#MMA Gen 1: Ch. 16

[mosneakers]

Coraleye: [voice quivering, barely audible] I... I don't understand? How did this happen? I called out for your mom, Morgyn, not my great-grandmother...

Morgyn: When we open the doors, we don't always have control over who enters them...

Coraleye makes a feeble attempt to clear her throat. Coraleye: Grandma Agnes? Agnes Darling? Is that really you?

Agnes: Why of course, my dear, who else? I apologize for intruding, but I just couldn't help myself. Come darling, I'd like to take you with me for a short while. Share some stories with you, first hand.

Morgyn: I believe she's inviting you to astral-project with her.

Coraleye: [Eyes light up] Really? Oh! But...Rosemary... Morgyn: Darling, that can wait. It's the afterlife, afterall. She isn't going anywhere anytime soon. [Chuckles] Tycho: [Hesitant sigh] Morgyn's right. This isn't an everyday opportunity. You should go. We'll be right here, patiently waiting for your return. Coraleye smiles lovingly at Tycho and turns to Morgyn.

Coraleye: Do... do you really think it's safe, though?

Morgyn: I do. But if anything goes wrong, you know the spell. Just call for me and I'm there.

Tycho gently steals Coraleye away from Morgyn's reassuring gaze and kisses her deeply. Tycho: We're there.

Morgyn: [Chuckles] Yes, I'll be sure to bring him along too. Now hurry, you don't want to keep her waiting.

Coraleye scurries over to the specter, her arms stretched wide, awaiting her hands. Agnes: [Doting lovingly] Oh, let me get a good look at you! My goodness, look at those eyes! Little Coraleye Tempest Rose Darling. My heir... isn't that right? Coraleye: [Beaming proudly] Yes!

Agnes: Wonderful! You've blossomed into a radiant young woman, my darling. Your great-grandfather Eric and I have been watching over you, fondly. [Cheekily] You've had quite the journey, love.

Tycho anxiously watches Coraleye interacting with the spirit of her great-grandmother.

Morgyn: Hey... [Nudges Tycho with elbow, whispering] What are you worrying about? This is all part of the craft for a proficient spellcaster like her. Everything's going to be fine, okay?

Agnes: [Peeks around behind Coraleye] I promise I'll keep her safe! If you both don't mind, I'd like to show my granddaughter a small window into her family history, what life was like in my day. [Sparkling smile]

Coraleye's eyes begin to glow, and she blows a heartfelt kiss to the others as she and Agnes fade away completely.

Tycho: What just happened, Morgyn? Why did she just disappear like that? I thought astral-projection involved traveling outside of the physical body... Morgyn: Just relax, okay? The rules of spellcraft in this realm don't always operate the same way they do on the outside.

Tycho: Well, what are we supposed to do while we wait for her to get back? Morgyn: [Shrugs] I don't know; I guess we could hold our breath? [Grin]

[mosneakers]

After tenderly tucking their two darling daughters safely into their warm and cozy beds, Agnes and Erik retire to the master bedroom, preparing to turn in for the night. A bittersweet image is reflected from the luxurious vanity mirror. With each delicate stroke of Agnes's ornate bronze hair brush, her silky golden locks unveil brief glimpses of a hidden frown.

Coraleye beams in awe, watching Agnes's reflection in the mirror. Coraleye: Grandma, you're the epitome of grace and beauty. Look at you! Agnes: [Gently nudges Corarleye with her elbow] Oh quit that, will you.

Coraleye's smile starts to fade. Coraleye: But you look so sad. Even after getting to move back to your home in Sunset Valley? You really weren't excited about having a third baby at this point, were you?

Agnes: I didn't want to be expecting, no. I least I thought I didn't, anyway. Until this night, when I found out I wasn't. That's when the truth was realized.

Coraleye: Oh...

Erik: Aggy, baby, what is it? I thought you didn't want any more kids right now. I figured you'd be glad about your monthly visitor.

Agnes: [Sniffles] I thought so too, darling. I suppose I allowed myself to become excited about the idea. Turns out I'm actually quite disappointed, if I'm being perfectly honest.

Erik continues offering solace to his wife, urging her to confide in him. The spirit of Agnes guiding Coraleye approaches Erik, studying the remaining youth in his features. She gently rests her hand on his chest; though Erik cannot feel her touch, the emotional resonance of the exchange hits Coraleye like a wave, as she wraps her arms around herself in an attempt to hold herself together.

Agnes: He's so young here; What has time done to you, my love? Coraleye, darling, life is awfully short. I want you to always remember, to hold onto your memories and all your heart's desires for as long as you can, and never make the mistake of not listening to them. One day you'll blink, and your memory won't be like it is now.

Coraleye's trembling frown gives way, and tears drop down her rosy cheeks, unable to contain them any longer.

Erik puts on a record, and the vintage melody fills the room. By her hands, Erik leads Agnes to her feet, where he gently wipes the tears from her face. Erik: Let's dance, honey.

Agnes: [Giggles] Erik! What are you doing? It's getting late, we should get to bed. Erik: Aggy baby, if you want a baby, then I've got work to do! We'll figure out the details later, okay? Agnes laughs joyfully as Erik pulls her in closer for a slow dance.

The spirit-guide Agnes smiles at her great-granddaughter lovingly. Her brows furrow as her focus then hones in on Coraleye's tears, still flowing. She gently wipes away a tear and whispers words of comfort.

Agnes: What's the matter, my love?

Coraleye: [Sniffles and wipes eyes] It's just... you two are so incredibly sweet. The love you share is so obvious. The way he looks at you, Grandma! I'm so scared my future won't measure up to yours, or my parents', even. I worry that I'm falling short of the legacy and everything else.

Agnes: Oh, honey... listen to me. Agnes affectionately traces Coraleye's hair behind her ear.

Agnes: You don't have to go about this in the same manner that we did! Forge your own path, dear. The essence of this legacy lies in granting second chances to someone we love, provided they're deemed worthy. It's a profound responsibility for one heart. Understand, the journey won't be simple should you decide to embrace it. Coraleye: ...Should I decide to embrace it.

Agnes: I share this with you not to instill fear, but to equip you for the challenges that lie ahead. Soon, my dear, you'll face a profound pain that may feel insurmountable. Yet, I know you are very capable of weathering it.

Coraleye: [Concerned tone] Grandma, how do you know this? Are you able to see the future? Agnes: The privilege of magic and resurrections isn't taken lightly, and it doesn't come without consequences. Our currency for second chances and love is excruciating pain. Some may see it as a curse, but I find it makes these tender moments all the sweeter. The choice of who is worthy of navigating this journey by your side, is ultimately up to you.

Coraleye: But Grandma... How will I know who that person is? That they can be trusted?

Agnes: You see the way your grandfather looks at me in this moment? That's how I knew, honey. Coraleye ponders for a brief moment, watching them dance gleefully around the room. As their kisses grow more passionate, she senses that her time to observe is running out. Just before the spirit Agnes concludes the session, Coraleye speaks up, her voice breaking.

Coraleye: I... I think I've seen that look before.

[mosneakers]

Coraleye and her Great-grandmother materialize from thin air, in front of a grand estate, donning beautiful gowns and jewels. Coraleye joyfully clings onto Agnes's arm.

Coraleye: [Astonished Gasp] WOW! I've never done anything like this before... this is amazing! Does this all function like a dream, Grandma? Or is it more like heaven? How does all of this work, exactly? Agnes: Sweetheart, it's better to just enjoy the experience, and not think too hard about the mechanics of it all. You'll snap yourself right out of it; and we wouldn't want that, would we? Coraleye: [Promptly composes herself and adjusts a wrinkle in her formal evening glove] Right, no. Of course not. So... where are we? Some kind of palace?

Agnes: This would be the Wolff's estate. After a trying separation, Morgana's ex-husband Thornton refused to finalize his end of the divorce. Yet at this point, Morgana had been madly in love with Connor Frio for a while, and would often celebrate their partnership without an official ceremony. Usually with extravagant parties like the one you'll be seeing tonight. A charity soiree unites Sunset Valley's elite in splendid fashion!

Coraleye: Morgana Wolff? That would be my...other grandma, no? Agnes: [Pauses] Well, yes. She did go on to adopt your grandmother Kirsten. But let's not skip ahead, dear! Now come, you can be my date tonight. I want to show you the dress I wore!

Coraleye: [Gasps] Grandma! There you and Grandpa Erik are—I found you! You look absolutely stunning! Agnes: [Chuckles] Why, thank you darling. Yes, that's us. And Morgana is over there trying to convince us to extend our stay in Sunset Valley. Your Grandpa Erik, however, remains quite impervious to her charm.

Coraleye: Oh? Didn't he like it here? He looks like he's having a good time... Or did he just prefer being home in Moonlight Falls?

Agnes reaches for Coraleye's hand and holds it tight. For just a split second, Coraleye blinks.

[mosneakers]

Just a simple blink. And when Coraleye opens her eyes again, she and Agnes have transported to a new location.

Momentarily disoriented, Coraleye gasps in awe as recognition dawns upon her. Coraleye: Oh, I've been here before! This was your home in Moonlight Falls, wasn't it? A really sweet girl named Janie lives here now; she let me stay over once.

Agnes: Oh yes, Ms. Books. I have a feeling you'll be revisiting this house again very soon, sweetheart. [Smiles]

Agnes: [Continues] To answer your question, honey, Erik loved it here. We crafted a charming life for ourselves in this house. Our daughters thrived, we had good jobs. It was a time of contentment—a lovely chapter in our lives, really...

Coraleye: But something was missing...

Agnes: [Frowns and softly nods] Yes. And my goodness, did the guilt weigh awfully heavy on my heart! I had everything a poor widow could ask for: two darling daughters, a roof over my head, I was reunited with my beloved husband, for goodness sakes...

Coraleye frowns, offering comfort by softly grazing Agnes's back. Coraleye: [Softly] Grandma... Sometimes the heart wants what it wants, and it doesn't care about how things are "supposed" to go.

Agnes: I was so young... just like you, darling. And at that age, I still yearned for the finer things in life. Though I never said it aloud, Erik knew. He'd write about it occasionally. If it were up to him, we'd have stayed put, and put our savings towards expanding our family. But for me, I was just fine with two daughters. I would've much rather put our earnings towards offering our children a more comfortable lifestyle in Sunset Valley.

Coraleye: Well the difference is clear to see; you are beaming here! And it looks like those guests are really enjoying Grandpa's company. Agnes: Oh yes, that's Pauline and Hank Goddard. Erik was always the life of every party. Had almost everyone in stitches.

Coraleye: I couldn't help but notice lots of whispering going around when you weren't looking, though... Agnes: My, my... you are quite astute, babydoll. No, truth is I knew all about the whispering. Hank Goddard's in law enforcement; he was there when Erik was pronounced dead. The story we presented them was that Erik miraculously recovered from a lengthy coma through the power of prayer. Christopher Steele has his suspicions, but kept quiet about them since that dreadful incident.

Coraleye's glowing eyes widen with intrigue. Coraleye: ...The Sunset Valley Massacre?

Agnes: [Single nod] That's the one. Come darling, our time is fleeting, and there's much more to explore. After all, we wouldn't want to leave two hearts vying for your attention alone together for too long. I've read my fair share of novels where such scenarios end disastrously. [Wink]

[mosneakers]

The spirit of Agnes and Coraleye enter the elegant Sunset Valley estate. Vintage melodies from a record player swirl, enveloping Coraleye in a sense of nostalgia that she had only known from classic romance films up until this moment.

Agnes: Welcome home, darling. 230 Redwood Parkway, fondly known as "August Moon" by some.

Coraleye: Wow, that's such a magical name. This home is breathtaking, Grandma!

Agnes: It's always been my envisioned haven for raising children. Coraleye: And you owned it? Even while you lived in Moonlight Falls? Who took care of it when you weren't here?

Agnes: My sister, Cornelia, tended to her in my absence. This home held a special place in my heart, and she, understanding its significance, made occasional upgrades, just in case we ever decided to sell. Or, perhaps... return.

Coraleye: Return? As in move back? Agnes: Come, dear. Looks like dinner is finished, and now we're clearing up. I want you to hear this conversation.

As they step into the kitchen, tension hangs thick in the air. Erik diligently washes the dishes while Agnes busies herself preparing ingredients for tomorrow's meals. Neither utter a word, until Agnes finally breaks the silence.

Agnes: Erik, I... I must apologize for snapping at you during dinner. That was quite unwarranted. You were right—I ought to have shared the news with you about the fire. I know the Seymour house was so dear to your heart. It was for me, too. I hope you're not angry with me.

Erik: Ain't mad at ya, Aggy. Gee, I suppose I overreacted too. It's not just about the house; I can live without that. My decent paying job in Moonlight Falls, no chance nobody here'll pay the same. Cost of living's a lot higher, and...well, I've been hoping you'd eventually come 'round to having another baby with me, honey...

Coraleye: [eyes misting] Grandpa really wanted another baby, didn't he? Agnes: [Smiles fondly] Oh yes. But I was quite stubborn. Coraleye: I think Janie mentioned a bit about the fire being the reason for you moving back here. Did you figure out how it happened? Agnes: No, we never did. But the Crumplebottom Sisters informed me that it destroyed everything. Even their great powers couldn't reverse the damage. I had planned to tell Erik, but Belinda beat me to it with a telephone call.

Agnes: [Continuing with Erik] You know I've always said that I'm content with our two. Erik: I know baby, I've just had my fingers crossed one day you'd change your mind. Just a pipe dream, that's all. Agnes: [Sighs] Well, darling... We'll need to sort through our finances. It seems you might just be getting your way, after all...

Erik: What are you telling me, woman? Agnes: It's still early yet to, but... I find myself a tad late.

Erik: Late for tea and crumpets with the ladies at the country club, or are we talking more along the lines of a bun in the oven? Agnes: It could be. Again, it's still very early. Just three days.

Erik joyfully sweeps Agnes into his arms, twirling her as they share a tender kiss. A soft giggle escapes Agnes's lips.

Erik: Aggy baby, you make me the luckiest man to ever live or die!

Coraleye's heart swells with emotion as she witnesses her great-grandfather express his unconditional love for Agnes with such passion and honesty. They follow the Darling pair into the living area to join the girls, particularly Gwendolyn, who are engrossed in the television.

Coraleye: Gosh, look at how you two lovebirds are gazing at each other. TV not holding your attention much, is it? [Grins]

Agnes: Well, I've always preferred books. [Smiles] The television often broadcasted troubling news, especially that year when the government confirmed the existence of aliens. I made the children turn it off promptly if I heard any talk of extraterrestrials.

Coraleye quickly averts eye contact, wondering how much Agnes knows about the current state of the world, particularly Sunglo, his abduction, and how those events resulted in the birth of his beloved daughter.

Knowing her great-grandmother's well-documented phobia centered around extraterrestrials, Coraleye opts to change the subject for the time being.

Coraleye: Hey, Grandma? How did you and Grandpa know to bring the family photos along on your trip to Sunset Valley? Most people don't bring all their family photos on vacations.

Agnes: [Grins] My, I did say you were observant, didn't I? Coraleye: Well, astute. But yes. I hope to land a career in journalism, just like Grandpa! Agnes: [Nods approvingly] A journalist in the making, just like your Grandpa. No, the decision to take the photos along was merely a coincidence. Like you heard your Grandfather say, I make him "the luckiest man to ever live or die!"