Philophobic : Tyler Galpin

33: Rebirth

[victoria's pov]

Endings don't happen when you decide so. Not when someone else deems it to be, not when things end, not even by the command of death. Endings happen when a new beginning is born. Rebirth.

I entered my new little home, far from Jericho, Vermont. Far from Nevermore and even further from where Tyler died.

My home was built brick by brick–each one playing a role in my new, rebuilt life. For each crevice of my home collected dust, new light rays of my existence foresaw it. And whether I was to keep it there or not was decided between my husband and I.

It was all purchased by my mother's will. And the money I made from selling my own house. It brought me here, far from that place that I grew up in with Tyler.

I entered my house after my early bike ride in my little town, listening to the old news as it began to play from my phone.

"It's been nearly a year since the murder of Tyler Galpin. The mysterious crime involving Willowhill guards continues to lead to the controversy of police brutality as we dive into the town where 'nothing happens.'"

I shut it off, having had enough of hearing that all day. I'd been keeping her eye on Jericho ever since I left, mainly being informed by Enid and Wednesday. My small living room is quiet like usual as I walk in and almost expect to be embraced. It doesn't happen as I remind myself that Tyler Galpin is gone.

My phone rings and I pick it up. It's Wednesday, who I haven't spoken to in a week...

"Hello," I smiled as I picked up my phone. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Wednesday sighed as she said, "You get more European every time we call, I swear."

My laugh makes it to the other side of the call as I shake my head. Wednesday never stopped being friendly since I left. She didn't fail to show how sorry she was for my adopted mother's death. And she never failed to grow into a better person–as if she wasn't nearing perfection already.

"How's home?" I asked. "Has anything big happened since we last spoke?"

"Actually, I called to tell you about Tyler's dad," Wednesday said, sounding hesitant.

Tyler's dad and I remained in touch even after I left. I could see that Tyler was a lot like his dad despite being a hyde from his mother.

My voice disappeared for a second before I asked, "What- what about him?"

"Thing discovered he's bought a plane ticket to come see you and your husband," Wednesday said. I've asked her to keep tabs on Sheriff Galpin since I left since I also had a soft spot for him.

"Let him then," I said. "But thank you for the heads up."

"You're welcome," Wednesday said. "Enid was also wondering if you can make it for the holidays. Alone, I mean. Without your husband."

"We'll see," I said as I began to get Shanks' food.

Shanks had also left Jericho with me, seeming to have a harder time adjusting to our new life. She'd gotten smaller since we left.

"I'm not sure how I feel about coming to Jericho right now."

Wednesday paused. "Either way, we're planning on seeing you. I'll buy plane tickets if I need to. Enid will too."

"I know," I laughed. "It was nice talking, Wens. Let's chat later."

"Mhm," I heard Wednesday hum as she hung up the phone.

I enter my husband's office and see him working behind his screen tirelessly. He's just as restless and hard working as I was since we moved into this home to start the new chapter of our lives. Some days he thought he knew me and some days I thought I knew him.