Part 7 - The End

I couldn't believe I'd been away from home for three years. So much had changed since the explosion, and already I felt the weight of everything I'd missed. Yet waking up and meeting those unique individuals yesterday had felt strangely natural, their energy grounding me in ways I hadn't expected.

The next morning, I picked up my phone to find messages from Toby and the sisters. Each asked how I was doing and if I wanted to meet up. Toby's stood out: "Let's meet at the museum of art in an hour." I smiled, knowing it was him, and replied: "See you then."

I dressed in fresh clothes, slipped on my shoes, grabbed my house key and phone, then headed downstairs. "I'm going to the museum," I told Thompson and Dad. Dad nodded, his voice steady: "Okay, be safe out there." I promised I would, then stepped out into the day.

An hour later, I arrived at the museum. Toby was waiting at the entrance, turning as he heard my voice. "Hey there, stranger. I'm happy to see you," I said. His smile widened. "Hey there, darlin'." He pulled me into a hug, and I hugged him back.

Inside, we wandered through the galleries, surrounded by paintings and sculptures. Conversation flowed easily—about yesterday, the sisters, and home. "How did it go when you got back?" I asked. He shrugged. "You already know—it was just me alone for a while. Eventually everyone came home separately."

"And you?" He asked, gently, taking my hand. I hadn't noticed until his fingers curled around mine. "I was glad to see my little brother and Dad," I said softly. "But... Dad told me Mom didn't make it after the explosion."

His expression fell. "Oh, Carmen... I'm so sorry. That must be heartbreaking."

I nodded, swallowing hard. "Inside, I'm grieving. But outside, I'm trying to stay strong. At least she's no longer in pain."

"Don't be afraid to cry," he said. "No one will judge you for losing someone you love."

I sighed, grateful for his words, then shifted the subject. "So—what got you into art?"

He smiled. "After taking classes in college, it just came naturally. I loved drawing. Once I had money, I bought proper supplies. It became my way of expressing myself." He reached into his bag and pulled out a painting. "Speaking of which—here's the one you made back on Starcraft."

I gasped, taking it from him. "You saved this? That's so thoughtful."

"Of course," he said simply.

We talked about Renée and Pearl—Renée applying to community college, Pearl, working at the mall. I blushed as I realized he was still holding my hand, and before I could say more, he leaned in. His lips brushed mine, and I kissed him back, surprised but warmed by the moment.

The rest of the day was filled with laughter and easy conversation. As evening fell, I grinned. "Hey, I've got an idea."

"What's that?" He asked.

"Want to hit the shooting range nearby?"

His eyes lit up. "That'd be cool. Let's go."

We arrived just before closing, checked in, picked out a few guns, and geared up with goggles and ear protection. In the stalls, we loaded our weapons and fired at the targets. I glanced at him—focused, steady, impressive. He must have remembered watching me train back in the galaxy. I smiled, then turned back to my own target.

When we finished and returned the equipment, Toby walked me outside. His voice was earnest. "Carmen, I've had so much fun today. And... I'm falling for you. Would you be my girlfriend?"

My head spun, butterflies filling my stomach. "I'd love to," I said. "From the moment we met, I felt a connection. I didn't want to rush it, but here we are. You're a great guy with a heart of gold."

We both knew then—we'd fallen fast. Toby was just a year older than me, and the sisters were close in age too.

That night ended perfectly. He drove me home, and before I left the car, I kissed his cheek. "Goodnight. Thank you for everything."

He smiled. "Goodnight, love. I'll text you tomorrow."

I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. The warmth of the day is still lingering in my chest.