Here it is. The end.

Sorry this has been such a long journey. I think, overall, I'm glad I didn't discontinue it, and instead decided to make it a short, simple story. I'm looking to inish one more story before I continue Lost Hearts, so if you are waiting eagerly for that, track my progress and make sure you follow the story so you can keep up to date for when the new chapter comes up!

I want to hear feedback about the end, please? I like how it ended, but after the entire thing and how it turned out, I don't know if it all fit together. Let me know what you think.

I love you all for sticking by through this incredibly long process. I hope I didn't disappoint.

"Things have been getting better"

Gray. Eight years of gray skies, cold winds. Not normal cold, no. Bone chilling.

"He's been getting better too. I know you've been worried about him, but…I watch him."

Occasionally, it would rain. It used to rain every day…I remember. It used to be so cold and rainy that…well, no one really went outside. It made everyone so….miserable.

"He kept blaming himself, you know. I thought we were over that but…well, he started again. It's a shame. But, he is getting better. We're watching him."

Everything was always so quiet here. The plants always listened to me when I spoke. They always wanted to hear my update on how things were going on the inside. The animals always stayed clear. They'd hear from the trees, of course. The sky…

I looked up. The sky always shed light here. For me. For her.

"He thinks…that I shouldn't call him dad. He thinks he doesn't deserve it but…I remember what happened…and my aunt told me why he did it. I forgave him a long time ago. But, he still hasn't forgiven himself."

In front of me sat a pristine, white stone. The plants made sure it stayed clean. They knew her better than I ever did.

"But I love him like a father. He protects me like one. I know he loves me too. As much as he loves you…mom."

Etched into the beautiful stone, rounded off at the top, was a name, followed by a short statement.

"It still…bothers me. That day. Seeing him like that. I think…I think that's the one thing that still gets to me. Remembering how he reacted…aside from…you. But Aunt Mirana says that's natural."

Alice Kingsleigh.

"Well, regardless, we're helping him. And, one day, I hope for him to come here and say hello to you. It might take a while, though. Sorry. I know you miss him. I'll try to make him heal faster."

Champion of Underland.

"I'm sixteen now. I know, I forgot to visit you on my birthday. Dad made me a dress though. It was blue…He called it Alice blue. He said it was something that was or both of us. It's beautiful. I wore it at my party, that Aunt Mirana threw for me. Did she ever throw a party for you, mom? They're….stifling. But I enjoyed it either way."

Beloved friend and mother…

"But I should be getting back. Dad will start to worry. Do you think he'd like to have a cup of tea, when I get back?" I smiled, looking down. "Of course he would, how silly of me. Maybe I can convince him to sit outside in the garden with me."

And loved by all.

"Until next time, Mom." I placed my hand on the gravestone before pushing myself up and dusting off my pants. Turning, I nearly shouted in surprise.

"Dad?"

Blue eyes looked toward me. I remember Aunt Mirana telling me they used to be green all the time. I wish I could remember that. I would like to see him happy….just once.

"What are you doing down here?" He looked passed me now, at the grave, for only a moment, before looking back at me.

"May I?" His voice, strained, was soft and hesitant. The question, as well as his presence, shocked me into silence for only a moment. I stepped aside, nodding toward the grave.

"I'll wait for you." After only a moment of hesitation, he stepped forward and kneeled in front of the grave. I kneeled next to him, and locked eyes with him briefly before he looked at the grave. He took his hat off, placing it on the ground beside him, before hesitantly placing his hand against the grave and running his thumb over the name.

The long awaited period of acceptance. For some, it takes only minutes. Some never reach it at all. For dad, it took eight years. He said nothing at all, but I had a feeling that he didn't need to say anything. I waited for him to stand before I moved, and he cleared his throat, putting his hat back on.

"Shall we?" He avoided my eyes, his own shining and his body betraying his anxiety. I smiled, placing a hand on his arm and gaining his attention.

"Can we have tea?" He stared at me for a while, eyes calculating and the slightest bit shocked. "Outside, in the garden….Like you and mom used to?" The corners of his lips twitched slightly, and the pained look on his face faded, just the slightest.

"Of course." My own smile widened, and I spared one last glance back at the grave before I turned and walked with my dad back to the castle.

You will never be forgotten.

Revieeewww?

Thanks, all!