The First Rule

Epilogue

Running from the pathway, Tyler scoops you in his arms! In front of your house, the two of you giggle—embracing each other in overwhelmed longing. Your lips meet, devouring each other before he finally leans away. Still closing his eyes in contentment, his forehead touches yours as he whispers, "I missed you, Winny,"

"Me too, Tyty," you respond, smiling back. His opens his eyes, a big grin spread across his face—

"FUCK!"

His expression shifts dramatically as he looks past you. Startled, you spin around as you whisper, "Huh—hey, language—" only to see his parents standing in shock on the pathway. Betraying you—as if agreeing with them, Tumba jogs over from inside to sit beside them, cocking his head in disappointment.

"FUCK!"

Both of you stand there in shock as Violet, with a disgusted expression, says, "Uh... you guys just met yesterday, right?"

Greg, looking annoyed and puzzled, adds, "You were home alone—" he glances at Tyler, scratching his head and grinning awkwardly. Greg's look of disgust deepens as he says, "Brat—get away from Emily—!" but Violet pulls him back as Tumba barks in agreement.

Tyler, hiding behind you with a mischievous grin, says, "Protect me, babe."

Greg, still looking grossed out—turns to Violet, "Did you hear what he just said?" Violet just giggles and smacks her husband's arm, "I don't think we could leave them alone together."

As if understanding the conversation, Tumba runs over to you both—to force himself between you and sitting right in the middle, effectively separating the two of you. Tyler darts his eyes to Tumba, and lightly slaps his head—which only makes Tumba glance back and stick out his tongue, almost like mocking him. Laughing, you pet Tumba's head and defend yourself, "Tumba's here, Uncle. He's here to protect me, right?" you look at Tyler, who's still grinning mischievously.

Greg just shakes his head, "That dog is the only thing keeping you two in check. John help me," while looking at Tumba straight in his eyes.

Violet laughs, "Good boy, Tumba. Keep an eye on them, ok?!" and everybody laughs except for Greg. For a moment, Violet's gaze shifts to a car dropping off across the street. Violet glances at it, initially intending to ignore it—but something catches her eye.

Someone.

She squints, expression shifting from curiosity to shock—and she gasps. Greg, noticing her reaction—automatically wraps his arm around her, confused. And when he follows her gaze, he too gasps as Violet already covers her mouth, eyes welling up with tears.

You're still chattering away, oblivious—while Tyler notices his parents' stunned silence. He follows their gaze—and notices the person behind them, his face immediately lights up with a surprised smile. Seeing his reaction, your eyebrows furrowed—but then you hear the sound of a suitcase rolling on the pavement. By that time, in recognition, Tumba barks and runs away from you.

Realization dawns on you as you stare at a little reflection beside your door, noticing Tumba as he arrives to—and you immediately shift your gaze to the door. Tyler, sensing your turmoil—turns to you, cupping your right cheek with a comforting smile. You try to keep your expectations in check, but your eyebrows knit together—tears begin to form in your eyes. You shift your eyes to Tyler for support—when he nods at you encouragingly. And so you gather your courage..

and turn around.