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The People We Were (Ending)

from Neptune 2: The Search For Neptune by Evan Pattison

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Panting, we both collapsed into the dirt, both wounded, but still moving. Rhett was winded, but I had energy, motivation, and drive. I stood up, and started to walk towards Neptune's home.

I hobbled, and creaked, and limped toward my goal. I was nearly there. Just before knocking on the door, I peered through the window. And inside, I saw him.

Without his power armor, he looked different. He'd lost most of his hair, and his face was no longer the spry, young superhero I'd once known.

But there was more. Someone else. A lover, or a partner. On a sofa, watching an old movie. Eating popcorn. Laughing.

And Kyle, their dog, he was there too. Older. Graying around the muzzle. Sleeping at their feet.

I don't know why, but I froze.

"You can't do it, can you?"

I turned around slowly, tears streaming down my face. "I..."

"He's taken, Arty. He has someone already. Even if you hadn't hurt him, you could never have him. That's not how love works."

"I don't want him! I did once. But I don't anymore. I just want to... apologize."

Silence filled the air for an uncomfortably long time as Rhett's expression softened somewhat.

"Apologize? I mean it when I say I think that's noble of you. But you caused Neptune a lot of trauma. Do you think that if you walk through that door now, he'll see the version of you that exists today, or will he see the villain who ruined his life?"

"I... don't know."

"I think you do. He's happy now. He never fully healed, but he's living. He has his loved ones by his side to help him. If you walk through that door, you'll only succeed in opening old wounds."

I took Neptune's staff out, looked at it one last time, and then slowly approached Rhett. He held out his hand, and I gave him the weapon.

"I'm so sorry. I just... I needed his forgiveness."

"No one owes you forgiveness. Don't seek forgiveness. Seek to do better, and maybe it will find you. I know you feel alone. But you're not." He reached out and took my hand.

"Thank you."

"Yeah. You know you're going back to prison, right?"

"Yup."

"OK, just so we're clear. I'll try to make sure you get better accommodations this time."

FIN

/For Damian/

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from Neptune 2: The Search For Neptune, released November 9, 2023

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Evan Pattison New York, New York

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