MASKTOURN

…Gale finds herself back in that dusty room. The house is still cold, but no longer empty. From the living room, the quiet sobs of her baby sister, soft reassuring voice of her dad, and frantic voice of her mom murmuring in the living room call out to her. She pauses in the doorway of Roy’s old room, unsure of how to explain…Any of this. Where she’s been, how she disappeared, how to introduce Kyrie to them- She takes a deep breath, gathering their courage. Gale steps out into the living room, eyes heavy with guilt and a shaky smile. “H-hey I..” ‘I’m home- I’m sorry- I’m okay- I won’t leave again-‘ Their mom has wrapped her tight into her arms before they could finish. Her dad right behind her as Gale leans into their embrace, tears staining their shirts. She can barely speak through the sobs, god she missed them so much. Her eyes flicker to her sister, still frozen to the couch. Claire stares at her like a ghost. Gale pulls from the hug, reaching for her. “H-hey. I’m okay, I- I’m here now. I’m s- I’m sorry Sunny. I’m here.” Their voice seems to break her daze, hot tears streaming as she drops the old quilt and rushes into Gale’s side. Grabbing her tight, sobbing, “d-don’t- don’t EVER do that again!! Don’t- fffucking disappear again!” “Language!” “It’s f-fine mom, I’m- I’m not going anywhere- I promise.” (edited)