"I guess this is it then Tom." Teresa's eyes pleaded Thomas for reassurance that they were doing the right thing. Things would never be the same between them again. But it would be- they hoped and prayed it would be- worth all of it. They'd be sacrificing anything they might have had for the hopes of a saving the whole civilization. Within half an hour, they'd be through the Swipe, and have left life as they new it behind.
Thomas held his arms out to her, his eyes glistening with silent tears. Every droplet noiselessly slipping down his face equaled one memory they'd made together that would most likely never cross their minds again. She inched her way over and embraced him, trying to hold back the imminent tears threatening to spill over.
He gently stroked her hair as she held tightly around his waste, as if her life depended on it. Next time they met, they wouldn't even recognize each other.
"It'll all be worth it, Teresa. This is our chance to save the world."
The lump in his throat grew larger as a thousand memories flooded into his brain simultaneously. His mother's soft, understanding eyes, and the warmth which he felt when she held him close to her heart. Watching his father's slow decent to insanity, even though he was too young to truly understand what was happening at the time. Sneaking around WICKED headquarters with Teresa when he was seven. All these things made their task even harder to accept, especially with the underlying feeling that he'd never truly remember them all in the same way again.
"But what about us Tom? What about our world?" The last sentence came out as a barely audible whisper as Teresa sank to her knees on the floor. By this time Rachel and Aris were in the room as well, saying their goodbyes.
"We're doing this for everyone Teresa, including ourselves. It will be worth it. I promise."
He gently pulled her up, and walked toward the other two.
The four of them exchanging hugs and handshakes, wishing each other the best of luck in the weeks to come.
"We'll see you soon enough," Aris said as he forced a smile. He and Rachel left, leaving Thomas to look at Teresa.
"I guess our time is up then. You alright?" He looked at her intently, trying to memorize every detail of his best friend. Fruitless it may be, but worth it even if he'd only remember her for a few seconds more.
She took a deep breath, and replaced the look of fear on her face with an intense, staunch demeanor. "I am. I'm ready to do this."
A loud buzz sounded off in the room, signifying their time to leave to the Swipe. They gave each other one last embrace before heading separate ways in the room.
"See you soon, Tom," she said, with a fire in her eyes and a smile on her face.
"Until then, best friend," he waved as he walked off to the swipe.
There was no time for second thoughts now, but he could not help but wonder whether he could believe his own promise to Teresa that this would all be worth it, even for them.