Faded Promises

Desplore (Despair and Explore)

Worse situations yet to be realized; a sight to behold, over the walls...

To find out what outside looks like and make adjustments to the plan to make the most of it. The inspection starts here.

This has to be fast, so we can escape before they notice.

"Let's start..." Ray said, "Switching out the drugs."

Mother agreed.

Ray and I lead the way, intending to go to the boy's room.

Coming up the stairs, Ray had a concentrated look; like he was trying to find something or, more specifically someone.

"I got rid of her." Mother said.

"What?" Ray asked.

"I got rid of Sister Krone." Mother clarified.

Ray dashed up the stairs and slammed the door to Sister Krone's room. It was dark and desolate of life.

"I didn't need her anymore. That's why I got rid of her." Mother said coming behind Ray, "You too. Our deal is over, right here and now."

"What? I'm fired as well?!" Ray exclaimed, "Why? You need me, don't you?! You want to use me... so that you can control Emma and the others indirectly and peacefully from behind the scenes."

Mother agreed.

"I was doing a good job." Ray still persuaded, "To you, I'm..."

"Yes, you were a useful dog." Mother said, "That's why I kept you by my side. Even if you're a liar and a traitor."

"Even so... there shouldn't be a problem, right?!" Ray countered, "As long as I'm useful!!"

"It's true that there is no fault with you, this is an unfair dismissal." Mother explained, "It's also unfortunate for me, this was unforeseen. I didn't want to let you go until the end."

"Then...!" Ray started.

"But I have no choice." Mother cut him off, "The situation has changed. From now on, I'll control them on my own. Even Lilian is more truthful than you. I'm sorry, Ray, please forgive me for what I'm about to do."

Mother closed the door to the room and locked it leaving Ray inside.

"Please stay there for a while." Mother said to Ray behind the door, "I'll let you out when I come back. It must be Emma and Norman, they're headed straight for the fence. You were right about it Lilian. I don't care about the drugs, you'll protect me. You won't get me killed, for their sake; that's why if you're going to suppress me, you'll use a different method. Goodbye Ray. Thank you for all that you've done."

Mother was heading towards the stairs and I was still outside Ray's door, itching to open it.

I heard him banging on the door, "Lilian! Let me out!"

"Ray..." I started to say.

"Come Lilian, we have work to do." Mother called out.

I hesitated but followed her down the stairs, blocking out Ray's shouts.

Mother held me by the shoulders and steered me out of the house. We went through the children playing towards the forest. I gave Don and Gilda a fleeting look and proceeded with Mother to where Emma and Norman were.

Even if she still won't ship us out immediately, she might do something to make us follow her unwaveringly. This was our last chance to go near the wall; Mother might do something to totally stop us from looking after this.

"You will restrain anyone who will try to come near me." Mother told me, "This is without saying by any means."

"Yes, Mother." I said hesitating, scared of what I have to do.

We were nearing the place where we can intercept Emma and Norman. With Mother still holding on to my shoulder it looks like I was her prisoner.

A false smile by the reaper...

--+--

The lengths to do to save everyone, the plan is at stake...

"Mom? What's wrong?" Emma asked pretending that this was just a normal day.

Mother let go of my shoulder and I stood off to the side. Not knowing which side to act with.

"Ten years." Mother started, it confused Emma and Norman. "We've been living together for ten years... but this is the first time for us to talk without acting. Nice to meet you Emma, Norman, Lilian. Come on, relax. Don't worry it's just me, no one else is here. You don't have to pretend to be good kids who don't know anything. Here, in this moment... we're just the caretaker and the children meant to be food. But don't get me wrong I love you children; I adore you truly; as if you were my own children. That's why I'm here; I want you to give up."

"Give up what?" Norman questioned.

"Give up resisting." Mother replied, "Because I love you, I don't want you to suffer. I don't want to have t make you all suffer. It's a happy life, isn't it? A warm house filled with delicious food and love. You don't starve or get cold. Without knowing the truth... you can die with a satisfied feeling. What part of this life is unhappy?"

I stayed silent; knowing the fate of every person who goes away from the house was terrible. It was disgusting what Mother does. It wasn't love... its murder in cold blood.

"I's impossible to escape, the outside is dangerous too." Mother said consoled them, "It's full of despair. Come on, let's just live happily at Grace Field House. The limited amount of time, until the end... I want you all to be happy."

Her plan was still to make us grow until maturity; Mother won't ship us out immediately. After this she won't give us anymore openings to make a plan in the future. Please make the right choice... This all depends on you, it's now or never. We still have a chance; she can't just ship us too easily. The goal remains the same, escape with everyone.

"Okay, Mom." Norman said and smiled, "I'll quit being a good boy."

"Go, Norman!!" Emma exclaimed while running towards Mother.

My body moved on its own, intercepting Emma, the three of us were falling together. Emma was reaching for the tracking device and I slipped down crouched under them. Norman grabbed the roped and was heading towards the wall. This was Mother's order, to protect her and plant a seed of doubt on me. Mother restrained Emma from her torso and I grabbed Emma's leg and twisted with force.

Crack.

The sound was loud and sharp, it cut through the forest and everything started to slow down.

Norman looked back at the scene. Mother now laid Emma down on the ground and me silently crying beside her feet.

"I'm sorry." I said over and over again.

"Aaaghhhh!" Emma let out an anguished cry.

"Shh, it's okay. You'll be okay." Mother consoled her, "It doesn't hurt. You poor thing, my adorable Emma. That's why I said to give up, but you haven't hugged me in a while that made me happy. Norman you realized too. Amazing! You're right; I'll control you all until the end. That is how special you are, special food that only a special one can eat. The highest quality children... that I have raised. Then... that's why I have to protect you. No matter what. I had to let this happen if you weren't going to give up. You won't be able to move for a while, you can survive until tomorrow safely."

"Tomorrow?" Emma asked.

Mother confirmed, "Stay put and celebrate Emma. I got a notice from the headquarters."

Ray, Don and Gilda came into the clearing we were in just in time for Mother's announcement.

"Congratulations Norman, your shipment date has been set." Mother said for all of us to hear.

"I'm so sorry!" I said my voice cracking as my vision blurring by the hot tears streaming down my face.

The harsh realization...