4 years later...
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I watch as they play in the garden. 3 year-old Autumn with her stubby legs chases after after me. Her brother, Tanner Jr on the other hand is being tossed around by his father. I watch them, thinking about all that has went down in this garden 4 years ago. Here, is when I got the call from Charles discovering Tanner was still alive. Here, Tanner proposed to me. This garden was were I experience the happiest moments of my life. Four years ago, when I was in this garden before I got the call... I would've never pictured this to be my future. But one thing like definitely isn't is predictable.
I then see Charles watching us in the distance, with his guards. I wonder what he is doing here... He's worked nonstop these past years, insuring safety to his citizens
"Hey babe, is a great everything alright" Tanner asks, clearly concerned.
"Yeah, everything's... Perfect." I say. And I mean it... I'm finally at peace. I know the nightmares and grief will never go away though... But with Tanner's support, I find a way to cope.
I walk over to Charles, who happens to also be watching the garden...
"Hello Charles" I say
"Phoenix" Charles responds, still looking in the distance.
"Do you remember when I told you Tanner was alive, right here" He asks me
"I could never forget it" I tell him.
He continues to stand there, quietly
"Forgive my curious mind, but what are you thinking about" I ask curiously
"My wife... Noelle, and my son Darius...they used to play here"
I can tell by the brokenness in his voice that they are no longer here.
"Charles, I'm so sorry"
"Th-ank you Phoenix"
"How..?" I ask... "Was their and accident or-"
"Does it really matter how?" Charles tells me, firmly
"It's one moment in their whole life. I care about how they lived"
"Your right, Charles"
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I walk back over to my kids, processing everything Charles told me. It breaks my heart thinking about everything he lost, how lonely he must be. I remember when I was in the hospital, and Charles was telling me about being a parent, like he knew what it was like... It all makes sense know. I am just starting to realize how blessed I am.
I remember in the most hopeless of moments, when I was sitting by Tanners deathbed, locked in with him, because of my father. I told him about our life together, and It finally came true. We got out, and he came back to life, thanks to an angel watching over us. We bought a house, had twins, and got married. We also get to work on rehabilitating citizens memories that were stolen. We have The perfect life...
"Momma!" Autumn calls out.
"Bring me to you!"
I use my powers to bring her sprinting towards me. Once she makes it I twirl her around as she giggles excitingly.
"I wish I had powers like you"
No, she doesn't, I think. I know I would never experiment with my daughters, let alone use it to murder another human. But just because Vaska is dead doesn't mean there still aren't bad people out their. People who would try to hurt her.
"Maybe some day" I joke
"How did you get dem?" She asks curiously
I didn't think I would have this talk with any of my children this young. I have told them nothing about their past. I know it's only a matter of time until they find out, but now isn't the time. I'm not ready to let the skeletons out of the closet, bringing my past back to haunt me.
"I'll tell you that another time, ok Hun?"
"Ok momma" she nods.
"All you need to know is that you are named after a hero, someone who risked everything to help us."
"I hope I get to meet da real Autumn someday" she says.
"One day you will. I promise.."
"Are you ready to go home?" Tanner asks
"Yep"
We all walk home together hand in hand. Words cannot describe how much love I have for my family. They are my rock. I don't know how I would go on without them. And hopefully, I will never have to.
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Later that night, after I tucked my children into bed, I walk over to the memorials, to my mothers grave.
"Sorry, I know it's been a couple of weeks" I tell her,
"It's just been extremely hectic, taking care of the kids and all."
I kneel there, silently, like I'm waiting for something to happen...
"I'll be back soon, ok?" I tell her
I hear a noise, which immediately startles me.
It's coming closer...
I gasp
"Charles, you scared the crap out of me!" I say, relieved.
"I apologize Phoenix, I just thought I'd pay my family a visit"
"I hope you don't mind if I swing along" I tell him
He smiles back at me.
"Sure"
After 'meeting' Charles's family, we take a walk around the cemetery.
Before we part, we discuss our past and present, and I find comfort that I have someone who understands what it's like to lose someone.
"But you don't have to afraid Phoenix" He tells me.
"We've won."
He's right, I finally have my freedom. I have love, and happiness. I am excited for my future. But most importantly I finally have a place that I feel safe, a place where people will love you and support you no matter what. A place to call my...
Home.
The end.
