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SEPT

         Silence, both welcomed and feared. Some moments called for it, some didn't. A theater does, a dinner party does not. But what about this? What did a sullen moment on the sidewalk call for? Neither of them were sure.

                She pulled away from her spot buried in his chest, "I love you.."

                The words spilled out of her before she knew what she was saying. They had said it before, but her new found revolation made it clearer.

                "I love you too, Phyli...are you okay?" He asked, his words soft as ever.

               "I am now."

                The day went on as she had planned, but this time with a clear conscience. Work sailed smoothly and she found herself smiling throughout her day. When she came home, instead of sulking and crying, she decided it was time to rearrange her room. She decided it was finally time to move on. It's what Oscar would've wanted, after all.

                She heaved the dresser and shoved the bed until it was to her liking. She didn't want to look at the floors, only imagining the scratches she caused. 

                "Whoa, what's going on in here?"

                She could almost hear the smile in Finch's voice. She turned around to see Willow and Finch in her doorway.

                "It was time," She smiled at them.

                They pulled her into a hug, "We're proud of you, Phyli,"

                She melts into them like she had with Race. These were here people, they were still here. She wasn't going let anything happen to them, but she wasn't going to let the fear of what could happen keep her under a dark cloud anymore.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

                "This way, Mama, come here!"

               She grinned at the small, cheerful voice. This was all she ever wanted. This, right here, the perfect life.

                The sun peeked through her sheer, white curtains, waking her gently from her sleep. She wished to go back, back to the dream that felt too much like reality.

                It had been three months since things started getting better for her. The newsies lodge finished repairs last month and on top of that, her brother was getting married. She remembered the look on his face when he told her what happened. His face was bright red and his smile was wider than the Hudson. She was so happy for them.

                She sat up, fluffy, grey fur tickling her feet. A small kitten popped his head out from under the sheets.

                 "Good morning, Todd," She grinned as she scratched behind his ears, "Ready to wake the girls up?"

                 She stood, the little ball of fluff following her every move. She knocked on her friends doors a few times before making breakfast, humming along to the melodies in her head.

                  After so long, she was finally okay. A peace long awaited finally washed over her like a warm blanket. She smiled to herself, she was finally happy.