Taken | Emmi Butler

epilogue

Emmi

I remember being home for a week, and things already getting rough. Being shoved back into society had its effect on me, and I found myself hiding in my room more often than not.

The first time we went to the store, I remember hiding behind Mom's leg the whole time. She's really shy, Mom would say, and whoever she'd be talking to would give some sympathetic comment about how I was away for a year and a half. Mom would go on to nicely reply, while I willed away the tears. I'd grasp Mom's hand, while she'd gladly take it.

I didn't go back to school, either. The year had just started, and I was too far behind to go straight to third grade. I've been homeschooled ever since, which is perfectly fine with me.

Avia was the only person I really talked to for a solid month, which is understandable. She's my only sister, and I felt like she was a good person to trust. I'd hear Mom and Dad talking about it a lot, but it was hard for me to build up that courage again. So much had been taken from me within the year, and it would take a while to get back to "normal".

Mom and Dad signed me up for therapy, too, which I didn't like at first. She'd make me talk about my horrific year extensively, and I usually just spent the hour crying loads of gibberish rather than getting psychological help. It's better now, though, and I tolerate it. I've learned to block most of it out by now, and we usually just talk about what's going on in my life now.

I'm almost 12, and the memories are getting more vague by the day. Of course, I have the occasional extremely vivid nightmare, but Mom and Dad are always there to help console me.

Dad had stopped vlogging for a while, but he picked it back up once things at home got under control. I'm in them every once in a while; all everyone cares about is how I'm finally back, and it gets on my nerves. 

The family's still crazy. They got back to themselves once I got comfortable at home, which was a culture shock for me. I wasn't used to the constant loud voices and insane dance moves, but it's okay.

To be honest, I'd rather face a day of my family's embarrassing acts than go back to that day.

The day I was taken.

 

 

[a/n] the end!

i'm so happy rn, you guys have no idea. not sure how much i can say, but i may have a part in vlogumentary. i'll let you guys know more when i learn more.