To Turn Back Time

Epilogue

Coco leaned out over the porch railing, resting her forearms atop the stiff wood. A soft breeze blew through her hair as she stared at the last rays of sunlight colored the lake a warm, orangey-yellow. The tall aspen trees quaked and rustled, casting faint shadows over the rich earth and whispered quietly to one another.

The air smelled of toasted earth, warm flowers, and summer nights. It tasted of rosy strawberries and sweet sap. Coco ran her tongue over her lips, catching a hint of the evening air, and smiled as she let out a long, relieved sigh.

In the distance, she could see Aisha kneeling by the water, Kalluto at her side. The girl ran her hand over the top of it, scooping up handfuls of it and letting run out through her fingers. Kalluto watched from the side, occasionally reaching out to steady her. The wind carried tidbits of their conversation to Coco, but she didn't bother to listen. Aisha's melodious laughter was enough confirmation that all was well.

She hadn't spoken to Kalluto since that day at the crumbled house, but something must have been worked out between Aisha and him. The next thing she knew, he had been gone and Aisha, Ronia, and she had a house.

He came to visit the little lake house they lived in, tucked away in the woods away from the wildly unpredictable world, at least once a week. They shared a nod, occasionally, when he brought Aisha back for the night, but never a word.

They had an understanding, albeit a silent one, and that was good enough for her.

Coco slowly turned around, running her eyes across the lake house porch and up its walls. A welcoming glow poured out of every window, accompanied by a sweet tune from a humming Ronia.

The mere sight of it made her laugh. She wanted so desperately to be rid of Aisha when this all began...but here she was, living with the young girl and her sister.

Maybe it was because she had nowhere else to go. Maybe it was because she didn't trust Aisha to stay out of trouble. Or, maybe it was just because, though she hated to say it, Aisha and Ronia were good company.

They were kind, inviting her to live in their home when they had no obligation to.

They gave her space. They let her live her own life and didn't interfere.

They listened. When she said no, they stopped.

Most of all, they were loud. Loud enough to drown out the constant, whispering voices in her head.

And maybe...maybe she appreciated that enough to put up with everything else.

A/N: And that's it! I'm sorry that this ended up being so short a little rocky, I had a really hard time finding the inspiration to finish this story. However, here it is! I hope you liked it regardless and thanks for sticking with it till the end. 

If you have any question, about the story or me as the author, please feel free to ask them! :D 

Thank you all for your support and love, it really means a lot! Thank you for everything!