Living Next Door to the Dunphys (Modern Family)

Los Angeles, in stark contrast to the biting cold of Chicago, experienced milder winter temperatures. Yet, the evenings still dipped low enough to warrant a warm jacket.

The crisp air, often brisk and refreshing, would prompt people to bundle up, especially as the sun set and the city's vibrant energy transitioned into a more subdued night.

"Hola! Welcome, come in!"

The Johnson family was warmly welcomed into Jay and Gloria's spacious, modern home. Once inside, the adults exchanged friendly greetings while Mathew curiously explored the house's interior.

Wow. It's just like the show.

"It's good to see you, kid," Jay smiled as he shook Mathew's hand. "How's the injury?"

"It's almost done healing," Mathew said, touching his cheek under the almost-healed cut. "I'm hoping it scars."

"Good on you, kid. Back when I was in the Navy, having a scar like that showed that you weren't one to be messed with." Jay turned up as a young boy with Colombian features walked down the stairs. "Some, however, would be horrified by having a scar."

"Very funny, Jay. I'm Manny Delgado. It's a pleasure to meet the one who acted without fear to help my mother," Manny smiled as he shook Mathew's hand. "You have my thanks for that."

So this is Manny. He really does act like someone much older. Mathew thought. "No worries. I'm just glad I was able to help."

A few days after his encounter with the thief, Mathew picked up the phone to call Jay, eager to find out if the job offer was still available. Much to his relief, it was. Jay had presented him with a well-paying opportunity to work in his warehouse—a part-time position that promised additional hours during the busy holiday season.

As their conversation came to an end, Jay and his wife, Gloria, graciously invited Mathew and his family to join them for dinner. The Prichett couple felt excited at the prospect of sharing a meal with the family that had raised such a courageous young man.

"Something smells delicious," Jefferson grinned at the aroma wafting through the house. Gloria had a happy expression as she began to tell him and Sasha about tonight's dinner.

"I'm so happy to hear that! It's an old family recipe from my home back in Columbia."

As everyone strolled into the warm, inviting kitchen. They settled into their chairs around the rustic wooden table. Jay, with a welcoming smile, poured deep red wine into elegant glasses for his adult guests, the liquid shimmering in the soft glow of the overhead lights. Meanwhile, Manny deftly prepared a frothy cappuccino for Mathew.

"So, Mathew. Tell me about yourself." Manny said with an interested look as he took a sip from his small coffee mug.

Mathew started to share his hobbies and interests with Manny while they sipped their drinks. When it was Manny's turn to talk, Mathew listened attentively, eager to discover more about the younger and more sophisticated boy beyond what he had seen on the show.

"I couldn't help but notice that when you confronted that thief, you moved like a boxer. Back when I was in the Navy, I also boxed," Jay said as he walked over to Mathew and Manny. Leaving Gloria to talk to Mathew's parents. "You have some impressive moves, Mathew."

"Oh, thank you. Yeah, I've been boxing since I was ten. If it weren't for that, I doubt I would have intervened." Mathew rubbed the back of his head as he replayed the events of that day. "Ah, thank you for your service, Mr. Pritchett."

"Call me Jay," Jay said. "Now then, who is hungry?"

As the evening unfolded, both families gathered around the table, reveling in each other's company. The air was filled with the rich, tantalizing aromas of a traditional Colombian home-cooked meal—savoring dishes like ajiaco and bandeja paisa, each bite bursting with vibrant flavors.

Laughter and lighthearted banter echoed throughout the room as they exchanged stories and anecdotes, their voices mingling with the sounds of clinking silverware and gentle background music, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that made the night truly memorable.

"Who would have thought that you all lived right next door to my daughter Claire's house? Isn't this a small world?" Jay said with a raised glass of scotch.

"Right? What are the odds of that?" Sasha smiled at the coincidence as she took a sip of wine. Gloria and Manny nodded as they thought about the situation. "It's almost like it was fate."

Mathew's smile froze at his mother's words.

Fate... Could this have all been fate? Mathew thought with a frown. A feeling of dread and anxiety welled within him. Shit, I hope not.

"Mathew. Are you okay?" Gloria asked, her eyes glancing at him with concern. "Was the food too spicy?"

"No, no. The food's great! Really! I was... thinking about a few things."

"What could bother you of all people?" Manny asked with interest.

From the moment his mother and Jay recounted the harrowing tale of the attempted theft, Manny found himself captivated by Mathew's bravery. Gloria's vivid and somewhat over-the-top storytelling painted a picture of the chaotic scene, describing how Mathew had fearlessly intervened when danger reared its head.

In that moment, Mathew became more than just a figure in a story; to Manny, he exemplified the ideal gentleman—an unwavering protector who stood up for what was right, even when faced with the imminent threat of harm.

As he admired Mathew's courage, Manny couldn't help but feel a deep respect for someone willing to put their safety on the line for the sake of others. Each detail of the tale deepened Manny's admiration, solidifying Mathew's place as a true hero in his young, impressionable eyes.

"It's about an upcoming boxing tournament I'm entering in a few months. I'm a little worried about how I'll do." Mathew said quickly after thinking of an excuse.

"A boxing tournament? That's amazing!" Jay said, impressed. "Mathew, you went toe to toe with an armed criminal. Next to that guy, everyone in that tournament won't compare!"

"Jay's right, Matt. I'm sure you'll do great." Jefferson nodded while patting Mathew's shoulder.

A warm wave of encouragement enveloped Mathew as each person around him made an effort to uplift his confidence. Mathew smiled awkwardly and expressed his thanks for their thoughtful concern.

However, the moment of solidarity was fleeting; much to his relief, the conversation soon drifted back to lighthearted small talk, and he could breathe a little easier as the spotlight shifted away.

Turning back to his meal, Mathew's eyes lost focus as he tried to shake the thought that his life could be on a set track determined by fate. The mere idea shook him to his core.

No. I'm just spiraling. It wasn't fate that made me act back then. I wanted to step in and help. It was my choice! Mathew thought with his left hand tightening into a fist. After taking a deep breath, he began to calm down.

"...I'm the master of my fate," Mathew muttered, already thinking about his next step to overcome his first hurdle on his road to his destiny.

That hurdle is defeating Jason in a spar.