Into the Light (A Splatoon Story)

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

My writing becomes better over the next few days. As things begin to settle in, I find a rhythm to the days.

I wake up to either pancakes or waffles, whichever cousin won the battle that morning, and we all eat together. They give me a short lesson on writing Inklish or an even harder thing they call 'math'. Callie and Marie go to work after that, then spend a little time after searching for my parents. Then, they'll come home and play with me. Callie's teaching me how to play with these little Inklings she calls 'dolls'. I mostly stroke their soft tentacles, intrigued by them. I wonder if they're aware of it.

"Hey, Rosa! Wanna go to the Plaza with us?" Callie says, her coat already on.

Marie smiles at me encouragingly. "We're going to get some hair stuff. Clips, ribbons, the like. You're welcome to tag along."

I immediately nod. I love spending time with Callie and Marie. Of course, I have to keep reminding myself that I'll have to leave, soon. But every time I do, I have to fight back tears.

I don't want to leave them.

"Why the long face?" Callie asks as I sit down to put on my shoes.

I quickly smile, not wanting to worry her. She exhales and gives me a wide smile in return.

Marie, on the other hand, doesn't look convinced. She searches me with her eyes. "Are...you sure everything's okay, Rosa?"

I nod, hugging her. Finally, I feel her relax. They're not worried about me.

"Come ON! Let's hurry!" Callie cries, grabbing my hand and pulling me into a run.

I find myself running too, trying to keep up with Callie. Marie is shouting after us, but I can't hear what she's saying over the wind roaring in my ears. The sunlight hits me as we leave the building, rendering me momentarily blind. Thankfully, Callie keeps her firm grip on my hand.

We're still running when we reach the Plaza. Marie is still shouting, and Callie's expression tells me I don't want to know what Marie's saying. It's probably not something I should hear.

Suddenly, Marie's voice turns from angry to alarmed. Callie doesn't break pace...until I feel something hit me in the chest.

My hand is ripped from Callie's as I fall backwards. The air whooshes out of my lungs as I hit the ground. Through my panic, I realize what's above me.

The front of a car. I've been hit all over again.

Icy-cold fear blinds me. I can't move, can't think. I'm back in the snow, my classmates' high-pitched screams echoing around me. I'm going to die for real this time.

Two voices are shouting at me. Instinctively, my mouth moves to form their names.

Callie. Marie.

What will they do? What will happen to me if I die?

I realize that, unlike before, I have a reason to want to stay alive. I have something to lose.

Callie and Marie. I love them.

Please, I can't go now...I love you guys... I want to plead, but the words refuse to form.

A blurry image of Callie appears above me. She's crying.

"Rosa...I'm s-sorry...it's okay..."

Marie's no-nonsense tone interrupts her cousin's sobbing. "Cal, you can't drag her around like that! It's no wonder this happened!"

Her voice softens as she looks down at me. "Rosa, you're okay. The car was sleeping. You're not hurt."

Wait...what?

"The car was sleeping, Rosa. It can't hurt you like this. Callie was pulling you along, and you just ran into it, that's all."

Tears start running down my cheeks. Relief floods me. I'm okay!

"I d-didn't mean for this t-to happen..." Callie sobs. "P-Please forgive me..."

I slowly sit up, realizing I am okay. Then I hug her.

"Callie." I say quietly, knowing it'll cheer her up.

She laughs through her tears, hugging me so tightly I can't breathe. Then she picks me up, and  we start walking again. Marie flicks the tears from her cousin's face affectionately.

"No wild running this time." She says.

Callie nods. "I promise."

I glance over, and see her crossing her fingers behind her back. Why is she doing that? Is it fun?

I try it for myself, only to discover that it really doesn't do anything. So why...?

Marie glares at her cousin, who quickly relents.

"I really do promise!"

"Uh-huh. And that's why you're crossing your fingers behind your back, which Rosa is now imitating." Marie says, her voice icy.

I look up, my face flaming. Did I do something wrong?

"You're fine, Rosa." Marie says, putting a hand on my shoulder. "It's Callie who's in trouble."

Callie finally promises with her hands visible, which seems to satisfy Marie.

"Good. Now, let's go shopping, shall we?"

I nod and take her hand, walking in with her. I still can't believe I'm okay...and the voice that was crying in my head won't leave now. Repeating the same thing, over and over.

I can't leave Callie and Marie...I love them.