Witness to Destruction Epilogue Amalthya took one last look at the land that had become her home. "I guess this is good-bye. For now, at any rate." She smiled sadly. The thought of leaving him was tearing her apart. But she couldn't stay anymore. For the first time she could remember, she actually cared about her family and friends. It wasn't that she didn't love them, just that she'd been so trapped in her depression that she hadn't given their feelings a second though. She had always just assumed they'd be happier without her. That depression was a specter that hung over her head. She knew there was always a chance that it could come back and overwhelm her again. And she knew that by leaving now she was risking the tremulous happiness she had found. But it had to be done. "It appears so." Jareth embraced her for a moment then stepped back. "Are you ready?" "Yes." She sounded shaky. She took a deep breath. "Yes." She said more firmly. His magic made the air tingle around her, she could feel herself leaving. "I love you!" She called out. Then she was gone. ---- Xander and Silviet walked back to their apartment slowly. Snow fell around them peacefully, masking the pain they were feeling. The memorial had been beautiful. Ann's family had not yet given up hope that she would be found, but her friends in New York had grown to accept the truth. She was never coming back. "It was pretty, wasn't it?" Silviet said finally. "And the flowers, she always liked roses." "Yes. And you did a wonderful job speaking. Everyone was touched." "It seems so unfair Xander. I keep thinking I should have done more for her...but there really wasn't anything to be done was there?" "No. We couldn't have helped it." His voice was subdued. ---- Amalthya appeared in her apartment. There was snow falling outside her windows, fresh and crisp. The city actually managed to look clean for once. "Has it really been so long?" She continued her tour, noticing that someone had come and put the cartons away; had cleaned up her paints, stacked the blank canvases. She walked back into the kitchen and picked up the phone, dialing the number hesitantly. "Hello?" "Grandpa?" Her voice sounded small in her ears. "Ann? Is that you? Stay on the line dear. Let me get your grandma." There was noise in the background, then a click as a second phone was picked up. "Ann? Are you still there dear? How are you?" "I'm fine Grandma. I wanted to let you know I'm home now." "Where have you been?" "I can't explain right now, I have to go. But I promise to call again tomorrow, okay? I'll explain things then." "All right. We're so glad to finally hear from you." "Yeah, I'm sorry. I love you guys, and I'll call tomorrow." "Okay. Bye dear." "Good-bye." Click. One down. She stared at the phone, then dialed Silviet's number, but a message said it was no longer valid. She tried Xander's. Silviet answered. "Hello Silviet...." ---- Xander and Silviet were sitting at the kitchen table when the phone rang. "I'll get it." Silviet reached over and picked up the phone. "Hello?" Xander watched as her eyes teared up. "What is it?" Silviet held out the phone, hand trembling badly. "It's Ann." He took the phone from her. "Ann? Where are you?" "I'm at home now. I tried Silviet's number first but it said it was out of service." "She's living with me now. Where have you been Ann?" "I think it would be better if I came over." "Of course. I'll see you soon then." "Yeah, Bye." "Good-bye." He hung up the phone. "She's on her way here. ---- After a tearful reunion, the three sat down at the table, and Ann began to explain things. "I was sick. Not physically, really. But I was so depressed. I had to go away. I had to go someplace I could get help." "You're better now?" "I can't say for sure. But I think I could be. I'm just so happy to see you again. I couldn't call...." "That doesn't matter now." Xander said soothingly. All that matters is that you're home and you're happy." "Yeah." She smiled. "And I have some news for you." Silviet beamed. "Xander and I are getting married!" "Really? That's great. Let me see your ring." The two girls fussed over the ring and fell into girl talk about dresses and halls and dates. Xander just laughed and shook his head. "Looks like things are back to normal." "Better than normal." Ann smiled, and went back to her conversation. Her life had never been happier and her future never brighter. Although sad she couldn't tell them the whole truth, she knew that one day she would. "Now all we need to do is find your Mr. Right." Silviet kidded. "I think I already have." She murmured. "What?" "Oh, nothing." Ann replied sweetly. "Now what kind of flowers? I think I know someone who could get you the most wonderful roses...." THE END