The Dangerfields

Epilogue

Everything in my life has always had a downside. I tried to do something right and save a bird, and I was forced to leave my home.

I healed my mother, and saved her life, just as she was on the brink of death, but it cost me my own life.

In the end, even the closeness to my best friend caused her death. If we didn't live across the street from one another, would all of this have happened?

I don't know for sure.

I will never know. But this is what happened.

And now I'm gone from the normal world. I just... floated away from it all. And this is where another life begins.

I wake up in a meadow at the base of a large hill.

I sit up and look around in confusion for a moment before remembering. Right. I'm dead now. Is this what my afterlife will be? Was I so bad of a person that I'm doomed to be alone for all of eternity?

I must say, it's a fitting punishment for me. I could never stand being alone for more than an hour.

I remember everything about my life, and I remember my spirit floating away when I died. When did I fall asleep? I can't remember anything past going through the ceiling. I guess that's probably when I fell asleep. Not that it really matters.

All I know is that I'm here now.

In this field of flowers at the base of this hill. I look around more, and see a single weeping willow about fifteen metres to my right.

"It stands proud and tall. Like you, Willow," Chirps a familiar voice in my ear, and I whip around in shock.

Livia grins back at me.

My eyes well up with tears of joy. I jump up and nearly crush her in a hug.

Grandpa is walking down the hill as well now, and he holds hands with Grandma. They look the way they did in their wedding photos. Grandma's hair is long and dark, and Grandpa's has no signs of greying either. Grandpa doesn't limp, and his arthritis seems to have disappeared.

They look young, happy and in love. And I'm so glad to see them again.

"You look so young!" I exclaim, running over to give them hugs as well.

"Oh, honey, we can be as old as we want to be. That's the gift of heaven. We wanted to look like this, so we would always remember the day we married. We can change later if we want to, but for now, this is how we will be." Grandma explains with a gentle smile.

Grandpa, however, is frowning sadly. "Willow, as happy as I am to see you again, and be able to hug you, why are you here? You're too young to have ended your life on earth."

I remember what happened, and tears well up in my eyes. "Grandpa, it was awful. The government burned down our house and we had to run away. Then we were staying with Hudson and his family, when we were turned in. Some horrible inspector named Rodenburg shot and almost killed Mom. I couldn't stand to lose her, so I healed her. But I died from losing all of my energy."

Grandpa looks at me with sorrow.

"I'm sorry," I blurt. "I was the one who used my magic against the Shaws in the first place. If I hadn't done that then you wouldn't have died. I'm so sorry Livia. And I'm sorry Grandpa." The tears start to run down my cheeks.

"Willow," Grandpa says softly, taking my face in his hands, something Mom picked up from him. "It wasn't your fault. I don't blame you for any of this. It's a mistake we've all made, but you were the one that got called out. It'll be alright."

Livia hugs me once more. "I agree. It's not your fault, Willow. I still love you just the same. I got the chance to be a hero, and save your life by staying silent, even if it meant sacrificing my own life. I'd do it again a thousand times. I'm okay here. I've been catching up with my aunt and grandparents. You know how I've missed them. Come on, I can't wait for you to see them again." She begins pulling me by the hand up the hill, and I laugh a little at her enthusiasm.

Grandma and Grandpa chuckle as well, although Grandpa still seems a little saddened by my early presence.

My family is here. I can't get over that fact. I'm not hell-bound forever. I guess I'm a better person than I gave myself credit for. Heaven. This is where eternity lies.

We happily walk up the hill, towards my future, and towards all that is left for the four of us.

I let myself be happy, for I am with those that I love.

Not even death can bring me down. I'll see everyone here eventually. Hudson. Emma and Shaun. Mom. Ryder.

So I let my conscience free. I can't do anything now to change the fact that I'm here. So I might as well accept it and enjoy being with my family.

I let Livia lead me by the hand up the hill, towards my eternity.

The End

A/N: As I reread older chapters of this story, I can see how much I've improved as a writer. Thank you all for sticking with me through the writing of this book.

But this isn't the end. Oh, no. I have many, many more ideas for the Dangerfields' story.

Book two, called The Twins, will be posted within the week, and continues the story of the Dangerfields. New characters will be introduced, the plot will be twisted, and more will be revealed about Collins. :)

Once again, thank you all for taking the time to read my book. It means a lot.

Vote, comment, and criticize all you like! :)

Happy reading!!

-ForeveraNerd17