Chương 46: Book 1 Epilogue

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

"Wade? Yeah, I can hear you fine. What's up, man? You sound... different. Good different, I think? Did you finally crack in retail and need a body moved? I can get a shovel and pom poms in five minutes, I know one store that's still open even this late."

"Har har, very funny Jason. No, I haven't murdered anyone yet."

"Yet."

"Yet. Look, this is going to sound completely insane, but I think I found something. A way to fix your situation."

"... You got red paint and finally cleared an afternoon to paint flames on my wheelchair? I thought the day would never come. I could start crying right about now."

"Oh fuck off, I'm serious! I think I got it. I think I can fix your back, to how it was before the accident. It's weird, and strange, and you won't believe me until you actually try it. But I think I can get you out of that wheelchair. And Ann too, I can help Ann."

"... Wade, are you okay? Like, really okay? Because if you're getting caught up in some alternative medicine thing, or if someone's trying to sell you some astral crystal bullsh-""It's not a scam! I mean, there are cryst- nevermind. It's... it's just different this time around. Trust me. It's different. I can fix us all."

"... Wade, when's the last time you got a full night's sleep? Like, really slept, not that three-hour power nap thing you do?"

"I'm NOT having a breakdown. I know how this sounds, but I need you to trust me."

"Sure... You know I've always got your back, right? Whatever's going on, we'll figure it out together. But I'm worried about you, man. You've been pushing yourself a little too much, you know that right?"

"I know. I kept thinking all this time that if I work hard enough, long enough, maybe I can fix this. Fix all of it. But every month the bills get bigger and I just... I can't catch up. But I've found it man. A way out. And if it works... if I can really do this... I'm done with retail. Done with all of it. Fuck Bob and his fulltime shift he'll never give anyone."

"Oh thank god you finally admit it! I've been telling you, begging you to see reason here, that stingy asshole isn't ever going to give anyone but his favorite nephew the fulltime position. It's pure nepotism over there, you can get a job anywhere else man. If whatever this is gets you out of there, then I'm all for it. Just... promise me you'll be careful, okay? Don't do anything or wire anyone money until we talk it over tomorrow! Please.

""I promise."

"All right, tomorrow. I was planning on cooking some lunch for the next few days, drop by and we'll meal prep together. Like the old times." Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

"I'd like that yeah.... I'd really like that. I could use a bit of a breather. Got one hell of a story to tell you, you'll see."

"I'll let mom know you're dropping by, just don't wire anything or do something crazy in between now and then, okay?"

"Sure. No crazy business. Yep."

"... Why do I get the feeling you're lying through your teeth here? You little asshole, I'm going to put green onions all over your food tomorrow, don't think I won't."

"Hahaha, I'll see you soon, it's going to be life-changing. For all of us."

"Wade.... make sure you actually get some good sleep in, you really worry me sometimes, you know? It's past eleven and I know you probably have some ungodly shift starting tomorrow at like, 3AM middle of the night bullshit. Someone's probably texted you if you could cover some shift last second and you answered yes like usual. Probably the gas station."

"Funny you should mention that, I've had a lot of annoying last-second texts come through lately. A lot. And I do have a shift. Not the gas station though, Bob called me in for five, truck shift. I'm not going though. Quitting tomorrow."

"... damn, you're serious? Want me to come as moral support?"

"I'll be fine."

"... Okay man, glad you can finally sleep in for once. And Wade? Proud of you for finally quitting that piece of shit shop. I can tell it's probably hard on you. You were holding onto that thing like a dead man holding to driftwood."

"Funny enough Jason, it doesn't feel hard anymore. Compared to everything I've just been through, staring down Bob and telling him to eat shit sounds almost like a vacation. Trust me Jason. I've never felt better."

"Hi! You've reached Annabelle Wade! I'm not available right now, so please leave a message after the beep, unless you're my brother calling to ask if I've eaten today. The answer is yes, Mom. Byeee!" BEEP.

"... Hey Ann. It's... It's me, Michael. I think I finally found a way to fix everything. I think I might be able to really bring you back. And if this doesn't work... it'll work. I know it'll work. You're gonna laugh when you find out, but I have an actual quest from, well, basically God you could say. And that quest says it'll work, that it'll heal you. No I'm not insane... ish. Nevermind, just, I got to practice with it a little first, and try not to kill myself in the process, but I know it'll work.

Next visiting hours, everything will be different. Everything. You'll see. I miss you. So much. The real you. I...... I'll see you soon sis. One way or another. I'll see you soon again. I promise." CLICK.