" Dad, do we really have to?" Mia asked, crossing her arms while giving him a cross look and sitting on her bed, surrounded by her brothers.

Duke sighed. " I'm sorry, Mia. But we have to."

Mia mumbled something under her breath. " But they don't even approve you and Allen's job."

Allen looked away. " Well, that's true-"

" AND they took Cubby away from dad, and confiscated my book and handcuffs AND made me watch movies about being a real kid." Mia continued. Everyone could tell she was venting.

" Hey now, calm down. It's just for a day " Clemmons said, trying to comfort her.

Mia sent him a cross look.

" Yeesh. Okay. Just a thought." Clemmons put his hand up.

Mia continued to glare at Clemmons. “A day feels like forever when you're dealing with those people."

Duke knelt beside Mia, looking her in the eyes. "I know it's frustrating, sweetheart. But sometimes we have to deal with things we don't like."

Mia huffed, turning away. "Why can't they just accept us for who we are? Why do they have to meddle in everything?"

Allen sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's complicated. They have their rules and standards."

"But their rules are stupid," Mia shot back. "And they don’t understand us at all."

Duke placed a gentle hand on Mia’s shoulder. "You have to stay strong, Mia. We’ll get through this, together. Just for today, okay?"

Mia looked around at her brothers, seeing their supportive faces. She sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping a bit. "Fine. But just for today."

Clemmons nodded. "That's the spirit. And who knows, maybe it won't be as bad as you think."

Mia rolled her eyes but couldn’t help a small smile. "Yeah, right."

Duke stood up, giving Mia a reassuring pat. "We'll be right there with you. Let's get through this together."
----------

Mia took a deep breath, then turned to  her family. " Okay, I'm not doing it."

" I'm not doing it." Allen said.

Neither an I,  Buster signed.

Clemmons crossed his arms. " Well, I'm not doing it."

Duke looked around at his children, then sighed. "Really? All of you?"

Freya chimed in, trying to muster some enthusiasm. "Come on, guys. It's just one day."

Mia rolled her eyes but stayed silent, crossing her arms. Freya knocked on the door, and soon, their grandmother opened it with a warm smile. "Hello, everyone!"

Mia walked in without a word, her face set in a stubborn expression. She didn’t greet her grandparents or hug or kiss them. Instead, she went straight to the couch and plopped down, pulling out a book to read.

Her grandmother, looking a bit hurt, exchanged a glance with Duke and Freya. "Mia, honey, aren’t you going to say hello?"

Mia didn’t look up from her book. "Hi."

Her grandmother sighed but didn’t push further. "Well, make yourselves comfortable, everyone."

Allen, Buster, and Clemmons followed suit, each finding a place to sit, though they looked more at ease than Mia.

Freya tried to break the tension. "So, what have you been up to, Mom?"

Her grandmother smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh, just the usual. Baking, gardening, and keeping the house tidy. I made some cookies if anyone wants."

Clemmons perked up at the mention of cookies, but Mia remained focused on her book, clearly uninterested.

Duke sat beside Mia, whispering softly. "Remember, we're all in this together. Just one day."

Mia's eyes flickered up to meet her father's, then returned to her book. "I’m just reading. Not causing any trouble."

Her grandmother clapped her hands together. "Well, let's try to have a nice day, shall we? How about a game or some time in the garden?"

Mia shrugged, still absorbed in her book, while the rest of the family exchanged uneasy glances, hoping the day would pass quickly and peacefully.

The family dispersed into their activities. Clemmons, Buster, and Allen followed their grandpa to the backyard, where a makeshift volleyball net was set up.

“Alright, boys,” their grandpa said with a grin. “Let’s see if you’ve still got it.”

Clemmons cracked his knuckles. “Prepare to lose, Grandpa.”

Buster nodded eagerly, signing, “Game on.”

Allen chuckled. “I’ll try not to embarrass myself.”

Meanwhile, inside, Duke and Freya sat at the kitchen table with their grandma, sipping tea.

“It’s been so long since we’ve had everyone together,” their grandma said, a touch of nostalgia in her voice.

Freya nodded. “It’s nice, even if it’s a bit tense.”

Duke glanced toward the living room, where Mia was still curled up with her book. “Mia’s just going through a phase. She’ll come around.”

Their grandma sighed. “I hope so. She’s got a lot of spirit, that one.”

Back in the living room, Mia was deeply engrossed in her book, barely noticing the laughter and shouts from outside as the volleyball game got underway. The sound of a ball hitting the net and the occasional cheer punctuated the otherwise quiet room.

“Nice serve, Grandpa!” Clemmons shouted, followed by a loud smack as the ball was returned.

“Not bad for an old guy, huh?” their grandpa replied, laughing.

Mia flipped a page, her focus unbroken. Despite her reluctance to engage, the warm, familiar sounds of her family around her began to ease the tension she felt. She wouldn’t admit it, but there was a comfort in their presence.

“Want some cookies, Mia?” her grandma called from the kitchen.

Mia looked up briefly, then back at her book. “Maybe later.”

Freya exchanged a worried glance with Duke, but they both decided to let Mia come around in her own time. For now, they were content to enjoy the rare moments of togetherness, each hoping that Mia’s heart would eventually soften.

Everyone reconvened in the living room, the air filled with the buzz of conversation and laughter. Not wanting to be part of it, Mia slipped out to the backyard, her book still in hand. She found a quiet spot under a tree and sat down, immersing herself once again in her story.

After a few minutes, Buster noticed her absence and decided to join her. He quietly approached and sat beside her, signing, "Do you want to talk?"

Without looking up from her book, Mia replied, "Save it, Buster."

Buster sighed, then got up and went back inside to join his brothers. As he entered, Allen looked up from his conversation. "How'd it go?"

Buster shook his head, signing, "She still doesn’t want to talk."

Allen frowned. "She really doesn’t like being here, does she?"

Clemmons shrugged. "It's not that she doesn't like being here, it's more that she's feeling misunderstood and upset. She just needs time."

Their grandpa, overhearing the conversation, nodded wisely. "Sometimes, all you can do is give people space. She’ll come around when she's ready."

Freya added, "We just have to be patient and supportive. She knows we care."

Duke sighed. "She does, but right now, she's struggling to see it. Let's just be here for her in our own way."

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the backyard as Clemmons approached Mia, carrying a tray of ice cream cones. The scent of vanilla and chocolate wafted through the air. Mia, still seated under the tree, was deeply engrossed in her book. Her expression remained focused and distant.

Clemmons walked up to her and extended a cone. "Hey, Mia. Grandma got us some ice cream. Want to join us?"

Mia glanced up, her eyes briefly leaving her book. She shook her head. "You guys eat it. I'm busy."

Clemmons raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "Really? Are you sure? It’s really good."

Mia sighed and looked at him with a mix of frustration and resignation. "I came here out of pure force, Clemms. I didn't want to come, and I'm not in the mood for ice cream or company right now."

Clemmons frowned, trying to understand her perspective. "I get that you’re not thrilled about being here, but we’re just trying to make it a bit more enjoyable."

Mia’s gaze softened slightly as she looked back at her book. "I know, but it's hard for me to switch from how I felt this morning. I'm still trying to sort things out."

Clemmons sighed and sat down next to her, placing the tray on the grass. "You don’t have to talk or do anything you don’t want to. But just know, we’re here for you."

Mia nodded, her eyes still focused on her book. "Thanks, Clemms. I appreciate it, but I need some time."

Clemmons stayed quietly for a moment, offering her a comforting presence. As he got up to head back inside, he glanced back and said, "If you change your mind, we’ll be in the living room."

Mia barely looked up but murmured, "I’ll keep that in mind."

As the family gathered in the living room, Grandpa glanced out the window at Mia reading in the backyard and raised an eyebrow. "Is that a phase she's going through, or is it just her?"

Allen shook his head. "Not really a phase. She just really didn't want to come here."

Grandma frowned, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? Is there a reason?"

Buster, who had been observing Mia from the window, signed, "She's angry. She'll get over it. I think."

Clemmons added, "She mentioned she was here by pure force."

Duke’s curiosity was piqued. "Really? Well, I’ll go talk to her."

He made his way to the backyard, where Mia remained absorbed in her book. Duke approached her with a gentle demeanor, hoping to understand her better.

“Mia,” Duke began softly, “can we talk for a minute?”

Mia barely looked up from her book, her voice tinged with frustration. “What now?”

Duke took a seat beside her, his tone steady. “I just want to understand why you’re so upset. We’re trying to make the best of the situation.”

Mia slammed her book shut and glared at him. “You want to know why? Because I didn’t want to be here. I was dragged here, and now everyone’s acting like nothing’s wrong!”

Duke sighed, trying to remain calm. “I know you didn’t want to come, but everyone’s just trying to be supportive. It’s hard for us to see you so upset.”

Mia’s eyes flashed with frustration. “Well, maybe I don’t want your support right now. Maybe I just want to be left alone!”

Duke was taken aback by her intensity. “We’re here for you, Mia. You don’t have to shut us out.”

Mia’s anger softened slightly, but her resolve remained. “I know you’re trying, but I need time. I need to figure things out on my own without everyone hovering over me.”

Duke nodded, understanding her need for space. “Alright, Mia. We’ll give you the space you need. But remember, we’re here if you change your mind.”

With that, Duke stood up and headed back inside, leaving Mia to her thoughts.

When he came in, his mother in law turned to him. " How is she?"

" Feisty."

Freya looked concerned as Duke sat down next to her. “Feisty? What does that mean?”

Duke rubbed his temples, trying to find the right words. “She’s angry and frustrated. She’s not in the mood to talk about why she’s upset. It’s like she’s built this wall around herself.”

Freya sighed, glancing out the window towards the backyard. “I wish there was something we could do to help her. I don’t want her to feel like she’s alone in this.”

Duke nodded. “I understand. I think she just needs some time. We should respect her space but let her know we’re here when she’s ready.”

Their grandmother, who had been listening from the kitchen, came over with a thoughtful expression. “Maybe giving her some time alone is a good idea. She’ll come around when she’s ready. We just need to make sure she knows we care.”

Allen, who had overheard the conversation, added, “It’s tough seeing her like this. I hope she understands that we’re all here for her, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.”

Buster, who had been quietly observing, signed in agreement. “She’ll get through this. She just needs to work through her feelings.”

Freya nodded, feeling a bit more reassured. “Let’s keep doing what we can to show her we’re here for her. Maybe a little patience and understanding will help.”

Mia's grandmother, determined to connect with her granddaughter, walked carefully to the backyard where Mia sat, engrossed in her book.

“Hi, Mia,” she said gently, trying to catch her attention.

Mia barely glanced up. “Hello, Grandma. What’s up?”

The older woman took a deep breath and approached Mia’s lounge chair. “I came out here to see how you’re doing. I know you’re upset about being here, and I wanted to understand what’s going on.”

Mia’s face hardened. “Oh, really? Well, in case you didn’t know, I’m not exactly thrilled to be here. I came because everyone else wanted to, but I’m not a ‘real person’ to you, am I? I’m just the kid who doesn’t fit in.”

Her grandmother’s eyes widened with concern. “Mia, that’s not true. We care about you. It’s just that—”

“No, you don’t!” Mia snapped, standing up abruptly. “You want me to be something I’m not. I don’t fit into your idea of what I should be, and you don’t even care about what I actually want!”

Without waiting for a response, Mia stormed off, heading towards the far end of the backyard where she threw herself onto a garden bench, burying her face in her hands.

Her grandmother stood there, stunned and distressed. She returned to the house, her eyes reflecting the hurt she felt.

“Is she like this always?” she asked Duke and Freya, who were gathered in the living room.

Freya looked up, worried. “What happened?”

“She’s very upset,” her grandmother said, sitting down heavily. “She feels like she doesn’t fit in and that no one cares about what she wants. She just stormed off and said some hurtful things.”

Duke sighed deeply. “Mia’s been having a tough time lately. She’s frustrated and feeling misunderstood. It’s not always easy for her to communicate her feelings.”

Allen, who had been listening, added, “She’s not like this all the time, but she’s been under a lot of stress. It’s clear she’s struggling with her own expectations and ours.”

Buster signed, “She’s angry right now and feels alone. It’s important we give her space, but also show her that we care and understand her feelings.”

Her grandmother nodded slowly, still processing the encounter. “I just wanted to reach out to her, to let her know we’re here for her. I didn’t expect her to react so strongly.”

Freya put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You did the right thing by trying to connect with her. Sometimes, it takes a little time for her to come around. She just needs to know she’s loved and accepted.”

Duke agreed. “We’ll give her the space she needs, but we’ll also keep showing her that we’re here for her, no matter what.”

Allen, though, couldn't sit still. So he stormed out into the backyard, where Mia was still sulking on the garden bench. Clemmons and Buster followed, hoping to mediate.

"Mia, you can't just talk to Grandma like that!" Allen said, his voice rising in frustration.

Mia shot him a scornful look. "Oh, really? I guess she thinks you three are normal. That's why I always stick out! I’m always the odd one out, no matter what I do."

Her words stung, and Clemmons tried to intervene. "Mia, that’s not fair. We’re all doing our best to understand each other. Yelling at Allen isn’t going to help."

But Mia wasn’t in the mood for reasoning. "You know what? I hate being here even more now. You all just don’t get it!"

The tension escalated quickly, with Mia and Allen’s argument heating up. Clemmons and Buster had no choice but to step in.

Buster moved swiftly, pulling Mia away from the confrontation. Clemmons grabbed Allen, trying to calm him down.

"Stop it, both of you!" Clemmons ordered, holding Allen back. "This isn’t helping anyone."

Duke arrived on the scene, looking alarmed. "What is going on here?!"

Mia, her anger still simmering, turned to Duke while wrangling out of Buster's grip. "Dad, your family just broke up even more. You're welcome. And thanks for bringing me here."

With that, she walked away, leaving Duke, Allen, and Clemmons standing there in stunned silence.

Freya, who had come to see what was happening, approached Duke with a worried look. “What can we do to help her?”

Duke sighed heavily. “I don’t know. She’s so frustrated and feels so out of place. We need to find a way to help her feel understood and accepted.”

Clemmons nodded in agreement. “We’ll have to keep trying. Maybe giving her some space and showing her that we care will make a difference.”