Seth Madrigal, humble househusband and homeschooling father, didn’t burn down the house. Let’s just all keep that in mind.
All he’d intended to do was rekindle his kids' love for learning by wrapping their day in a fantasy live action roleplay system he Dadquest. It involved adventure, intrigue, loot—with a little homework thrown in to keep things educational.
Sure, he may have unknowingly brought home a cursed book that summoned evil minions to kill his family. I guess there’s no point denying that part. If it weren’t for the shattered toilet in the upstairs bathroom or the scorch marks on the backyard lawn ( the house did not burn down!), Seth might have been able to chalk the whole thing up to a sleep-deprived, caffeine-fueled hallucination. Or perhaps a nervous breakdown. Maybe a mid-life crisis. Goddess knows he was ripe for all three.
Look, of course it sounds impossible and ridiculous. But every word of it is true. And if his beloved wife accepted his five thousand apologies—including his explanation about how his mother-in-law’s lipstick got all over his face—then you should, too.
Let’s focus on the fact that the house is officially not burned down. Seth kept his word. To his wife. He deserves a raise. (but will also accept a chest of legendary loot as compensation. Huzzah!)
This fantasy-fueled fiasco was written by Tom Sadira for his upcoming short story anthology A Few Before We're Through, which is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
