Laney, with her innocent eyes wide and filled with wonder, giggled at the antics of the characters on the screen. Stu-E tried to focus on the whimsical world of Mario and Luigi, but the weight of his impending conversation cast a shadow over the room.
As the movie transitioned between scenes, Stu-E took a deep breath, glancing at Laney, who was completely absorbed in the on-screen adventures. He cleared his throat, his voice tinged with a mixture of love and concern.
"Laney, sweetheart," he began, choosing his words carefully, "there's something I need to talk to you about." Laney turned her gaze away from the TV, her eyes curious but trusting. Stu-E reached over and ruffled her hair, attempting to summon a reassuring smile. "You know sometimes Daddy has to go these shows alone, right?"
Laney nodded eagerly, her attention now fully on her father. Stu-E's mind raced as he tried to find the right words to explain the difficult situation ahead. "Well, the next show is going to be a bit like that this time," he continued, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Daddy has to wrestle Fallen, again, and I don’t trust the…"
Laney furrowed her brow, a hint of worry crossing her features, “Bastard, Daddy?” Stu-E’s jaw dropped, but you could see in his eyes deep down he was laughing, “Laney, no swearing like that, please; but yes.” He shook his head while Laney glanced up, she knew when to pick her spots.
"It's very important that you understand the reasons why, though. Fallen is a desperate you know what, and desperate you know what’s do stupid things. And when you know what’s do stupid things it’s up to your Dad to put the bastards, I mean, the you know what’s back in their box.”
Laney's eyes widened with a mix of confusion and concern. Stu-E sighed, hating to see the worry in his daughter's eyes, but knowing he had to prioritize her safety. "You’ll be back at ringside in no time, I promise," he reassured her, his voice softening. "But this time, I need you to be my brave little girl and stay home."
As Stu-E spoke those words, the vibrant colours of the Super Mario Brothers movie played on, a stark contrast to the gravity of the moment. In the dim room, father and daughter faced the reality of the dangerous world outside, hoping that love and caution would see them through the challenges ahead.
The Morning After
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the breakfast table. Stu-E Price sat across from his daughter, Laney, as they shared a quiet morning meal. The aroma of pancakes and syrup lingered in the air, momentarily distracting them both from the weighty conversation of the previous night.
Stu-E tried to maintain a sense of normalcy, but as Laney spooned syrup over her pancakes, the innocence in her eyes belied the turmoil within her young heart. The chatter of birds outside served as a stark contrast to the unspoken tension in the room.
"Daddy," Laney spoke up, her voice a mixture of curiosity and hope, "can I come to Havoc with you? Please?"
Stu-E sighed, his gaze falling to the tabletop. He knew she would ask first thing in the morning, his daughter's desire for adventure and the need to be by his side would sometimes clash with the harsh reality of the dangerous world he inhabited.
"Laney," he began gently, "I know you want to come, and I love that about you. But this time, it's different. This might go too far, I can’t risk him trying to get to you to try and get to me."
Laney's eyes widened with a mixture of disappointment and frustration. She pushed her pancakes around on her plate, contemplating her father's words. “But I’m not worried, what about my training, what about what I can do? I fixed Legion, didn’t I?” Stu-E reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on hers.
"Yes, you did, and you’ve come a long way, and you’re learning every show but I promise, sweetheart, it's for your safety," he reassured, meeting her gaze. "Daddy needs to focus on dealing with Fallen, and having you there would distract me. I need to make sure you're protected, and the best way to do that is for you to stay home."
Laney pouted, her lower lip trembling. Stu-E wished he could shield her from the harsh realities of his world, but he knew that keeping her safe was his top priority.
"Maybe next time, okay?" he offered, his tone soft. "But for now, let's enjoy our breakfast together. We can have a special day at home, just you and me."
Laney reluctantly nodded, the disappointment still evident in her eyes. Stu-E couldn't shake the ache in his chest, knowing that the protective barrier he was creating for her was also creating a bit of distance between them. As they continued their breakfast in the quiet kitchen, the unspoken tension lingered, a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of love and safety.
Time for games…
In the cozy living room, the atmosphere shifted from the weighty conversations of the morning to the light-hearted joy of the afternoon. Laney, donned in her VR headset, the Meta Quest 2 she received as a Christmas gift, was buzzing with excitement. Stu-E Price, her father, looked on with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he prepared to join her in the virtual world.
"Daddy, you're gonna love Gorilla Tag!" Laney exclaimed, adjusting the straps of her headset with enthusiasm. "I'm really good at it. You'll see!"
Stu-E chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. He slipped on his VR headset, feeling a bit out of his element in the digital realm. The living room transformed into a virtual playground as he entered the Gorilla Tag game, surrounded by vivid colours and playful sound effects.
Laney giggled, watching her dad's comical attempts to navigate the virtual space. Stu-E, still adjusting to the immersive experience, stumbled over his own feet, his virtual gorilla flailing in a rather clumsy manner.
"Daddy, you're a funny gorilla!" Laney teased, her laughter echoing in the real and virtual worlds.
Stu-E grinned, determined to embrace the challenge. As the game commenced, Laney darted around with the agility of a seasoned player, effortlessly tagging virtual gorillas left and right. Stu-E, on the other hand, found himself in a series of unintentional acrobatics, trying to escape his daughter's playful pursuit.
"Daddy, you've got to run faster!" Laney cheered, her voice a mix of encouragement and amusement.
Stu-E, still adjusting to the controls, responded with exaggerated movements, his real-world antics mirrored in the virtual space. The living room became a theatre of laughter as father and daughter engaged in a spirited game of Gorilla Tag.
After a series of playful chases and comedic escapades, Stu-E finally managed to tag Laney, eliciting cheers and laughter from both.
"Ha! Who’s the best now?!," he declared, a sense of accomplishment in his virtual gorilla's triumphant gesture.
Laney applauded, a gleeful smile on her face. The afternoon continued with bouts of laughter and friendly competition, creating a new bond between father and daughter in the whimsical world of virtual reality. The Meta Quest 2, once a Christmas gift, now served as a bridge between generations, blending the magic of technology with the simple joy of shared moments.
Another treat before bedtime…
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow through the kitchen windows, Stu-E and Laney found themselves amidst the cozy chaos of baking. The enticing aroma of spices and sweetness wafted through the air as they embarked on the delightful adventure of making gingerbread biscuits before bedtime.
Laney, donned in a miniature apron adorned with playful patterns, eagerly surveyed the ingredients sprawled across the kitchen counter. Flour, molasses, ginger, and an array of spices promised to transform their evening into a sugary masterpiece. Stu-E, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, handed Laney a wooden spoon, ready to dive into the world of baking.
"Daddy, do you think our gingerbread people will be as good as last time?" Laney asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Stu-E chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Absolutely, Laney. You’re getting good at this baking malarkey."
They measured and mixed, the kitchen becoming a canvas for floury fingerprints and shared laughter. The scent of cinnamon and ginger infused the air as they rolled out the dough, Laney carefully cutting out gingerbread men and women with cookie cutters.
"Daddy, let's make one that looks like Fallen," Laney suggested, a mischievous grin on her face.
Stu-E chuckled at the playful idea. "That would be easy, just roll it in to a ball and throw it in the bin!"
With giggles and a touch of creativity, they crafted a gingerbread man that bore a comically menacing resemblance to Fallen, the notorious wrestler. The doughy creation seemed to carry an air of mischief, capturing the essence of their shared humour.
As the gingerbread men baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with warmth and the anticipation of a sweet treat. Stu-E and Laney, their faces dusted with flour, waited for their creations to be cooked to perfection.
When the gingerbread biscuits emerged, golden brown and fragrant, they laid them out on the kitchen counter to cool. Stu-E and Laney marvelled at their handiwork; a batch of baked characters that looked like little HWA wrestlers, ready to be enjoyed before bedtime.
“Daddy, here’s Fallen!” says Laney, picking up a comically deformed gingerbread man that looked like skipping leg day was a motto for life. As Stu-E glances over, Laney destroys the biscuit in her hands, “And here’s Fallen after your match, Daddy!” This drew a hearty laugh from both of them.
As they savoured the first bite of their homemade gingerbread biscuits, the kitchen echoed with the simple joys of shared moments and the sweetness of a bond between father and daughter, sealed in the warmth of a kitchen filled with love.
When left alone…
As the evening unwound its tendrils, enveloping the Price household in a tranquil hush, the time for bedtime rituals arrived. Stu-E and Laney, having indulged in the delightful activity of baking gingerbread biscuits, now transitioned into the comforting routine of getting ready for bed.
In Laney's room, a soft glow emanated from a bedside lamp adorned with playful shapes, casting a gentle illumination across the room. Stu-E, clad in a black t-shirt and comfortable jeans, approached Laney's bed with a fond smile.
"Time for bed, sweetheart," he announced, his voice a tender lullaby.
Laney, clad in her favourite Stranger Things pyjamas adorned with Eleven, scampered towards her bed with an exuberant grin. Stu-E sat at the edge of the bed, a nightly ritual about to unfold.
Together, they embarked on the familiar routine of preparing for a restful night. Stu-E helped Laney to bed and give her a big hug.
Turning off the bedside lamp, Stu-E lingered for a moment, watching as the room dimmed to a serene stillness. The soft rustle of bedcovers and the rhythmic sound of a sleepy sigh enveloped the room, signalling the end of another day in the Price household.
In the quiet embrace of the night, father and daughter found solace in the simple routines that marked the transition from wakefulness to dreams, their hearts connected by the tender moments that bedtime rituals offered. But alas, after the bedtime rituals were complete, and Laney lay tucked in her cozy bed, the once lively house now settled into a profound stillness. Stu-E, now alone in the dimly lit living room, felt the weight of solitude descend upon him.
The silence echoed, punctuated only by the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional creaks of the settling house. Stu-E sat on the couch, the cushions forming a temporary refuge for his contemplative thoughts. The remnants of the day's activities lingered in the air, the scent of gingerbread still present, but the absence of Laney's laughter left an indescribable void.
The glow of the TV, now muted, cast a muted light across the room, illuminating the spaces where they had shared moments of joy just hours before. The silence, once comforting, now became an unwelcome companion, accentuating the loneliness that settled in the corners of Stu-E's heart.
He found himself surrounded by reminders of his daughter – a misplaced toy on the floor, a children's book left open on the coffee table. The emptiness of the living room seemed to magnify the absence of the vibrant energy Laney brought into every corner of their home.
Stu-E gazed at the clock, its ticking sounding louder in the stillness. The night stretched out before him, a canvas of solitude that contrasted sharply with the vibrant hues of their shared day. His thoughts meandered to the wrestling ring, to the impending match with Fallen, the dangerous adversary he needed to confront.
As the weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, Stu-E couldn't help but feel a twinge of vulnerability. The echoes of Laney's earlier plea to accompany him to Havoc lingered, her innocence a stark contrast to the perilous world he navigated.
In the quietude of the night, Stu-E grappled with the loneliness that accompanied the responsibilities of fatherhood and the solitary moments when his daughter slumbered peacefully. The living room, once filled with shared laughter and the aroma of baking, now became a stage for the silent contemplation of a father whose heart held both love and the quiet ache of solitude.
Feeling the weight of the day clinging to him, Stu-E decided to retreat to the sanctuary of the bathroom for a rejuvenating shower. The soft glow of the bathroom light spilled into the hallway as he turned the doorknob, shutting out the quiet loneliness of the living room.
Inside, the tiled walls embraced the warmth and humidity that lingered from previous showers, creating a cocoon of comfort. Stu-E turned on the taps, the sound of running water filling the room. The bathroom was transformed into a retreat, a space for him to shed the remnants of the day and embrace the soothing rhythm of the shower.
Steam began to rise, cloaking the mirror with a delicate veil. Stu-E undressed; his naked reflection obscured by the misty glass yet the light bouncing off his frame cast a knowing silhouette. The echoes of laughter and the scent of gingerbread still lingered in his thoughts, but the cascade of water promised a brief respite from the world outside.
Stepping into the shower, Stu-E felt the warm droplets cascade over him, a cascade of renewal. The water, a comforting embrace, washed away the physical and emotional residues of the day. The steady stream massaged his shoulders, and he closed his eyes, allowing the water to transport him momentarily from the responsibilities that weighed on his shoulders.
As the water danced over his skin, Stu-E couldn't help but reflect on the upcoming wrestling match with Fallen. The spray of the shower provided a canvas for contemplation, a private space to process the complexities of his life. The rhythmic sound of water hitting the tiled floor became a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.
Truth be told he’d concentrated on himself so much he didn’t care what Fallen had gotten up to since coming back, he just knows he’s a piece of shit. But not just the type of shit you wipe easily off the bottom of your fresh white Reebok’s.
The bathroom was a haven of solace, a refuge where Stu-E could momentarily let go of the outside world. The minutes passed in a timeless dance between water and contemplation. Eventually, feeling refreshed and revitalized, he turned off the shower, the sound of flowing water tapering off.
Wrapped in a towel, Stu-E stepped back into the quiet hallway, the warmth from the bathroom contrasting with the cool air beyond. The solitude he felt earlier began to lift, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. The night awaited, and with the echoes of the shower still lingering, Stu-E felt ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
To bed… almost…
Restlessness gripped Stu-E as he lay in the quiet darkness of his bedroom. The events of the day and the impending wrestling match with Fallen swirled in his mind, preventing the solace of sleep from finding him. The soft glow of the moon cast a dim light through the curtains, and the silence of the night amplified the unease in his thoughts.
After tossing and turning for what felt like an eternity, Stu-E decided to abandon the pursuit of rest. The cool floor beneath his feet as he padded across the bedroom signalled a shift in his nocturnal journey. With a resigned sigh, he slipped on a pair of shorts and a faded HWA t-shirt, the fabric a familiar comfort against his skin.
The hallway outside Laney's room remained silent, and the distant hum of the refrigerator added a subtle soundtrack to the night. Stu-E made his way to the home office, where the soft glow of the computer screen beckoned him.
His fingers danced across the keyboard as he navigated to the HWA website, searching for any updates on Fallen or the looming Havoc show. A sense of anticipation hung in the air as he scanned through articles and forum threads, hoping for insight into the enigmatic opponent he would face in the ring.
To his surprise, there was little information to be found. The wrestling community seemed to be holding its collective breath, waiting for the showdown between Stu-E and Fallen. The absence of news only deepened Stu-E's unease, leaving him with more questions than answers.
Maniac's comments, however, caught his attention. The fellow wrestler had taken to social media to praise Stu-E's performance in their recent match. The words were kind, and for a moment, they offered a glimmer of reassurance amidst the uncertainty.
With the show just around the corner, Stu-E realized he needed to address his fans and the wrestling community. A thought took root in his mind, urging him to record a promo video – a message to the masses, a glimpse into the fire that burned within him.
The office became a makeshift recording studio as Stu-E set up the camera, the soft glow of the screen illuminating his determined expression.
“Can you hear Fallen sing? I can’t hear a ####ing thing! Well played, I expected you to be spraying your bullshit all over the place by now, or maybe you’re waiting for me to start? I can’t sleep, so I’m happy to oblige.
I have to ask, how is all of this working out for you? Since you decided to lay your hands on Michelle? Seems to me like we’re all witnessing karma at work, although it would have been better if you were never heard of again, spending the rest of your days in a prison cell with your jeans around your ankles and your chocolate starfish being bigger than the Eurotunnel.
You don’t belong in this company, and you don’t belong in this business. I’ve told Laney she has to stay at home because you’re dangerous, but the truth is I just don’t want her to watch her Dad kicking the shit out of you and enjoying it. A wise man once said it’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.
Since I’ve been back in this business, I’ve stayed in the garden doing the right thing for a whole multitude of reasons but for you, you’re one guy I’m going to open that gate and step in to the dark for. Because I’ve always said the only reason I came back was to leave this business in a better position than it was when I signed that contract, and crippling you is what’s best for this business.”
In the quiet solitude of the night, with only the glow of the computer screen to accompany him, Stu-E poured his heart into the recorded message. The intensity of his words echoed through the room, a proclamation of intent in the face of the unknown.
With the promo recorded and a sense of accomplishment settling over him, Stu-E contemplated the journey that lay ahead. The office, once a haven of solitude, now bore witness to the quiet courage of a wrestler preparing for Havoc, a storm of emotions and uncertainties swirling beneath the surface. As the night wore on, the weight of the impending showdown lingered, but Stu-E found solace in the act of facing it head-on, one recorded message at a time.
Message Thread
« Back to index