Before New Game, Part 4

There was a meadow where they could be together.

The meadow was green, and seemed to ooze life. The vibrant grass smelled like lemons and limes when you put your face up to it.

Dancing around him, Kidney’s childhood brothers cheered as they joined hands. The boy clapped at the display. They really made it. They finally made it.

Off in the distance, his parents watched. They smiled at him, looking like a photograph taken at the height of a relationship.

He was happy already- then she came running in.

“Big brother!”

“Molly!”

Outstretching his arms, Walter embraced her.

“You’re finally here. I’m so happy. I’m so, so happy.”

The little girl looked up, puzzled.

“What do you mean, “finally?”

“I’ve been waiting for you… you finally agreed to stay with me!”

Molly giggled.

“I’m just visiting, dummy. I can’t stay here for good. Why would I do that?”

Walter began to sweat profusely.

“But- but you all- I love you!”

“You don’t think we loved you too?”

“…Loved?”

Terrified, Kidney’s glance shot around. His brothers were gone. His parents, gone. He whipped back around to face his youngest sibling, only to see her eyes flickering downward in a drowsy haze.

“MOLLY!”

“I’m so tired…”

Molly Kidney faded into dust.

Kidney held the memory of her in his arms and wept for what she decided must be.