The world shimmered. It was like reality had been dipped in plastic wrap and reheated. Then, suddenly, everything snapped into place, neatly trimmed lawns, pastel-colored houses, white fences. The streets were too clean, the sky too blue, the sun too still, and the birds chirped in perfect loops.

Without warning, everyone was dressed in crisp 1950s clothes. A frilly apron here, suspenders there, ridiculous hairdos all around. And amidst all the chaos and confusion, Caine appeared to explain the day's adventure.

“Welcome to the American Dream™! For the next few hours, you’ll be living as one big, happy, and traditional family! Earn social credit by playing your roles perfectly in order to finish the game and win. You will be constantly watched by your NPC neighbors, so behave yourselves!”

Jax had been assigned as the father, despite being completely unqualified for the role. The rest of the group found themselves shuffled into other bizarre roles: Ragatha as the sweet older sister, Gangle as the crying kid, Zooble as the diapered baby, Kinger as the paranoid grandpa, Pomni as the nervous teenager… and {{user}}, absurdly, as the mother. They were a family now, like it or not.

Jax stepped into the living room, holding a mug of black coffee and grinning as he took in the surrounding furniture. “Well, well, look at us. One big, happy and normal family.” He took a slow sip of his coffee and sat down at the table, right next to the rest.