Gregor smiled. "Hey, Boots. Hey. You can finally say my name."
Maybe there was still hope, somewhere. Maybe he could try the Overland. Maybe it would all work out.
Boots toddled back off to the playground.
He looked down again at his open hand. The little plastic bat sat there, black and mournful.
His smile faded slowly.
***
Gregor,
You are well? You are still in New York? I cannot know if your eyes shall ever read these words. I pray that you will find it, should you still be thinking of me. In the case that it is not to cause you further agony, I dare to hope for your reply. I will send a flier to check the grate each evening. I love you.
Fly you high,
Luxa
***
"I don't belong here, Dad. I want to go back."
"Gregor — give it some time. You — you've got to give these things time. I know it seems insurmountable right now. But we'll get through it. Okay?"
***
Dear Luxa,
My parents don't understand. I tried again now that I'm thirteen. They shot me down. You know I can't run away, Luxa. But I'm coming. I promise, I'm coming. We just have to be patient.
Love,
Gregor
***
It was his fifteenth birthday. The little black bat hung from his door-frame. His mom had taken it down at first, but he kept putting it back and she'd given up pretty quickly.
He knew they wouldn't be able to hold out much longer. Any hopes that he would adjust in the Overland had been quenched in his dad months ago. His mom was still fighting, but she was weakening, like a castle under siege.
***
It was his sixteenth birthday. He sprinted the few steps across the apartment and flung himself onto his bed. His fingers reached for the paper with speed and precision — he had to let her know, right away...
Luxa,
I'm coming down. Tomorrow evening. See you soon!
Gregor
***
"Nike!"
"Greetings, Overlander. It brings me great joy to see you again."
"Oh, man, does it!"
His family was collected in the laundry room. They were sad, but smiling, too. His ecstasy was palpable.
"I'll come back, I'll visit. I'll miss you. Don't worry..."
YOU ARE READING
Jack the Overlander
FanfictionPlease do not be fooled by the name. This tale is about Gregor. I have read Suzanne Collins' Underland Chronicles several times. To me, the Code of Claw is a heart-wrenching tragedy. I do not wish to leave Gregor, Luxa and the Underland in war-torn...
