Click clack, click clack.

Footsteps echoed throughout the hallway. A group of tourists whispered and gasped at the ancient artworks. They passed by a girl whose name was Ib. She was leaning against a blank wall in a corner, idling away her time by watching the visitors' actions and half-listening on their discussions.

Ever since Ib opened her eyes to find herself on the same spot she was standing, she had returned to the museum countless times.

Ib had finally remembered everything: the indelible, surreal and traumatic experiences. Nightmares followed, such as Mary, with all her scars and cuts, holding a knife in one hand and a rose in the other. The scarlet petals of the rose fell one by one and landed in a pile by her feet, until it changed and melted into a pool of redness. Mary smirked and raised the knife...

Someone, tall and familiar, jolted Ib out of her reverie by shaking her on the shoulder and calling her name. The person who had stayed by her side, stuck with her through thick and thin. The same person she returned to the museum for, again and again. How many years have it been? She had always been waiting, determined to keep their promise.

"Hello again, Ib-" Gary began before Ib turned and leaped into his arms, cutting him off. Without the need for the exchange of words, the two locked in embrace, just enjoying each other's presence. Ib felt that was enough.

"I saw Mary before I came here." Gary continued when they finally pulled away. "She's right behind me..."

Gary narrowed his eyes and scanned the crowd. "That's strange, I'm sure she was following me before."

Ib had already spotted her. She stood at the end of the hallway, her eyes staring straight back. Clad in a simple dress, her soft expression, Mary had changed.

"She's here." Ib said. Mary remained as still and silent as stone.

Gary blinked and Ib was gone. She was already moving towards Mary, pushing through the crowd and trying not to lose sight of her.

The distance between them was getting closer. The memory of Mary in her painting and wilted roses flashed across Ib's mind. She shook her head to get rid of the image and looked forward. She believed in the Mary of now. She had risked everything when she jumped through the mural with Ib and Gary, after all.

Ib threw her arms around the new Mary, laughing. Mary grinned and returned the hug, stroking the back of her hair. Gary soon caught up with them and was awkwardly standing beside Ib when Mary abruptly grabbed his arm and pulled him in. The trio had a group hug and it only lasted a few seconds.

Mary wore a cheeky grin as she tickled Gary, causing him to fall over, dragging Ib with him. Gary managed to grab hold of a giggling Mary and she toppled over too. Soon all three of them were on top of one another, laughing heartily and poking one another playfully.

The people around them were staring openly. Some mumbled about them losing their heads, some grunted in annoyance and some ignored them. Others laughed with them, amused. The staff immediately gave Ib, Gary and Mary a lecture on museum etiquette which after they tried to apologize while holding back their laughter.

In that single blissful moment, no matter how fleeting it was, they had no burdens to carry in their hearts. And they were truly, wonderfully, happy.

~ The End ~

[ The conclusion is finally reached! To be honest I wasn't planning to make this fanfic as long as it was. But I've tried to make time to finish what I started and I'm really glad it's finally done!

If you have, thank you so much for reading the entire story and reaching this far! I hope you've enjoyed it despite my writing not being that polished. Thanks for sticking around, I appreciate it a lot! No matter what the future lies, Ib knew that she could get through it, with Gary and Mary having her back.

Thanks again! Have a nice day~! ]