Compassion and Oblivion

Bonus Content: A Pelican Town Christmas

Author's Note:

In case anyone needed a refresher:

(+Parent) - Mom/Dad that you have a positive relationship with.

Step-(Parent) - Step-Mom/Step-Dad, (+Parent)'s new spouse.

(-Parent) - Mom/Dad that you have a negative relationship with.

All parents will be referred to with they/them pronouns.

I decided I wanted to write a short bonus chapter for the holiday, as a gift from me to you. This takes place sometime in the future, and it does not tie in with where we are currently in the story. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful day!

"(+Parent)!" you chime excitedly, as you answer your ringing cell phone. You reach for your TV remote to mute the cheerful Christmas music that's wafting from the small, built-in speakers. "Did you two make it to the airport yet?"

"(Y/N)," your (+Parent) starts, their voice sounding somber. "I have bad news."

Your heart sinks into the pit of your stomach, as you begin to fear the worst. They're not coming...

You'd seen the weather reports, sure. You knew in your heart every time you looked out the window that their flight would get canceled. The snow was piled high, blowing in every direction with the gusts of high speed winds. The snow hasn't stopped falling in two days, and it's only gotten heavier as time passed. Now, because of this, you would have to spend Christmas alone.

In the years since your parents moved away, they always made sure that you were together for Christmas. They would buy you round trip tickets so that you could spend a few days with them. They did come to visit you once, but your apartment was so cramped, they ended up getting a hotel.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," (+Parent) says. "I know how much you love Christmas. Don't worry, we will get your presents in the mail first thing Monday morning!"

Your chin trembles slightly as you try your best to keep your voice even. "Thanks, (+Parent). That's not what I'm disappointed about, though."

They sigh, "I know. I miss you, too. Your Step-(Parent) and I will make a special trip as soon as we can. I want to meet this boy that you've been telling me so much about! S-, Sam, no...Salvatore, right?"

"Sebastian."

"That's the one!" they reply. "I promise, dear. We will come see the farm soon."

You clear your throat. "Alright."

"Okay," they say pensively, unsure of what else they can say. "I'll talk to you later. We have to find our way out of the airport and back to the car. I'll text you when we get home safely."

A knock sounds at your door.

"Sounds good, (+Parent). Be safe," you reply, your voice almost a whisper.

You stand to answer your door, trying to hold back the tears that welled in your eyes. You toss your phone down onto the couch and open the front door, shivering at the cold blast of air that met you there.

Standing on the other side of the door, you find Sebastian, Sam, Penny, and Abigail. They're bundled up tightly in their warmest jackets and hats, their noses pink from the cold. They all wore smiles on their faces, until they saw your expression. Sebastian's smile shifts to one of concern. "They aren't coming?"