Mother.
Unbiologically, Isabella was everyone's mama in their orphanage. For many years, she has taken good care of her children. A happy life that she had provided for them until the very end. It was always meant to finish that way. 10 years in the orphanage before getting shipped off the 11th year on the 12th birthday.
Biologically, she was someone's mother.
They didn't have the best relationship but it all worked out in the finish line. On October 12th, the traitor talks, and even after her son escaped with 14 other children.
In the end, Isabella was Ray's mother.
Even in death.
-
After her body was put to rest, Ray left the sobbing children and went back to headquarters. Most of their business was done in the quarters, but the griefing boy had to find important items that were probably left behind.
Before he departed, he asked a Mama for directions to a certain room in the headquarters. Luckily, she told him exactly where he needed to go.
Finally finding the room, Ray gently opened the door to find barely anything in it. Only a bed, a desk, and a chair. Despite being a grandma, she didn't receive any special perks. That's what she got for working with a filthy rich rat.
Ray stepped inside and strolled over to the desk. Without realizing it once he made it there, his hand was atop something familiar. He retracted his hand, eyes widened at the sight of what he was seeing.
His mother's picture.
Didn't it burn in the fire? Why would she hold onto it after all this time? Nonetheless, Ray was a bit relieved that the picture was safe. It was the only physical item he had left of her. Moving the picture aside, he caught sight of a letter addressed to him.
He picked it up, opened the envelope, and began to read.
"Dear Ray,
Just in case, this is for when I die.
I don't know when it'll happen but... you deserve a full apology.
So... I should start by saying hi. It's been a while. You're probably grown now. Hopefully you're tall, healthy, and strong like any other boy. I'm sure you're having a grand old time with your family and friends. Maybe even with new friends and acquaintances!
How are Emma and the others? Have you all been getting used to your new lifestyles? Are you all... dead? Haha, I'm just kidding. You guys are way stronger than that.
Anyways... back on you. I know you probably don't even want to be reading this. You'll most likely burn this later. I'll make this quick then.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry for doting you like a child. I'm sorry for making you have a cursed life for 12 years. I love you so much.
Those would probably be my dying words but I would never tell you haha-
I only have three requests.
one - bury or cremate me or none at all
two - never forget the lullaby
three - stay alive
For one, considering I was the only person who stayed with the burning house, it would be ideal if I got cremated. For my sake... and yours too.
For two, I'm highly positive that this lullaby has been a calming sort for you. In the toughest of times, it was always there to keep you company. I'm passing it down to you, as my childhood friend once did for me. Perhaps in the future, you can give it to your wife so your baby can experience it too. If you're into females that is-
For three, stay alive. Please. Even if I die, just stay alive. I don't want to see you until you're old and grey! Not like I'm going with the angels anyways... but you will.
That's all. My parting words.
That's all. My parting words.
Oh, one more thing. I know about the note you wrote. My second weakness, huh? Thank you very much, Ray.
I wish you luck, my son! May your days be filled with happiness! Luckily you have your friends and family so that shouldn't be a problem.
Take care of them.
Again, I love you so, so much.
Now, it's time for me to sleep. In my bed. I'm not dead yet.
Enjoy your sleepy lullaby... my son."
Instantly, the letter was dropped alongside the tears falling from his face. Regardless of the letter being written before her death, it was still very impactful.
Especially to his heart.
Folding up the letter, he packed the two items in his bag and walked out of his mother's room. Sure, he was leaving it all behind. Though, one more stop wouldn't hurt anyone.
Approaching the newborn babies' room, he placed his bag on the floor and went to a crib. Locking eyes with an infant, Ray gingerly touched their finger alongside another baby's finger.
These babies might have gained the rare chance of not suffering through childhood amnesia. Though at the same time, perhaps it would be a good thing if they did not remember. Either way, this would all be over soon and they could live under normal circumstances.
That's what Ray hoped for anyways.
Slumping down a wall next to his bad, he shut his eyes thoughtfully. Emma and Norman were probably headed here to find him. After a much needed alone time, peaceful silence with his best friends was a nice activity to do.
As if on cue, he heard footsteps from nearby. Unless the newborns learned how to walk, the noises were clearly the ones he loved most.
Ray didn't need to open his eyes to feel their presence. They were there like friendly ghosts. At least they were better than dry bony skeletons.
With each friend by his shoulders, a small smile curved on his lips as Ray felt their hands go atop his.
He wasn't alone in this. Just like those two and everyone else, they also lost a mother on November 13th. This was their aftermath grievance.
A quiet, peaceful serenity of a lullaby that made the trio fall asleep together, just like in the old days. They would have sweet dreams instead of terrible nightmares. Angel Isabella would make sure of that.
For they had each other...
And a sleepy lullaby.
