One Weekend
The Kent farmhouse was wrapped in the warm, comforting glow of early evening. Dinner dishes were stacked neatly on the kitchen counter, and the living room was filled with a peaceful quiet. Jonathan sat in his favorite armchair, the day's newspaper folded neatly in his lap, while Martha worked on a knitting project, her hands moving rhythmically. It was a scene of simplicity and contentment, but Clark knew that what he was about to share would change everything.
He had spent countless hours preparing for this moment, simulating every possible reaction, every word he might say, until he was certain he knew the best way to reveal his secret. Now, it was time.
"Mom, Dad," Clark began, stepping into the center of the room. His voice was steady, and mature. Both Jonathan and Martha looked up, sensing the seriousness in his tone.
"What is it, Clark?" Jonathan asked, folding his hands in his lap as he gave his full attention to his son.
"There's something I need to tell you. Something I've been keeping from you for a long time."
Martha's knitting paused mid-stitch, her eyes filled with concern. "Clark, you know you can tell us anything."
"I know," Clark said, offering a small, reassuring smile. "That's why I need to be honest with you now. I'm not… like other kids. I've known that for a long time, but it's time you knew too."
Jonathan and Martha exchanged a glance, their expressions growing more serious. Clark could see the worry beginning to form, but he pressed on, knowing this was the only way.
"I'm not from Earth," Clark said, letting the truth hang in the air for a moment. "I'm from a planet called Krypton. I don't know everything about it yet, but I do know that I was sent here when I was a baby, to be safe."
The room seemed to still as Jonathan and Martha processed what their son was telling them. Clark continued, his voice calm and assured, guiding them through the revelation.
"I have abilities—powers that come from being Kryptonian. I'm stronger than anyone you've ever known. I can run faster than the fastest car, and… I can fly."
Clark said this last part with a slight smile, knowing it was one of the most extraordinary things about him. It had become as natural to him as walking. But he knew how overwhelming it would be for his parents to hear this.
Jonathan was the first to speak, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and concern. "You can fly? How… how is that possible?"
Clark nodded, his expression serious but gentle. "It's part of who I am, Dad. Part of being Kryptonian. I've been learning to control these abilities, to use them in ways that help people. But I didn't want to keep this from you anymore. You deserve to know the truth."
Martha's eyes were wide, but there was no fear in them—only love and worry for her son. "Clark, why didn't you tell us sooner? We would have supported you no matter what."
"I know," Clark replied, stepping closer to them. "And I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I was afraid—not for myself, but for you. I didn't want you to worry or to be scared of what I could do. But I've learned how to control my powers, and there's something I want to show you—something that will help you understand."
He paused, giving them a moment to absorb the gravity of what he was saying. Then, he looked down at Krypto, and a small smile touched his lips.
"And there's one more thing," Clark said, his voice softening as he reached down to gently scratch behind Krypto's ears. The dog looked up at him with a wagging tail, sensing the shift in the conversation.
"Krypto isn't just any dog," Clark continued, his gaze lifting to meet his parents' eyes. "He came from Krypton too. I found him in a pod, just like the one I arrived in. He has powers, just like me. He can fly, and incredibly strong."
Jonathan and Martha's eyes widened at this new revelation, their gazes shifting to the white-furred dog who looked back at them with intelligent, almost knowing eyes.
"Krypto's been helping me keep everything safe—helping me learn to control my abilities. When I go on patrols or when I'm not around, he's here, watching over you, making sure nothing happens to the farm or to you."
Martha's expression softened as she looked at Krypto, who, as if understanding the gravity of the moment, walked over to her and gently nuzzled her hand. She hesitated for a moment, then reached down to pet him, her hand running through his soft fur. "He's… he's really from Krypton?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder.
Clark nodded. "Yes. He's part of our family now. Just like I am."
Jonathan, still processing everything, watched the interaction between Krypto and Martha with a mix of amazement and acceptance. "Well, I suppose that makes him one of us," he said with a small smile, finally reaching down to give Krypto a pat on the head.
Then, with a deep breath, Clark introduced the next part. "I have a skill that lets me create simulations—scenarios that feel real but aren't. It's how I've been training, how I've learned to use my powers safely. I want to use it now to show you what I can do, to help you see that I'm still the same person I've always been."
Jonathan and Martha exchanged another glance, this time filled with more understanding. They nodded, the trust between them evident even in this most surreal moment.
"We trust you, Clark," Jonathan said, his voice steady. "Show us."
Clark felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had expected this response—his simulations had prepared him for it—but hearing it for real was different. It was better. He took both of their hands, and called the SS system.
[Clark, are you ready to initiate the simulation?] SS's voice echoed in his mind.
"Yes," Clark responded, his voice full of quiet determination. "Let's begin."
---
The Kent living room dissolved into the expansive world of the Simulation Room, and Jonathan and Martha found themselves standing in a vast, open field under a bright blue sky. The surroundings were eerily realistic—the feel of the warm sunlight, the gentle breeze rustling through the grass, and even the scent of the earth beneath their feet. It was a perfect replica of Smallville's farmlands, but they knew this was Clark's creation, a world he had brought them into to help them understand.
Clark stood before them, his expression calm and confident. He had prepared for this moment meticulously, knowing how important it was for his parents to see and experience what he was capable of. Krypto stood at his side, the loyal dog's eyes alert and attentive, ready to assist in demonstrating the extraordinary powers that Clark possessed.
"Mom, Dad," Clark began, his voice filled with the quiet assurance of someone who knew exactly what he was about to do. "I want to show you what I can do—what I've been able to do for a while now. I want you to see that, even though I'm different, I'm still the same person you've always known."
Jonathan and Martha exchanged a glance, both filled with a mix of anticipation and concern. They had always known Clark was special, but now they were about to see just how special he truly was.
Clark looked up at the sky. "First, let me show you how I can fly."
With a slight push off the ground, Clark rose effortlessly into the air, his body lifting higher and higher until he hovered several feet above the ground. There was no hesitation in his movements—his control was perfect, his form steady. He floated there for a moment, letting his parents take it all in, then began to ascend further, accelerating quickly until he was a distant figure against the blue sky.
Martha gasped softly, her hands covering her mouth as she watched her son soar above them. Jonathan's eyes widened in awe, his heart pounding with the realization of just how powerful Clark had become.
Clark performed a series of aerial maneuvers, darting through the sky with incredible speed, then slowing down to hover gracefully above them. He could feel the exhilaration of the wind against his face, the freedom that flying always brought him, but this time it was different—this time, he was showing the people he loved the most what he was truly capable of.
After a few moments, Clark descended slowly, landing softly on the ground before them. He smiled, knowing that the first demonstration had made an impact.
"That was amazing," Martha whispered, her eyes filled with a mix of wonder and pride.
Clark nodded, grateful for her reaction. "And that's just the beginning."
He turned to a large boulder that was situated a short distance away—a boulder that, in reality, would have been impossible for any human to move. Without a word, Clark walked over to it, placing his hands on its rough surface. With what seemed like little effort, he lifted the massive rock above his head, holding it there as if it weighed nothing at all.
Jonathan took a step forward, his mouth slightly agape as he watched his son handle the boulder with ease. "That thing must weigh a ton," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Clark set the boulder down gently, then turned back to his parents. "It's all part of my strength—my Kryptonian heritage. I've been training, learning to control it, so I don't hurt anyone by accident."
Krypto barked once, as if to affirm Clark's statement, and then darted forward, running across the field at an incredible speed. Clark grinned and joined him, his form blurring as he matched Krypto's pace, the two of them racing across the simulation at speeds that left everything else a distant blur. In seconds, they had crossed the entire field and returned, both of them breathing evenly, not a single sign of exertion on their faces.
"That's… that's incredible," Jonathan said, his voice filled with awe. "You're faster than anything I've ever seen."
Clark smiled, but he wasn't finished yet. "There's more."
He focused his gaze on a distant target—a tree at the edge of the field—and narrowed his eyes. With a controlled burst of heat vision, twin beams of red energy shot from his eyes, cutting through the air and striking the tree with precision. The bark sizzled and charred under the intense heat, but Clark quickly dialed back the power, allowing the beams to fade.
Martha's hand tightened around Jonathan's as they watched, both of them realizing just how dangerous these abilities could be, but also how much control Clark had over them.
Clark turned back to them, his expression serious now. "I've been practicing every day, learning to use these powers safely. I know how much responsibility comes with them, and I want you to know that I'm always careful. I've learned to control everything—to make sure I never hurt anyone."
Jonathan stepped forward, his eyes filled with both pride and concern. "Clark, we're so proud of you. But we also want you to be safe. These powers… they're incredible, but they also put you at risk."
"I know, Dad," Clark replied, his voice steady. "That's why I've been preparing. And it's why I wanted you to see this."
---
After demonstrating his powers, Clark paused, allowing the reality of what he had just shown to sink in for his parents. Jonathan and Martha, still processing everything, remained close to him, their expressions a mixture of awe, pride, and concern. Krypto stood loyally at Clark's side, wagging its tail.
"There's one more thing I want to show you," Clark said. "I've been thinking a lot about the future—about what my powers mean and how I should use them. There are different paths I could take, different choices I could make, and I want you to see what those futures could look like."
With a thought, Clark shifted the simulation. The peaceful farmland around them dissolved, replaced by the bustling, gleaming cityscape of Metropolis. Towering skyscrapers stretched toward the sky, and the streets below were filled with life and energy. The sun shone brightly, casting a hopeful glow over the entire scene.
"This is one possible future," Clark began, his tone thoughtful. "In this future, I use my powers openly to help people, to protect the world from threats they can't face alone. I become a symbol of hope, someone who stands up for what's right, no matter the cost."
As he spoke, they saw a version of Clark—older, wearing a bright red cape with the iconic symbol of hope emblazoned on his chest—soaring through the sky. He moved with purpose, his presence bringing smiles to the faces of those below, who looked up to him as their protector. In this future, Clark stopped a runaway train, saved a family from a burning building, and brought criminals to justice, all while maintaining a sense of humility and compassion.
Jonathan and Martha watched in silent awe, seeing their son as a hero, someone who had chosen to use his powers for the greater good. The pride in their eyes was unmistakable, but so was the concern—this path would come with great responsibility, and they knew the burden would be heavy.
"This future has a lot of good," Clark continued, "but it's not without challenges. There will be people who are afraid of what I can do, who will try to stop me, or even hurt those I care about. It's a path that requires constant vigilance, and sometimes… sacrifices."
---
With another thought, Clark shifted the simulation. The bright, hopeful cityscape darkened, the skies turning overcast, and the streets below filled with unrest. The older version of Clark was still there, but his demeanor had changed—his expression was more guarded, more intense, his eyes filled with a hunger for control. The city was troubled, with protests and conflicts simmering beneath the surface.
"In this future," Clark explained, his voice somber, "I become obsessed with power. I start to see myself as the only one capable of ruling, the only one who can impose order on a chaotic world. People fear me, not just because of what I can do, but because of what I've become—a tyrant, someone who demands obedience and crushes dissent."
They watched as this darker version of Clark flew above the city, his once-heroic actions now tainted by a need to dominate and control. He used his powers to enforce his will, his presence causing terror rather than hope. The weight of the world was evident in his eyes, but it was a weight he had chosen to bear through force rather than compassion.
Martha's hand tightened around Jonathan's arm as they watched this darker version of the future. The sight of their son facing such a twisted fate filled them with dread, and yet, they couldn't look away. They understood that the power Clark possessed could be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how he chose to wield it.
"This is a future I hope to avoid at all costs," Clark said, his voice filled with determination. "But it's a possibility I have to consider. That's why I've been training, preparing for any scenario—because I never want to become the person you just saw."
---
Clark shifted the simulation once more. This time, the setting was starkly different—dark, cold, and clinical. The scene before them was not a city but a high-security laboratory, filled with sterile metal tables and harsh, artificial lighting. The atmosphere was oppressive, filled with the sense of confinement and despair.
"In this future," Clark said quietly, "I become a subject of fear—captured, imprisoned, and experimented on by those who want to understand and control my powers. Instead of using my abilities to help others, I'm stripped of my freedom, treated as nothing more than a specimen to be studied."
Jonathan and Martha gasped as they saw a younger, more vulnerable Clark, bound by restraints, subjected to cruel experiments as scientists and military personnel observed from behind glass. His powers were suppressed, his will broken by constant tests and painful procedures. This was a future where Clark had lost everything—his identity, his autonomy, his hope.
"This is the darkest path," Clark said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's the one where I lose everything, where I'm no longer a person, just a tool for others to use. It's a future I'll do everything in my power to prevent."
Tears filled Martha's eyes, and she moved closer to Clark, wrapping her arms around him protectively. "Clark, we won't let that happen. We'll do everything we can to keep you safe."
Jonathan stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Clark's shoulder. "Son, whatever future you choose, we'll be here to support you. We trust you to make the right decisions."
Clark nodded, his expression filled with a deep resolve. "These are the possible futures I could face, based on the choices I make. I wanted you to see them, to understand that every decision I make will be with you in mind, with our family's future in mind."
Krypto barked softly, nudging Clark's leg as if to remind him that he wasn't alone in facing these futures. Clark smiled, reaching down to pat his loyal companion on the head, feeling more confident.
---