cheek and said fondly, "He just likes letting his fists do the talking. Even Father doesn't know what to do with Valery sometimes."
"John is probably the only one who can make Valery behave."
Of all John's uncles, Valery