Wait...what did she mean by that?
It didn't make much sense to anyone...except maybe one person. Mr. Herriman heard Madame Foster suddenly sigh. Passing a glance at her, she appeared to have her head bowed and eyes closed. Looking closely at her face it appeared sullen, but he couldn't figure out why.
"Such a smart girl," she whispered. "To know that there's another side to imaginary friends by means of existence…"
Did she mean...there was a way to reverse their existence?
"Way ahead of you," Berry concluded, preparing to press the button on the remote. "The sooner you're out of here the better!"
"That's expected, but I don't think you quite understand." Cherry said.
"What do you mean, Cherry?" Mac questioned.
"It's exactly what I mean. Clear your minds of me...Just forget that I exist, and soon it'll become real."
It soon became clear to everyone...especially Bloo. It was as if the realization hit them with a ton of bricks.
"What? You're kidding, right!?" The blue friend interjected. "I thought imaginary friends could only exist! They can't just disappear!"
"Wait, what!?" Berry followed. "Are you serious? You're lying...You're just trying to get attention!"
They could suddenly see a small speck of her shoulder become transparent. It was clear that this wasn't a joke. Everyone's eyes couldn't get any wider. Someone had forgotten her already? Who was it?
Mr. Herriman glanced over to Madame Foster again, only to notice tears were seen sliding down her cheeks. She didn't sob, nor did she utter a word. But her hands were shaking. Did she...do what Cherry requested?
"I've caused everyone trouble," Cherry said. "If I had known there would be repercussions I would have never come to Foster's. Everyone would be better off without me here…"
"Are you crazy!?" Frankie called. "You have no idea how much of a huge help you've been around here, especially me! Even though it's been over a week, you've helped just about everyone here! You can't expect us to just forget that! I've always wanted to repay you for your kindness, but…why do I feel like I've only taken advantage of it!?"
Cherry looked at her, noticing Frankie's eyes had welled up with tears.
"You haven't taken advantage of me," she smiled. "I've told you that it's in my nature to help you. It's not because I needed to, but because I wanted to. Next to my creator, I can say you were the first friend I ever grew close to. You've helped me open up to other friends and encouraged me every step of the way. I'm thankful we've met."
Frankie was prepared to sob, but she had to retain her composure. As a result, without noticing the elder owner, she too closed her eyes and bowed her head. Seeing that the same action was repeated, Mr. Herriman also followed suit, clutching Madame's hands tightly. The remainder of the group could see that many other friends within the audience did the same...which soon resulted in more of Cherry's body becoming transparent. An arm, foot, and other shoulder were disappearing. Mac, Bloo and Berry appeared as if they were in absolute shock.
"Cherry! Please don't make us do this!"
The pink friend looked over to Wilt, Eduardo and Coco, all with tears in their eyes.
"You coming to Foster's didn't feel like it was long enough," Wilt mustered. "I'm sorry, but please...just call this off!"
"Coco! Coco coco coco coco…! (Wilt is right! There's so much we haven't done yet…!)"
"Si! There's so much we haven't done!" Eduardo followed. "Just give us a day! We can still do everything!"
Cherry only smiled.
"I would've been happy to, except this event has been unfortunate, hasn't it?" She said. "Wilt, I've never had a friend that was as kind and helpful as you. Eduardo, you have a heart of gold and beyond that is a huge sea of courage, so continue to be strong. And Coco…" she takes a breath. "Coco coco...coco, coco coco. (Stay beautiful...both you, and your language.)"
Why was it that her words have been hitting everyone close to her just right...? Others who weren't ready to forget were astounded that the pink friend knew what to say, and it only made them panic more. The three felt at peace hearing those words, and thus bowed their heads.
...And soon her opposing arm and leg became transparent.
"There's still time to stop this, Cherry!" Bloo's best friend called, trying his best to hold back tears. "You're letting your sister have her way again! She can't be in control of your life! Why even do this to yourself!?"
"...To protect your memory."
Mac stopped to take in what she meant.
"You won't remember this event once you forget."
"But what about you!? Don't you love the memories you had!?"
She smiled.
"...Very much," she answered. "I wouldn't have gotten this far without them. But there's only one person who can cherish the memories they already have."
"There is…?"
"You, Mac. You come here everyday to make memories. It doesn't have to include everyone you meet...The important thing is to cherish them with the ones you care about the most, and that can be everyone else that still lives under this roof. You're still one of the closest friends I've had...so don't stop yourself from making new ones."
As tears began falling down his face, he nodded. Noticing the crowd, he proceeded to copy their action. The pink friend's lower half became transparent.
