Lincoln felt series of pokes in his side. The blankets dampened the feeling but there was still plenty of give to make him wake up. A familiar voice accompanied the pokes, though he was too tired to make it out just yet.
"Come on, Lincoln, wake up," he heard, finally realizing the words belonged to Lynn. He opened his eyes, looking to see his sister poking him with a stick. The sun was just barely peeking out, a ray here and there poking through his blinds. She didn't stop poking until he threw his blankets off.
"I'm up, I'm up," he told her rubbing the sleep from his eyes. She smiled, glad with her success.
"I'll meet you downstairs when you're ready," she informed him, scooting out of the room with great speed. He shut the door behind her, throwing on all of his clothes for the day with the speed that tiredness would afford him. He yawned as he left, not wanting to be up with the sun, but he remembered his promise to his sister and this filled him with newfound energy. He went downstairs, smelling what might be his breakfast. He walked into the kitchen, greeted by breakfast set for two, Lynn sitting with a plate before her, smiling more than he had seen her do prior. "Surprise!" she shouted, throwing her arms into the air.
"What's the occasion?" he asked, unsure of why she went through all the trouble of preparing this meal.
"Well," she began, "I thought I'd thank you for helping me to get back on my feet." She sighed as she caught the pun, leading Lincoln to chuckle. "I also was planning on taking the day off. Maybe a stroll." He sat down, glad to have the day off.
"Well, a stroll sounds nice," he added. "How did you make this, though?" He couldn't believe she made this all by herself.
"I had a bit of help from Lucy in putting this together," Lynn explained, digging into the meal. Lincoln looked at the plate in front of him, spotting the signs on each strip of bacon, pancakes, and the pile of eggs, that Lucy had a hand in cooking it. "Is something wrong?" she asked after finishing a bite of eggs, noticing he hadn't started on his own food.
"No, it looks good," he complimented, finally taking a bite of some pancakes. Lynn smiled. They went about finishing their breakfast, making small talk here and there. "Remind me to thank Lucy for this," he told his sister.
"You're quite welcome," he heard Lucy say right behind him. He jumped, scolding her. Lynn laughed, having seen her sister sneak up on him. "Sorry. I just wanted to mess with you," she apologized with a grin.
"Well, thanks for the scare and breakfast," he reiterated, waiting for his heart to calm down.
"Don't be mad at her. It was my idea," Lynn admitted. "Besides, we should get going before the heat sets in for the day." She dropped to the floor, scooting out of the kitchen with Lincoln in tow. Lucy grabbed the dishes and set about with her own duties for the day. Lincoln set Lynn's wheelchair at the bottom of the steps outside, waiting for her to climb in. She did so with lightning speed, having gotten used to climbing the metal device. They set off after he ensured she was settled in, her wheels keeping pace with his legs. Whenever they stopped, she would grab his hand, happy for the ability to do so. When moving on, she became irritated with being unable to keep it so, forcing him to comfort her.
"Soon enough," he would console her, hoping she would be satisfied for the moment, wanting to make it last just like she did. She accepted it, more out of necessity than anything else.
"How do you like the chair Lana built you?" he asked, the park coming into sight.
"I love it, if only because I can go up and down the stairs much faster," she spoke with a grand grin, "That and it helps keep my arms strong." Her grin was as big as the one she had on their first date, he noticed. He felt happier that she was much happier compared to just a week ago. They were moving down the path into the park, taking in the birds chirping.
"Need to rest?" he asked as they came near a bench, trying to disguise his own want of sitting.
"Not particularly, but I do want to just enjoy the scenery," was her reply, knowing full well what he was wanting to do. He took a seat at one end and she pulled up to him, grabbing his hand and intertwining their fingers. They sat, love-struck smiles on their faces as they watched joggers move by. A man in a wheelchair flew by, ignorant of anything not in his path.
"I wonder what his emergency is. Looked like he was racing somewhere," Lincoln voiced his thoughts.
"Yeah, did you see what he was wearing? It appeared to be a tracksuit," she responded. "I really wonder if there are sports for those like me." There was a glimmer of hope in her voice.
"If there is, then why didn't you know about it?"
"Surely there's something you love and don't know everything about." He couldn't argue much with her on that point, choosing to concede with a shrug.
"We can certainly look into it when we get back," he conversed.
"Yeah. Say, do you want to go see Lori before she comes back home?" Lynn shifted the conversation. Lincoln looked at her.
"If that's where you want to go, then that's where we'll go," was his answer and off they set. Words were rarely exchanged during their trip, their company simply being all that they wished for. Soon, they found themselves outside Lori's room. "Are you sure? You haven't been here since she woke up."
"Of course I'm sure," she punctuated her words by pushing open the door. She surprised herself by forgetting how easy the doors at the hospital tended to be to open them. Inside, Bobby was spending time with the patient, each giggling and nuzzling the other, pet names being thrown around. It truly was a good sign of health.
"I'm so glad I got to see you before my big trip," Bobby told Lori.
"I'm glad too, but I don't want you to be late," she reciprocated, looking at the clock. He looked at the time and saw she was right. A quick goodbye kiss later and he left, addressing the others in the room before disappearing.
"Hey, guys" Lori called to her two siblings, "Did you get here with the rest of the family?"
"No, we strolled here," Lincoln explained without missing a beat. Lori was still happy to receive a visit.
"Haven't seen you here in awhile, Lynn," Lori addressed. "Why don't you come on over here?" she beckoned. Lynn went over, Lincoln keeping his distance, trying to allow time for just the two of them. "So what happened to you, Lynn?" Lynn had hoped she wouldn't address her current state of walking.
"Oh, I'll tell you when we get home," Lynn fed her. "What's going on with you?" She wished the change in direction would continue where she had set it.
"Well, I get to walk around with a cane for a week since I still need a little help, but after that, I'll be good to go until my stitches need to be taken out." Lori looked relieved that she could go home and enjoy her life again.
"Where are your stitches at?" Lynn queried. Lori showed her, careful not to reveal anything else beneath the gown.
"Apparently my right lung got hit, but at least it wasn't bad enough to remove." Lori adjusted back to being properly covered. "So when can you move on to crutches?" Lynn was caught off guard.
"I don't know when," she procrastinated.
"I just wanted to know when to give you this cane," Lori held up what was hers for the next week. Lynn continued to beat around the bush.
"It might be better suited for someone else."
"Oh, don't be so ridiculous. You'll be needing this right before you can run around the house. I mean, it's not like your crippled for..." Lori trailed, finally noticing Lynn's expression. "I'm so sorry Lynn. I didn't realize."
"It's not your fault. There is a chance that I won't be stuck in this damn chair, but I don't know when," Lynn said. Lori blushed at being so insensitive.
"Nobody told me about that. I just remember you when I came to and then that was that. I tried to ask about you but they kept telling me you told them not to answer."
"I figured it's better to hear it from me than anyone else. Besides, what was it like being in a coma." Lynn applauded herself internally for the swap. Lincoln came over to stand by her side, resting his hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah, why don't you tell her about your coma," he agreed. If Lynn was telepathic, she would have thanked him without letting Lori know.
"Let's see," Lori began, "I remember there being just nothing. I saw only nothing, not even the ground felt solid. next there were a bunch of voices and they spoke only gibberish. I don't remember much else, but I do recall just being stuck in our house. Nothing would open if it led outside. Then I heard Lincoln's voice from outside and the front door opened and I woke up." Lori looked at the bed, eyes staring into the distance. "Is Luan still locked up?" she laid upon her siblings.
"I think so. Why?" Lynn replied, confused.
"She was the one that did this to you?" Lori asked, still staring at the bed. Lynn hesitated before answering "Yes".
"Any idea why she did it?" Lori refused to leave the subject.
"I haven't the faintest clue," Lynn lied, wanting to drop it as fast as she could. Even Lincoln was looking uncomfortable. "Are you wanting some breakfast?"
"The nurses will come by with a cart. I'll get something then," Lori explained, no longer keeping a blank stare. Lincoln stole her attention, doing as much as he could to stall her from going back to Lynn about anything with her injuries. Lynn shook Luan from her mind, wanting to enjoy their time together.
Luan shook with the bumpy road. Her journey was supposed to be short, yet it felt long. She had all her possessions from the beginning with her, waiting to be taken until she had left for good. There was a guard in the back of the van with her, but he kept silent. She didn't expect conversation, but she also should have expected to be the only prisoner on this journey. No, no. Patient. That's what she was now. She had to remind herself of this. The windows were caged, allowing a limited view of the outside, yet the world looked nice nonetheless.
A building was drawing closer. Her final stop, she reasoned. Never did she imagine life in an asylum, particularly as a resident. They pulled up and she was escorted out of the vehicle, hands and feet bound in chains. She didn't mind the limited motion too much, since it would delay her from going inside too quickly. She followed the guards escorting her, not wanting to give them reason to carry her through the place until she was where she needed to be. She clutched her belongings, the closest thing she had to a security blanket. The escort arrived at a window with an attendant behind it. She followed the officer's instructions through the event, barely noticing a few orderlies coming over.
Luan was finally processed and handed over to the orderlies. Everything that made her who she was, such as her scrunchy, her fake flower, even her clothing choice, had been taken. She was made to put on a patient's gown and outfit, the whole thing white. The halls were bleak, with barely a colored flyer dotting the walls. A case of wonder and fear filled her. She was shown to her room, a small area with a bed and a desk, a small chair placed at the desk. The rest of the room was empty. A doctor approached the group of orderlies.
"Ah, I see you were being shown to your room," he addressed her, his voice cheery. It disarmed the fear she had, bringing great comfort in this fortress of crazy. "Show her to my office. I'll be there in a minute," he ordered the escorts. She was moved from the room through another series of hallways, lost in the maze. No wonder you hear horror stories about these places. You can't leave if you can't navigate, she thought to herself, trying to find a touch of comedy in her situation. Eventually she stopped and was ushered into what she presumed to be the doctor's office. The doctor arrived shortly after she did and dismissed the orderlies.
"Ah, yes, I'm glad to be meeting you. My name is Dr. Ling. I read up on your case file and I must say that I have yet see to anything else like it," he spoke, wrapping his fingers together. His tone was light, still bringing her comfort. "Closest I can think of is murder for the sake of thinking there's a conspiracy against you." He shifted, not wanting to give her any more worry. "I do want to know more about you, at least outside of your case." She could see the sincerity in his eyes behind his glasses.
"Well, I was a comedienne. I enjoyed making people laugh and watch their day brighten up." She smiled at the fond memories. "I performed at birthday parties. Those were always fun."
"You enjoyed cheering up others. Certainly you performed for countless people, correct?" he interjected.
"Yeah. I made some good money with it, but..." she trailed.
"But?" he urged.
"I don't think I can ever do what I loved again," she finished, her voice somber
"Well, a lot can change in a few years. You might regain that spark for comedy by the time you leave," he spoke. He had unraveled his fingers, setting his hands behind his head. She knew that this was a part of her deal, but the realization of years passing by struck her hard. She hid this from the doctor.
"You really think so?" she asked, trying to stay on track.
"Stranger things have happened, though confidentiality keeps me from talking about half of them," he told her with a wide grin. "Allow me to shift the subject a bit, now that you seem a bit more comfortable." He readjusted himself, putting his hands back on his desk with them intertwined. "I have given myself over to the study of mental health and through the years, I have constantly been testing new methods of therapy and ways to help those with problems." Luan thought he was barely forty, but he spoke like he was seventy, his face reflecting this. "Some of what I have done is rather different to how others work in my field and I discovered unorthodox ways of treatment." She stiffened after hearing this. He paused, seeing her no longer as comfortable as she had been.
"Please continue," she spoke with a mild tremble.
"Although what I do is unique for today, I always make sure that it won't harm a patient and make the problem worse. I always check with a colleague or two to make sure it could work. Otherwise, I don't go through with it and begin looking for something else to help my patient." He leaned back in his chair. "So as you can see, you're in good hands here at Saint Dymphna's Mental Hospital." He stood up and shook her hand, releasing it just as quickly. "Come along. I think it best if you were shown the rest of the hospital." He made his words reality as he walked by her and held the door open, a hand to usher her through. She obliged and a sense of wonder intermingled with terror as she followed him, still thinking about the walls. Her stomach growled quietly. Maybe she could get some food later.
Lori had finished her meal. Lincoln kept conversing with her, drawing all attention to himself. It was working since she was unable to properly give Lynn much of any thought. Lynn was glad he would try to keep old wounds from opening.
"I sure am glad I'll be getting to enjoy some food at home," Lori proclaimed, stretching as she did so. Just from looking at it, Lincoln and Lynn could tell the food didn't look too good.
"And I'm sure we'll be glad to have you enjoy some," Lincoln softly chuckled. A knock on the door interrupted them.
"I didn't know you two were coming over," their father spoke. They were just as surprised as he was. But he was still welcome nonetheless.
"Sorry, we should've just left a note for where we were going," Lynn spoke up. She did leave a note to say they had left but not as to where, though this was partially rectified as to when they would be back.
"Well, at least I don't have to drive all over hill and dale to get you guys." He put on a smile, even with as ragged as he looked. "Alright, Lori, it looks like you get to come home right now. I spoke with the people at the front desk and everything checks out." He paused while he brought over a bag. "I assume you'll want to get dressed before we leave. And don't worry, Leni picked out your clothes," he added on as he could see Lori get a worried look. She smiled and took the bag into the bathroom, hobbling along with her cane. Lincoln distracted their father until Lori came out and the whole family left for the van. Lynn was surprised by how quick Lori was.
They reached the van and climbed in. Their father set Lynn's chair in the front row of the backseats since Lynn climbed into the seats directly behind. A small wink was given to Lincoln, making him aware of why she picked that spot. The van set itself into motion and began its trek toward home. She grabbed Lincoln's hand, intertwining their fingers.
"Just my way of saying thank you for the walk," she whispered, nearly giggling.
"Wouldn't it be a roll for you?" he joked, smiling as he saw her suppress her laughter.
"You used up your one free pass for puns," she delivered. He knew it was a fake threat, seeing as she was still giggling.
"Worth it," he countered. They stayed that way all the way home until they were forced to drop the intimacy they had from view. Lincoln assisted Lynn out of the vehicle, and helped in whatever ways he could. The family went up to the front door of the house and opened it. Every other member of the house was standing there, a "Welcome Home" banner hung up behind them. Lori barely got in the house before being assailed with hugs and kind words of how everyone was happy she came home. Even the members who were at the hospital with her joined them.
Soon, the celebrations led to the passing out of cake, a sweet beginning to life back home. Lori was kept busy, not once being able to find time for a thought for herself. Lynn stayed at the table, glad life was feeling more normal. Lincoln took notice of his sister's absence and joined her.
"Why don't you join us?" he asked. She had a bittersweet smile.
"I just don't think it'd be a good idea. Something seems to be missing," she explained. He understood immediately.
"It's made even worse without you," he told her. She still wouldn't budge on the issue.
"Am I all the worst for it?" she inquired.
"I don't think so, but you could be all the better if you didn't keep a distance." She felt the words points as she failed to counter. "What's really the issue?" She sighed, finally wanting to get the issue off her chest.
"I have dreams where I'm in a position to hurt Luan. Hurt her as she hurt me, you, Lori, the family. I usually stop myself from doing anything, but I still feel monstrous for the idea." She looked at him, unsure of what to think. "Am I really a monster, Lincoln?" He pondered her words carefully before answering.
"No. Those dreams are what separate you from her. You at least try to not harm her. She didn't do that for you." His words were sweet and thick with the conviction he gave them.
"Then am I a monster for not forgiving her?" She was still worried.
"I have forgiven her for what she did to me, Lori, and our family," he informed her, "but I won't forgive her for what she did to you until you can." Lynn smiled, happy with the support. "Now come on, everyone might think something's up," he called to her as he left her side. She joined in on the festivities, a renewed vigor filling her. The house had managed to reclaim its name, fulfilling its requirements to be known as loud. The clang of the mail slot quieted everyone, telling them there was something urgent requiring their attention. Lincoln went over and grabbed it, seeing it was from Luan.
Luan stepped back into her room, her tour done with. Dr. Ling stood beside her, still smiling and being friendly to her.
"Now that you've seen the place, do you have any questions?" he asked. She stood quietly, thinking of a few.
"Will… will I be able to wear my scrunchy?" she inquired. She missed a part of her that was always there, sticking to her as much as her personality.
"I'm afraid not, at least for the next month. We need to observe you and see how much of a danger you are to yourself, as well as others. But should you be on your best behavior, then there is a chance of it being only the one month. We would need to keep you in here or in a designated area for you to be able to wear it as well," he explained. She looked disappointed at the answer.
"And I'm assuming the rest is true for my normal clothes?"
"I'm afraid so, although lengths of time for that are more uncertain." She didn't like either answer, but this was it. Certainly it had to be better than her other choice of staying in the big house.
"Will my family be able to visit me?" She barely got the words out, unsure if she wanted her family to see her like this, unsure if she wanted her family to see her at all.
"It is possible, although they may come for reasons other than strictly visiting. You'll see soon enough," he informed her. She was puzzled by his words, but she would soon find out if she stuck around long enough. "Now, I know that things are going to take some getting used to, but I managed to allow for you to keep one book in here from the library at any given time." She saw the area on her tour but they didn't stop in.
"Thank you, Dr. Ling," she spoke, grateful that there was something to help pass the time. She lay down on the bed, the doctor seeing himself out. Luan looked up at the ceiling, wondering if her letter had arrived.
Lynn lay in her own bed, the letter in hand. She kept re-reading it, soaking in its words. Once more she read it:
Dear Family,
I know that what I did was wrong and hurt you more than I can describe. I tore us apart and I am paying for it now. I'm going to get help and I hope you do as well. I'm sorry Mom and Dad, for what I've done to you. I hope you don't blame yourselves as this was all my fault. I'm sorry Lori, for stabbing you and causing your coma. I'm sorry Luna, for leaving you alone for the next few years as well as blackmailing you. I'm sorry Lana, Lola, and Leni, for scaring you with my actions. I'm sorry Lily, for not being around to see you grow up. I'm sorry Lincoln, for hurting you by making you watch me tear apart our family. And I'm very sorry Lynn, for causing the greatest pain to you. I took your ability to walk and I tried to kill you. Nothing I say can undo these things and I don't expect them to. The most I can do is apologize, regret my actions, and ask for your forgiveness. I won't blame you for not forgiving me, as I don't expect you to. Hopefully you read this and that is the most I can ask. I miss you and only want to help you.
Sincerely, Luan Loud.
Lynn finished the letter and saw the door open, Lincoln stepping in.
"You okay?" he queried. She sat up and set the paper aside. He moved in and sat on her bed, closing the door as he did so.
"I don't know," she told him, her voice uncertain. Lincoln took her right hand and held it. She returned the grip.
"I guess that makes all of us," he told her. The house was much quieter than before, only filled with whispers and hushed voices. A moment of silence passed them by.
"I now know what you mean by not hating her," Lynn spoke. Lincoln was surprised. He didn't think she would ever understand him. "I still won't forgive her. But..." her pause was thick, "I'm glad she got help." Lincoln smiled bittersweetly.
"I am, too," he replied. Lynn smiled.
"Do you want to just sit on the steps outside?" she asked. He agreed and they went out. The family was still in the living room, discussing the letter with varying reactions. The couple closed the front door and took spots on the steps. They held hands again. The evening had begun, the sun barely dropping in the sky. Lynn thought it felt nice.
"I think we should do this more often," Lincoln agreed, seeming to have picked up on her thoughts.
"I want to just sit here with you forever," she admitted to him. She felt happier than she thought was possible. Her boyfriend felt the same way, a look of bliss covering his face.
"Do you want to go to the arcade tomorrow?" he asked, grinning.
"Only if we're going to Jean-Juan's before that," she replied. They both chuckled. The only noise after they were done laughing was a random car passing by and some birds singing. "What do you think the future holds for us?" she asked.
"I don't know, but it seems you'll be in it and that's good enough for me," he spoke honestly. Her smile grew bigger and she kissed him. She pulled away and he looked terrified.
"That window sometimes has people looking through it," he warned as he pointed to the big window next to their door.
"And sometimes it doesn't. We can deal with any problems later. Right now, I just want to watch the sun with you and nothing else." She squeezed his hand slightly. "You make me the happiest girl in the world, Lincoln." She took a deep breath. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Lynn," he returned. She leaned on him, the both of them with giant grins stuck to their faces. He still wondered if he loved her the way she did him, but he wouldn't voice it. She was there and he knew that he wouldn't break her heart, ever. They watched the sun until it set, holding each other close and wondering about their time together in the future. But this was now and now… now was good enough for them.
Author's Note: I guess this is the end of the story, at least at it's most basic. I do have an epilogue that I'm going to write and add to this. I had a lot of fun and I'm glad I wrote this. It has it's imperfections but there are places where I can think of no other words to apply than what is written. I am glad this story was looked at quite often and I hope all of you, dear readers, enjoyed the journey. Soon, you'll be at the destination. I never intended for things to turn out so, but I'm sure some of you have noticed the change in description. That was my original plan, but I'm glad the plan changed.
I guess there's nothing else to say here, other than a thank you. Thanks also goes out to The Loud Author. Without their works, I wouldn't have written this. So please, stick around and enjoy the finale.
Edit: This is it. The final chapter to receive an edit update. If you missed the chance to save the story as it was presented to this glorious site, then I do have the originals that made it here (minus the coming epilogue), but I don't know when or if I'll ever put them here again or elsewhere for the amusement of others. I held the mindset that a story should be left untouched the second it reaches the internet, that you should go back as an author and measure how far you've come without ever editing what was published. I guess I serve as a perfect example of hypocrisy.
But that's still the mindset I want to hold and spread because everyone needs to look at their measuring stick and see how much they changed. I never edited the ANs because I wanted to leave those alone and serve their purpose as severely dated things. Even now, I don't view this edit section as truly tampering with the ANs. So, with this small celebration of sorts, I'm going to upload the epilogue on the anniversary of this story's publishing date for the first chapter. I thank you for reading this story and I still thank you for those who had been here since the beginning, waiting for the proper ending to this tale. I just hope I can deliver well enough.
