Epilogue

 Part 1

My first week of school I fought a specter not once, not twice but three times. And survived. How unbelievable is that? With the weekend over, I faced a mountain of catch-up work. Online studies had been manageable, but high school was a different beast entirely. The homework piled up faster than I could tackle it, and I was already falling behind.

The past few days had been a whirlwind, leaving me and my family scrambling to pick up the pieces of our disrupted routines. By the end of class, my legs wobbled like jelly, each step a monumental effort as if I were trudging through thick mud. My arms felt like lead as I struggled to lift my backpack when the final bell rang. As I navigated the crowded hallways, a nagging sense of incompleteness gnawed at me, my mind racing with unfinished tasks.

"Now where was it again?" I muttered to myself, my mind a fog of fatigue as I tried to remember the room number.

My footsteps echoed through the empty hallway, each step amplifying the eerie silence. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a harsh, sterile glare on the linoleum floors, making the hallway feel even more desolate. As I approached the Home Ec. Room in the west building, the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile corridors.

"Guess there is no club today for them," I sighed, wincing as each word scraped against my cut lip like sandpaper. I could feel the weight of the student’s curious stares burning into my back, their whispers a low hum that made my skin prickle. Their silence was louder than any question.

With no answer at the clubroom door, I decided to give up. I peered through the door’s glass pane, my breath fogging up the glass. The room was empty, its usual warmth replaced by an eerie stillness, the chairs neatly stacked and the bulletin board devoid of its usual clutter. I was about to turn around and leave when I saw two familiar faces.

"The teacher said he was in class today, so he must still be around,” Iris said, her boundless energy radiating through her smile. “Claire, there he is. We need to capture him before the specter takes over his body again. Hurry and bring out the boomerang."

"But Pres, the student council confiscated it, remember," Claire stated with that mute expression before rushing at me. “I know, let's use our womanly charms and dogpile him. No healthy young man could resist two delicate maidens on top of him.”

Before I could react, Iris and Claire dumped bags of white powder over me. I coughed, the sweet scent of sugar and sharp tang of spices filling the air, transforming the hallway into a chaotic swirl of white clouds. My eyes stung, and I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my vision.

“Begone foul demon. May the leavening gods have mercy on your soul,” Claire said as if giving a prayer.

"Uh, wait! I'm Ellis, not possessed. The specter is already defeated,” I said, raising my hands in surrender, my voice cracking with urgency as I tried to explain.

Panic surged inside me, my heart pounding like a drum as I tried to make sense of the bizarre situation. My mind spun, each thought like a chaotic swirl of confusion and doubt, my breaths coming in short, rapid bursts. Even as the one at the center of it all, it felt surreal, like a dream I couldn't wake from.

“Alrighty then. I’m so glad you are okay,” Iris gave a huge sigh while Claire nodded her head as if saying ‘I knew you could do it.’ “Well if that’s done I guess everything is good,” Iris said before I interrupted her.

A wave of warmth washed over me as I saw them, their familiar faces a beacon of light in the dimly lit hallway. Iris and Claire's familiar faces stood out vividly in a sea of blurred shapes, their presence a beacon of clarity in my muddled world.

Even now, most people's faces were a blur, indistinct shapes that moved and spoke. In class, I struggled to tell my classmates apart, relying on their height, uniforms, or accessories to distinguish them. But Iris and Claire were different. Their faces were clear, their presence a comforting embrace in the chaos.

“Wait, so, um if it is alright… Can I please, you know… I want to join." My voice wavered, each word a struggle as anxiety tightened like a vice around my chest.

My heart raced, each beat a thunderous echo in my ears as I waited for their response. Iris and Claire exchanged surprised glances before huddling together, their whispers a soft murmur that blended with the distant hum of the school's heating system. Occasionally, they peeked at me, their eyes twinkling with mischief. After a few minutes of hushed conversation, they began circling me, stroking their chins thoughtfully like detectives piecing together a puzzle.

"Hey Claire, did you hear what he said?” Iris said, cupping her ears comically to emphasize that she couldn’t hear. “I couldn't quite catch it."

"Me neither, Pres,” Claire replied with her signature deadpan expression. “Maybe if he says 'pretty please with sugar on top' we might hear him better."

Their snickering made it clear they were teasing, their eyes sparkling with mischief. Being with them felt right, so I decided to play along. I’d heard about hazing the new guy, figuring this must be some kind of initiation ritual.

"My name is Ellis Rice, and I would like to request to join this student group. Pretty please let me join La Patissiere with sugar on top," I said, a blush creeping up my cheeks. Inside, a mix of nervousness and excitement churned, hoping they would accept me.

The moment the words left my mouth, Iris and Claire grabbed my hands and we took off running. The warmth of their hands anchored me, pulling me through the bustling hallways. The hallway buzzed with activity, students chatting animatedly and lockers slamming shut in a rhythmic cacophony. Laughter and chatter echoed around us, a lively backdrop to our hurried steps, until we reached our destination where a familiar face awaited.

"This is our newest member of La Patissiere." As soon as we stepped into the room, Iris clasped my hand tightly, her grip reassuring.

"He's got the muscle to whip up all the cream by hand," Claire teased with her signature deadpan expression, jabbing my arm with her finger. Her eyes twinkled with mischief, almost like a playful grin spreading across her face.

A blush crept up my cheeks, and I quickly lowered my gaze to the floor, hoping they wouldn't notice the heat spreading up my neck. The room was filled with the comforting aroma of vanilla and freshly baked pastries. The soft hum of the oven and the clinking of utensils created a cozy, inviting atmosphere, contrasting with my nervousness and making the moment feel even more intense.

"Thank you for having me," I managed to squeak out, my voice barely above a whisper. I glanced up briefly at the person we came to see. Her warm smile and understanding eyes put me at ease, and I could tell she was amused by our antics. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, my shoulders relaxing as the tension melted away.

Part 2

After waking from my coma, a persistent doubt gnawed at my mind, whispering insidiously: did I have the right to exist? The sterile hospital room, with its incessant beeping machines and antiseptic smell, felt both familiar and alien, like a place I belonged to but didn't recognize.

The harsh fluorescent lights cast a cold, clinical glow, reflecting off the polished floors and stark white walls, making the room feel even more sterile and unwelcoming. But as I began to open my heart, the world around me burst into color, transforming my once grey existence into a vibrant tapestry of life and hope.

"But we have to learn some French first.” I said out loud without thinking. “We can't just go there without knowing how to talk to people."

The first time I opened my heart was in the hospital with Wisteria. She was a stranger who never knew the old Ellis, only the person I had become. Despite my initial rejection and pushing her away, her beautiful smile remained unwavering, a beacon of warmth and acceptance. It was a smile that radiated warmth and understanding, making me feel seen for the first time.

Her eyes widened, sparkling with surprise and delight. "Really!?" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy, infusing the sterile hospital room with a newfound brightness.

Wisteria nodded eagerly and held out her pinkie finger. A sudden lightness filled my body, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. The once cold and dark world around me now shimmered with vibrant colors, as if I were seeing it through Wisteria's eyes. It made me wonder if this is how she saw the world—full of hope and endless possibilities?

"Then let's make a pinkie promise." Confusion flickered across my face, and I hesitated for a moment before hooking my pinkie with hers. As she chanted a silly rhyme, a small smile tugged at my lips, her infectious enthusiasm breaking through my uncertainty.

From then on, I devoted myself to physical rehab and remote learning. With some help from Charlotte, I was able to get an acceptance letter to attend Maple Ridge. I stayed in the hospital for almost a year, but it was hard to say goodbye when it was time to go home. Charlotte and I waved goodbye as we climbed into the car.

“Please come and visit me,” Wisteria pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Despite the sadness, a hopeful smile graced her lips, her eyes shining with a silent promise of better days ahead.

The scent of blooming flowers from the hospital's garden roof lingered in the air, a refreshing sendoff that contrasted with the bittersweet farewell. As we drove away, I glanced back at the hospital, feeling a pang of sadness mixed with hope.

Though still in middle school, Wisteria had to remain behind in order to continue her treatment. In the short time we spent together, Wisteria and I had profoundly changed each other's lives. Her unwavering support and infectious optimism had given me a new perspective, and I hoped I had done the same for her.

The second time was when I finally confronted Mom. Lilac had been a good mother, but losing both of her children in an instant would break anyone. It made me question the fairness of the world, a sense of helplessness settling like a heavy weight in my chest. All I could do was hold her tightly, feeling her body tremble with each sob, her tears soaking into my shirt as I hoped my presence could offer some small comfort.

“Mom… Your children love you so much,” I whispered, my voice breaking with emotion as I wrapped my arms around her. We wept together, our tears mingling as we let out our anger, sadness, and pain. “Thank you for raising two beautiful and kind individuals.”

With Dad's help, we gently persuaded her to join a support group, hoping it would be a lifeline in her battle against depression and alcoholism. The dim light seemed to flicker with a new hope as she reluctantly agreed, her eyes reflecting a glimmer of the strength she once possessed.

For a long time, I built walls around my heart, believing it was safer to keep others at a distance. When the day came that I disappeared, I feared becoming another forgotten person, ceasing to exist. But meeting them, and the people I would meet in the future, gave me the strength to believe that there was so much more beauty in the world. Despite the challenges, I discovered a new sense of purpose and belonging with my friends in the hospital, my family at home, and the caring members of La Patissiere.

The hospital room, once filled with the sterile beeping of machines and the sharp scent of antiseptic, transformed into a haven of laughter and shared stories. The living room at home, filled with the scent of Mom's lavender candles, became a place of healing and hope. La Patissiere, known for its legendary bake sales, was more than just a club—it was a family that welcomed me with open arms and shared their love of baking and camaraderie.

I don’t know what the future has in store for me. It would be nice if we could all have the perfect life that we dream of… But that would be an illusion. While life isn't always fair, we can find happiness and meaning in the connections we make and the love we share.

Part 3

"In honor of getting a new member, we should have a celebration today. Ms. Carlaw's paying," announced an exuberant Iris.

Hearing that, however, Ms. Carlaw gave her a stern look.

"Who said I would pay for what now?" she shifted her eyes toward Iris. "Besides, didn't you fail the French test this morning, Iris? You have to set a good example for your juniors, so I think you should go home and study for the makeup test."

Iris's shoulders slumped, and her usual exuberance deflated as Ms. Carlaw's stern gaze bore down on her. Claire effortlessly lifted Iris and placed her on her knees, cradling her like an infant. Iris's small frame looked even more vulnerable, her earlier bravado completely gone.

"Nooo... I studied so hard for that! If my parents find out, they'll cut off my allowance. And the worst part is the big game anniversary is coming up with the UR Rapid Kicker-chan. How will I afford the new gacha rolls?" Iris wailed, her voice tinged with genuine despair, her eyes wide with panic. Inside, I felt a pang of sympathy for her, knowing how much she had looked forward to the event.

Ms. Carlaw's eyebrow shot up at Iris's outburst. She looked ready to launch into a lecture about gaming addiction but seemed to think better of it, not wanting to dampen the festive mood. Instead, she sighed and relented, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Okay, okay, I'll pay. But only for Ellis and Claire," sighed Ms. Carlaw as she began to massage the temples of her head, as if trying to ward off a headache.

"What do you guys want to eat? Chinese, Italian, Greek? Oh, I heard about this new place that makes amazing Asian fusion dishes, like Wagyu Beef Burgers and Kimchi Fries," Claire said while looking at her phone at the different places to visit.

As Claire listed off different restaurants, Iris's stomach growled loudly, betraying her thoughts of delicious food. A deep blush spread across her cheeks, reaching all the way to the tips of her ears. She quickly covered her face with her hands, her eyes peeking out between her fingers in a futile attempt to hide her embarrassment.

"Oh, that sounds like a wonderful place to go. While we enjoy our meal, Iris, you can use that time to study your notes," Ms. Carlaw said, her tone light but firm. Laughter filled the teacher’s lounge, echoing off the walls and lifting the mood instantly. The room, once filled with the mundane hum of daily routines, now felt warmer and more inviting.

"Hey, that's favoritism! You should treat all students equally. What you're doing is rubbing salt in my wounds. That's just cruel and unusual punishment. Can't you at least grade me on a bell curve?" Iris protested, her lower lip jutting out and her eyes wide with mock sadness, making her pouty face almost impossible to resist.

"Then I guess Ellis and Claire will graduate before you, Iris." Ms. Carlaw maintained a poker face, but the glint of seriousness in her eyes made Iris's face turn ashen, her earlier excitement draining away as she realized the gravity of the situation.

Reading the room, Claire and I exchanged knowing nods. Iris, practically bouncing on her toes, was eager to leave the room, her earlier enthusiasm returning.

Excuse me, I need to use the ladies' room before we leave," Claire said, giving me a meaningful glance. "Ellis, would you like to join me?

"Why would you ask me to go to the ladies' room with you, Claire?" I asked, confusion evident in my voice. Inside, I was trying to make sense of her unusual request.

The instant I posed that question, Claire gave me a stupefied look. It didn't seem like she was joking. I mean, I understand that the school is progressive with gender-neutral washrooms, but I couldn't figure out why she would ask me to join her.

"I was informed that it was common for people to go to the washrooms together as a type of bonding ritual. In fact, Romans used to sit right next to each other and share the communal sponge. I just thought this would be a great club bonding activity where all the members could go to the washroom together.” Claire's stoic expression didn't change at all as she explained, her tone serious. It was clear she genuinely believed this would be a great bonding activity.

“Though it sounds like an interesting idea, it still is a public washroom area which means that we might be interrupting other people,” I said, struggling to find a way out.

Claire's shoulders slumped, her stoic expression faltering for a moment as disappointment flickered in her eyes. It was always odd seeing girls go together in groups. I wondered who had been filling Claire's head with these odd facts, especially since Iris was rapidly shaking her head, denying any involvement. Inside, I felt a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Alright, that's settled. We'll meet up at the front lobby in 10 minutes," Iris said, trying to adjourn the conversation and sneak out of the room.

"Hold your horses, little Missy. Not only do we have to have a long talk about your grades but apparently there were reports of two ninjas throwing smoke bombs in the school." Clearing her throat, Ms. Carlaw stopped Iris, gripping her shoulders firmly, her expression unyielding. "I'm afraid you two have to leave without her. I have to talk to Iris about something important."

Part 4

Claire and Ellis left the room with a sigh of relief, leaving me alone to face the impending dread that settled like a heavy weight in my chest. I had been caught playing video games all night long, and Ms. Carlaw had reprimanded me severely for neglecting my health and education.

For ten grueling minutes, Ms. Carlaw's harsh lecturing echoed off the walls, each 'sorry' I muttered making me feel smaller and more insignificant with each passing second. But then, something shifted in Ms. Carlaw's demeanor. She glanced at the door to ensure it was closed, then turned back to me with a serious expression, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Iris, there's something we need to discuss," Ms. Carlaw's stern demeanor felt different as the mood got dark after seeing her frown.

"What about it?" I asked, my heart skipping a beat as a sense of foreboding settled over me. Inside, a storm of worry and confusion raged, each thought a sharp pang of fear.

Ms. Carlaw took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing. "We found something unusual in Ellis's blood sample. His blood contains traces of an unknown substance. It's not like anything we've seen before."

"What does that mean?" A shiver ran down my spine, my heart pounding in my chest.

"We're not sure yet," she replied, her tone grave. "But it doesn't match anything in our database. This substance... it could be dangerous."

"Dangerous? How?" A wave of fear washed over me, making my hands tremble.

"We don't know the full extent yet, but it could have serious implications for Ellis's health. We need to keep this information confidential for now. If word gets out, it could cause unnecessary panic." Ms. Carlaw's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing with concern.

I nodded, my mind racing as I tried to process the gravity of the situation. "I understand. I'll keep it to myself."

Ms. Carlaw's stern expression softened slightly. "Thank you, Iris. I know this is a lot to take in, but we need to stay focused and conduct further observation of Ellis. We can't let him know just yet. It might be too much for him to handle."

"Of course," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside me. "I'll do whatever it takes to help, Penelope."

Ms. Carlaw gave me a reassuring nod. "Good. Now, let's get back to the others before they start wondering where we are."

The lively debate between Claire and Ellis brought a smile to my face, momentarily lifting the weight of the serious conversation I had just had with Ms. Carlaw. The hallway buzzed with energy, the aroma of freshly baked goods mingling with the sound of their animated discussion.