Equifinality (Bare Bones)

Into the Dark

                                                                            Ethan

Mama made it outside before I did. I walked out onto the porch with all of my stuff. I felt like I walked in on a very weird conversation. Mama wasn't crying, but Alana was. This is the total opposite of what I thought would be happening. 

"What's going on?" My facial expression was probably telling a crazy story. Why was Alana the one that was falling apart? Even stranger, Mama appeared to be the strong one. She was holding Alana tight, giving her sympatric pats on her back, as she cried on Mama's shoulder. Mama's face was very stoic- like she was coming to grips with a fate that she had no control over. That could be just me projecting my feelings. Of everything that I had been through today, that scared me the most. 

"Everything is okay," Mama said with the utmost confidence. "Baby, Come sit with us for a minute, then Alana and you will go to the other world." She had a slight smile on her face, the smile defiantly looked forced. 

Alana and Mama sat down on the swing. I sat down in the chair with a feeling of anxiety and great anticipation for what they were about to tell me, as well as going to another world. Is this how Neil felt when he was about to land on the moon? So many thoughts and emotions overwhelmed me, I felt, I was drowning in my feelings.  I looked at Mama and Alana trying to hold back the tears that were already running down my face like they were in a rush to get somewhere. 

The more time that went by that no one spoke, the more I felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. Just when I was about to explode with anticipation, Mama began to speak up. 

"Do you have everything you need for your trip?" The halfhearted smile that she was trying to muster up was not helping with my confidence level. If anything, I was getting more and more nervous by the second. My heart was pounding like the fists of a thousand zombies trying to get to their precious brains. 

"Yes Mama, I think I have everything I need for now." I wanted her to know I was coming back. 

"Ok Baby. We want to go over a few things with you. Just what you need to know for now. Alana is going to take you to the other world. You going to go to her house for a few days. Then she will take you to the school to help you get all set up. Do you understand so far?" I didn't care about any of that in the moment. 

"Mama, when do I get to come back and see you?" I stared at her very impatiently. 

Alana pulled herself together and answered for Mama. "Let's get you settled at the new school, then I will bring you back for a visit." That didn't answer my question, but before I could say anything she started to talk again.  

"The family is excited to finally see you again, it has been so many years since they all have seen you." She smiled, but then, what appeared to be sadness washed over her face again. 

So, I'm going to have to meet a bunch of people, that I don't remember, but they remember me. This sounds like so much fun. 

Alana looked at me with concerned eyes. "There are a few things I need you to do for me. For now, I would like you to wear something that will cover up that mark on your arm."

"Why?" I said without any hesitation. They are supposed to be family, why do I have to hide my mark from them? I looked down at my arm, studying the unique design. An odd sense of pride drifted through me. I pulled down my sleeve and was welcomed back to the life of normal. 

I looked up just when Alana started to speak. "The family knows you are returning with me, But not everyone knows the real reason why, or how important it is that you return. It's just better for you to keep a low profile."