Groomed for Death ⚜ A TPN Fanfiction

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two | Adieu

[Narrator]   

Ninelie tenderly shut her suitcase, ensuring that every item was carefully packed inside. Her heart felt heavy, burdened by the necessity to depart from this farm she so deeply loathed. The sight of the place brought back memories, both pleasant and unpleasant, yet she was determined not to leave a single trace of herself behind.

Finally prepared, she made her way to the infirmary, where her dear friend Emma lay on her bed, her fiery orange hair a stark contrast to her tired, tear-streaked face.

Upon entering the room, Emma tearfully looked at Ninelie.

   "Nina..." Emma sniffled.

Ninelie approached her with a tender smile and enveloped Emma in a warm embrace. "Thank you for everything, Emma. It was fun while it lasted."

   "You don't have to go, please don't leave." Emma pleaded and Ninelie curved her lips into a smile.

   "It'll be alright, Emma. I have complete faith in you."

Ninelie leaned into the girl's ear and whispered, "I'll find a way to l̸̘̞̰̼̰͖̬̦͔̤͂̆̂̀̋̀̐̑͝į̸̡̧̧̙̩͈̜̀̑͆͐͜͠ͅv̶̝̣͕̲͕̠̋̔̆̈́̊̓͛̂̄e̷̡̪̭̬̩̝̽̉̍̚͜͜." Ninelie whispered gently into Emma's ear before finally leaving the infirmary, leaving her friend behind.

Now, it was time to bid farewell to Ray, the person who had thawed her heart and kindled her love for books and literature. She searched the various rooms in the House, her footsteps echoing through the empty spaces. Finally, in the library, she found him sitting amidst a scattered collection of books, his eyes vacant and devoid of life.

Approaching him, Ninelie gently moved aside some books to make space. Kneeling down, she met Ray's emotionless gaze.

   "Ray, I'm getting ready to leave soon," she said, but received no response, "Don't be sad," she continued, "Emma and the others will always be there for you.

   "I did all of this for your sake," Ray whispered, his voice full of frustration, "And you're just going to let this happen?"

   "...I'm sorry." Ninelie muttered. 

Ray grasped onto her shoulders, his eyes pleading with desperation, "Run. Run away. Just wait for me-"

Before he finished his sentence, Ninelie hugged him as she soothingly patted his back. "You made my life worth living. It's such a shame that it has come to this, though."

   "Don't—"

   "Thank you for everything, Ray. I am glad that I had met all of you. You three were the best family I could ever ask for." She whispered to him.

Her words lingered in the air, hanging like a tender melody that resonated with the bittersweet memories they had shared. Ray struggled to contain his emotions, his tears cascading down like a gentle rain. The weight of her departure felt overwhelming, leaving him feeling hopeless and utterly lost.

Summoning all her strength, she offered a warm smile, "Goodbye, my Ray of sunshine," she said, each syllable carrying an unspoken promise of cherished memories and an uncertain future.

•──✦ 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 ✦──•

In the frosty embrace of the cold night, Ninelie and Isabella walked together, a small beam of warmth radiating from the glowing lamp clutched tightly in Isabella's hands. The dimly lit path was accompanied by the soft crunch of their footsteps, the chilling air clinging to their breath. Despite the comforting light, there was a shadow of melancholy on Ninelie's face, a heaviness borne from the absence of someone dear.

Amidst the darkness, Isabella broke the silence with a heartfelt chuckle, a tender expression etched on her face. "I am so proud of you,"

Ninelie's smile waned, replaced by a hint of sorrow that swirled in her eyes. 

   "Your family really loved you, it must've been painful to see you go," Isabella added.

  No words escaped Ninelie's lips, but her troubled expression conveyed volumes about the complexity of her feelings. Isabella began humming a soothing lullaby, the gentle melody creating a tender ambiance as they continued their journey.

Finally, they arrived at the Gate, where a radiant light emanated from a side door. As it swung open, revealing an elegant figure in a flowing black dress, both Ninelie and Isabella recognized her instantly.

  

"Good evening, Grandma," Isabella greeted the old lady with warmth in her voice.

A soft smile graced the old lady's face as she returned the greeting. "Good evening, Isabella." Her eyes then turned to Ninelie, and a mischievous glint sparkled within them, as if she knew some ancient secret. "It's been a long time, No. 41176," she said with an air of mystery.

   "—Clementine." 

[Previously, at the end of Chapter 19]

 "We meet again." Ninelie said, "Although it was only for a moment."

"I am glad that you missed me." The voice reverberated.

 As Ninelie pondered the profoundness of the voice's words, a tall shadow materialized before her. The silhouette was unlike anything she had ever seen, appearing to possess horns that added to its mysterious allure.

   "What exactly are you?"

"That as well, I cannot say."

   "Then, can I know your name at least?"

"On the day you leave Grace Field, until then, I'll remain anonymous to you." 

"We'll meet again soon, Clementine."