The Heart Collector (Under Editing)

Chapter Forty-One: Brighter

There were voices, but she could not make them out. She felt light as air as darkness was all around her. There was no tension left in her body. Her mind was clear of any thought for the first time in her life. She wanted to stay like this.

"Fare." A voice called out.

It sounded familiar, but she could not place it.

"Fare." It called again, "Open your eyes. You can't stay here."

"Why?" She asked, "Its so peaceful here."

A large blue luminescent hand reached out, "You have people waiting for you."

"People?" Fare felt confused.

"Yes, your friends. Agatha. Now take my hand."

Fare knew that she should feel scared, but she felt comfortable.

"Who are you?"

The voice chuckled then two smaller hands appeared.

"Papa's right Páiste. It's not time for you yet."

"Take our hands, little sister."

The new voices struck a cord with Fare.

"Kila? Mom?"

"Yes, it's us." Kila's voice answered, "As much as I'd love to catch up, you're running out of time. Now take our hands."

She began to reach out, but stopped midway.

"Why did you do it Kila?"

One of the smaller hands retracted.

"Do what?"

"Keep my past a secret. You knew that I was searching."

There was a sigh, "Do you feel like anything's changed since you've found out? Has it changed you as a person?"

That paused her in her thoughts. Had she changed? She felt the same. If anything, a weight seemed to be lifted.

"No."

"Then ask yourself why anyone would keep secrets from someone close to them?"

"You were protecting me."

"Yes, Fare. Because that's what family does for each other. Just like your parents and Michael did for you."

"Why did he die? I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it?"

"He found the article of you standing in front of your burning house. After he died, I discovered it taped under his desk at home. It was the inspiration to pick up where he left off."

"Why not just turn it over to the authorities?"

"Come on Fare. You and I both know that they would have separated us." Her hand came back out, "Now take my hand, you need to leave."

"What! No! I still have more questions."

Another hand came out from behind her and grabbed her wrist. It drug her towards the others. She looked down and saw a familiar ring; Michael's ring.

"Always so stubborn. Even on the brink of death." His hand forced to wrap around Kila's and the other hands covered the top of hers, "It's time for you to continue to storm the world, kiddo."

Fare felt like she was sucked into a vacuum or hurricane force winds.

"Wait! I don't want to leave yet!" She was on the verge of tears.