Millennium

Chapter 05: Family Ties

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Luna Windsor — [December 21st, 2028]

Walking through the hallway, my bare feet touch the carpet as I descend down the stairs. Lis creeps behind me, causing some of the steps to creak. Turning right, I hide behind a white wall and peek through the archway to the living room. My mom is bundled in blankets, smiling, on our green couch. The couch's smeared food stains remind me of every movie night we spent together, laughing. Stop it, Luna. You're just making it worse.

Looking back at Lis, I tell her quietly, "Lis, just let me hug my mom. Don't tell her what's happening." I can't leave without giving her a hug. Just keep it together. For her.

"You wouldn't have to give her a hug one last time if you weren't walking to your death. I've told you so many times why you can't go, but you still go. I've tried reasoning with you in so many ways, but you still don't listen. Luna, please."

Ignoring her comment, I walk to the living room, hiding my frustration, causing me to start to cry. I'm about to die. As I run towards my mom, I mask my red eyes from her. Wrapping my arms around her, I whisper, "I love you, Mom." She hugs back awkwardly, confused by my sudden burst of affection. This is the last time I'd get to hug her... to see her smile.

"I love you too. Do you want your birthday present? I would've given it to you if you didn't leave so quickly this morning!"

"Of course," I answer with an awkward smile. She goes over to her knockoff purse and pulls out a tiny white envelope and a small box.

"Here," she states, placing the gifts in my lap, standing over me, excited. Picking up the envelope, I place my finger under the seal and gently drag it along the line. Peeking inside, I pull out a blue card with the title, "Happy 16th Birthday!" Opening the card, I begin to read.

Dear Luna,
Your father and I have loved you from the moment we knew we were having you. As you grew in my belly, I felt this immediate connection. We have loved watching you mature to who you are today. We'll always love you, no matter what. We know you'll become and do something great. We promise to always be there for you, even if everything's gone to hell. Rely on us, that's what we're here for.
Love, Mom and Dad

Hold it together. Let her last moment of you be good. Picking up the box, I examine it closely. A gold inscription of the words "Jack's Jewelers" glints slightly in the dimly lit room. Opening the little box, I immediately notice a golden necklace with a heart, a tiny diamond in the center of the necklace. Taking the necklace out of the box, I hand it to my mom, gesturing for her to put it on me. "I love it! Thank you, thank you, thank you! How much did this cost?" I say, tears of joy coming out of my eyes.

"Luna, it doesn't matter. Don't worry about it." My smile disappears a little at her words. After I stand up, she comes up behind me and places the necklace promptly on the center of my chest. Looking down, my chin touches my chest uncomfortably as I marvel at it. My mom finally finishes fiddling with the clasp and says, "Done."

I hug her one last time, tighter than before. "I love you so much. I don't know how else to say it. You've been such a role model and you're amazing." Letting go, I stare into my mom's brown eyes.

"Honey, you are my life," she says tenderly, wiping away the tears in my eyes. Letting go of her embrace, I look at her one last time.

Walking back towards Lis, I continue to wipe my eyes, hoping Lis wasn't listening in. "Lis, just— Never tell her what I did. They'll never forgive me."

"Luna, you obviously love your mom and dad. Don't do this. Don't hurt them," she reasons for the hundredth time.

Something snaps inside me as I hiss, still trying to be quiet so my mom doesn't hear, "Just, stop! This is a shit situation, okay? There is no right or wrong choice. What I do right now, defines me. And if it defines me, fine. What I'm doing is for them, I know how stupid I am for doing this. This isn't about if this is a smart thing, this, right now, is the right decision to me."

***

Solis Alroy — [December 21st, 2028]

I stare at Luna silently, surprised by her outburst before finally arguing, "No, I will not let you turn yourself into a fucking martyr. You know this is stupid, yet you're still doing it."

Luna exclaims, "My mom is the most radiant and joyful person I know. My dad is the kindest and most honest person I know. Do they sound like people who deserve to be hurt? Hurt by their own daughter? I really don't know if Destiny's telling the truth. But all I know is there's a chance I could hurt them. Maybe I've gone crazy, but at least I seem to care about my family. What can you say?"

Wow. I hold my mouth, knowing I'd only make things worse. Luna begins to sneak over towards the door, putting her coat on before opening the door. Running after her, I almost trip over the pile of shoes by the door. Grabbing my coat, I throw it on, not even zipping the zipper all the way up. The winter air rushes through the house as Luna leaves the door slightly ajar. Squeezing through the crevice, Luna begins to sprint away, not even looking back. After I close the door quietly, I stand on the stone steps that lead up to Luna's house. Proceeding to dial 911, a monotone voice starts to speak, "911, what's your emergency?"

"My friend is meeting up with a stranger in the park," I spit out frantically.

"What's your friend's full name? Where are they meeting the stranger?"

"Her name's Luna, I'm not sure what her last name is, I just met her today, but I think it's Windsor. She's meeting the stranger at Salem Memorial Park."

"Okay, we'll send a nearby officer. Please stay on the line. What's your full name?"

"Solis Alroy," I blurt. Just keep calm. Remember to be articulate. Time is everything.

"Try to stay calm, Solis. My name's Sadie. The officer is almost there." A quietness lasts for a couple of minutes before Sadie speaks again. "The officer said that he didn't spot your friend in the park."

"Wait, what? How? She's there. I saw her run off to the park."

"Solis, she wasn't there," Sadie states bluntly.

"No. That can't be right. Salem Memorial Park isn't even that far from her house. She would've gotten there already..."

"Solis, do you know Luna's address?"

"No," I lie, hanging up. The fact that I'm even calling the cops is leaving a trace. Luna's parents will find this later on. I don't have time to tell Sadie how we met Destiny or anything else. Time is everything. I just hope I did the right thing. Jumping off the steps after stuffing my phone into my pocket, I go down the path that connects to the sidewalk. Luna, please, please, be okay.

Turning left, I dash, swinging my arms back and forth. My chest begins to animate rapidly as I heave. The cold air touches the few sweat beads on my forehead, causing a relaxing feeling. My feet make crunch noises as it meets the sidewalk that has a thin layer of snow. Cars zoom by me and I pass some of the slow moving vehicles.

Halting, I gaze ahead at me and notice a sign reading "Welcome to Salem Memorial Park." Moving my eyes side to side, I step into the street and quickly cross the road. Strolling under the sign, I inhale and exhale slowly, trying to catch my breath. Leaning against the bark of a tree, I shut my eyes before finally starting again.

Carefully scuttling along the icy path, I survey the area. The park's desolate and devoid of people. A teen sprints toward me and looks behind her before spearing me to the ground.