The sky shines differently today than it did yesterday

[employeeoftheyear]

[Perhaps to the surprise of no one, there is no after party after that trial. Two children were dead. Two children were dead over a simple accident and the Wizard cared more about himself than anyone else. But they won't give up, they can't give up. They had to keep fighting until everything's been set right.

At the Lobby ofrenda later that night, there are six origami pieces accoupling the other memorials. A penguin, a rose, an octopus man, computer, a music note, and the last one are of a boy and girl holding hands. Along with that there is a plate of strawberry cupcakes with blueberry icing and a note that reads:]

There is still hope and love in the world

Never let The Wizard make you think otherwise 💗

Comments

broadhurst

[comeandfindme]

[ Well... It's like an hour after. But Peregrine, exhausted and covered in dirt, walks into Broadhurst. In her arms is a scared, scared raccoon. ]

Farrah? ...I have someone for you.

[brokeforgood]

[Farrah’s planning on ignoring her when she enters the room. But when she realizes what Per’s carrying—- who she’s carrying, she scrambles up.]

Peregrine! You brought Ruddy home! [There’s clear relief on her face.]

[comeandfindme]

[ It's something that's almost a smile, so a small warmth fills her up. She didn't think anything would make her feel better after Connor, even a little, so...

Ruddiger's clinging to Peregrine with his little dirty hands, trembling slightly. ]

Shhh. Careful. He's still pretty shell-shocked. [ She speaks very softly, petting Ruddiger's head as he chitters. ]

[brokeforgood]

I’ll be gentle. [It probably says a lot, that Farrah says that, instead of fighting back. And even more, the way she gently reaches for the poor raccoon, and tenderly holds him like a baby. And even more than all of that—- the way she looks at Peregrine after, her face filled with gratitude.]

Thank you, Per.

[comeandfindme]

[ If Farrah yelled at her, Peregrine wouldn't be surprised. She'd be well within her rights to, to scream and cry. She watches as Ruddiger clings to Farrah like he clung to her, the way he just buries his face into her.

Animals are very empathetic, Howl once told her, even the wild ones. When something bad happens to someone they love, they know. ]

I promised, after all, right? [ It breaks her heart. It all breaks her heart. ] I... I'm sorry, Farrah.

[brokeforgood]

I promised, too—- but I didn’t keep my promise. [Her stomach churns, and she holds Ruddiger tighter. Not enough to hurt him. But enough to be like a human swaddle.

She was supposed to keep them safe.

She didn’t know they’d be able to hurt one another. She didn’t know there would be such a terrible accident. She didn’t know she wouldn’t be able to keep her promise. Farrah chokes back a sob.]

I can’t—-

[comeandfindme]

[ Instantly, without thinking, Peregrine moves to take Farrah by the arms. It's instinct. It's her remembering last week, and just acting. ]

I know. It's— it's not okay, but you— I'm sorry, Farrah.

There is not a single word in the whole world
That could describe the hurt.
The dullest knife just sawing back and forth,
And ripping through the softest skin there ever was.

How were you to know?
Oh, how were you to know?
And I, I hate to see your heart break.

And I
I hate to see your heart break.
I hate to see your eyes get darker as they close.
But I've been there before.
And I,
I hate to see your heart break.
I hate to see your eyes get darker as they close.
But I've been there before.

[brokeforgood]

[Oh. Oh no. Farrah basically crumples the instant that Peregrine takes her by the arms. Ruddiger has to scramble out of the way and onto her shoulders, because she falls forward, just trusting that Peregrine will catch her. And she cries… and cries ans cries, like she’s never going to stop.]

[comeandfindme]

[ As Farrah starts to fall, Peregrine adjusts. She wraps her arms around her, and she doesn't let go.

She hopes Farrah won't hear or feel her cry either.

It's been...a hard week. ]

[brokeforgood]

[Farrah can feel Peregrine crying— but she doesn’t say anything about it. Maybe she’s learning not to be so rude. Or maybe she’s just so sad she can’t bring herself to do it. Either way, she eventually draws back, wiping at her eyes with her arm.]

Oh my fucking god. How are you still alive? I feel like I’m going to fucking die from crying so much. How do you ever have your shit together?

[comeandfindme]

[ Peregrine tries, very hard, to smile. She fails. ]

Honestly, I don't think I do. I just...get angry, or push myself too much. I think I'm pretty fucked up, honestly.

[brokeforgood]

I thought I was fucked up before this! When Connor--- [Fuck. Fuck. Backpedal, Farrah.]

Every time I think of--- either one of them it's like someone's ripping my fucking heart out of my chest.

In a bad way. [Because. She has to clarify.]

[comeandfindme]

[ Oh, no, she gets that, very much. Peregrine stills, slightly, and holds Farrah closer. Guides her down to her knees. ]

I know. It's— ...I don't wish I could say it gets easier, but— I wish it was more manageable.