Michael's heart thumped faster and faster. He made up his mind and headed towards his foster mother first.

"Mom," he called her. "I have something to show you!"

"Yes, dear?" Helen called back as she saw Michael approaching her with the box.

Helen's face fell as she dropped a plastic cup.

"Wh-Wh-Where did you- HOW did you-" Helen's body seemed to shake.

"I'm sorry, mom, I'm just- desperate..." Michael seemed to cry.

"It's-it's okay..." Helen calmed down as she knelt down and took the box. "Memories...memories..."

Tears seemed to drip from Helen's usually happy little face. Michael was instantly heartbroken.

What have I done... he thought to himself.

"I-I am really sorry for keeping this a secret from you..." Helen said, rubbing away her tears. "Your mother...she's a complicated person."

"Well, if you don't mind, could you...maybe..."

"Oh sure, of course..." Helen then started telling him the whole story.

"Your mother and I are childhood best friends, and she isn't always with a smile on her face. In fact- she never had one, until I presented her a bow to put on her hair on her fifteenth birthday. Elise Dim is quite emo, but she has good intentions. She seems to have mild depression, though. Every single day after we first met, I tried my best lightening up her's. Usually she'll just nod, as she isn't good at showing her emotions. We met two new friends on my sixteenth birthday, though. One of them is your dad, Gloomwold Frown, and the other is your foster dad, Cranky Walter Brock. Cranky may be- well... cranky, but at least he's less crankier than his best friend, Gloomwold. Gloomwold was NEVER in his best mood, and he's very picky and stubborn. Elise never liked him. But, unfortunately for her, their parents forced them to marry as Gloomwold is from a wealthy family and Elise isn't. Ever since that day, Elise's depression worsened and she even started to scold others for no reason- even me... One day before her wedding, Elise removed the bow she usually puts on her sideways ponytail and gave it to me, as she will be moving to live with Gloomwold in his new house. I cried very hard that day as we bid each other goodbye. I never saw her again..."

Michael's heart shattered. He ran and hugged his foster mother as he apologised.

"I'm so sorry, mom!" Michael cried. "I reminded you about your past..."

"It's fine, really..." Helen replied.

"No it's not!!!" Michael cried harder. "What have I done!!!"

"What's the racket here? Can't you two see that I'm sleeping-" Cranky, with Brock following him from behind, came yelling as he heard their cries. He looked down and saw the brown box on the ground.

"I...Elise Dim...Gloom-Gloomwold..." Cranky then lost consciousness and fainted.

"DEARIE!!!" Helen screamed in horror.

"DAD!!!" Michael and Brock screamed with their mother.

"What-WHAT HAVE I DONE?!? I'M A CURSE!!! I'M A MONSTER!!!" Michael screamed as he too lost consciousness.

All he could hear was Brock and Helen helplessly calling his name...