Night awoke the next morning tired. Thursday, she thought. The events of last night lingered in her mind as she got ready for school. I've got to make a choice, she realized, I either stay with Bendy and risk Toxic getting stronger from my insanity, or I stay away from him and things go back to normal- depressed and lonely..

The complication of the situation seemed to vanish, but it was replaced with the unbearable pressure of decision making. Night forced it away to the back of her mind and headed downstairs to leave for the bus stop.

Today was extra chilly and dark. The pale moon was still visible in the lightning sky as the bus came. May wasn't on the bus, so Night took a seat with Hydro, who shifted to let her be on the window side. He seemed tired, and only called greeting to her. The whole bus is a little quieter. Probably from the party, Night figured.

She slumped down and stared out the window at the colorful trees blurring by. She knew that she'd best be figuring out things about Toxic, but Night pulled out her headphones to distract herself. All she wanted was a break from the constant pain and anxiety..

You've got to make a decision, though.. She thought, sighing. You've got to make a decision soon..

…

Math, for once, hadn't made Night feel better. Now when she saw Bendy she couldn't make herself push him away, so she worked beside him silently. She hardly heard the announcements of Parent-Teacher conferences next week. P.N never showed up, but Toxic made a few appearances.

Night was caught up in her head until lunch. The tiredness of the morning hadn't worn off- but worsened. Night didn't get lunch. Instead she sat down in the grass at the side of the school. The Winter's cold chilled her to the bone, and as she sat there not knowing what to do, P.N drifted into her gaze.

She's gaining power from the depression.. Night thought. At least she's not Toxic. She couldn't deal with her right now.

"Night," P.N began, "..You don't have to make this decision, y'know."

"You aren't going to make it for me.."

"Yeah- I know. This is a perfect time to escape, Night! Look at yourself. You're torn in two because of some kid who you'll never see after highschool. If you're this weak right now, who knows what will happen when you're older? When you have even more responsibilities?

"We both know that Toxic is going to get stronger if you keep this up. It would be a plus for everyone if you killed yourself, c-considering what Toxic can do with that much power.."

Part of Night knew she was right, but the other part was selfish and wanted to stay with Bendy. Is the cost worth it? She asked herself, shaking her head in confusion. Weighing the pros and cons was too much.

"You're caught up in some romance story," P.N went on, getting closer as her voice gained more venom, "And it's the kind that doesn't have a happy ending. Trust me, I've seen this shit in my own life. So end yours already!"

"Go away!" Night suddenly shouted, tears sparking in her eyes. This was too much. She COULDN'T do this any longer. I can't pretend I'm happy. I can't live with P.N. controlling me. I can't live a life of bringing others down.

"There is no happy ending for me.." Night whispered, "And maybe my friends would be better off without me too.."

She thought of Cindy- her cheerful innocence being tainted by the realization of the darkness of Night's problems. She thought of May- and adding her struggles to her overburdened shoulders. She thought of Hydro- who had yet to know the sorts of things that sat in her mind.

But most of all she thought of Bendy- who had a successful and long life ahead of him. He didn't know what he was getting himself into. Night only caused problems..

Night sniffed and stood up. It all seemed clear now. "Fine. I'll do it," the words were bittersweet on her tongue, "I'll kill myself."

P.N paused in disbelief, then cracked a grin.

"Finally."

…

The days that followed were a blur. Night couldn't focus on Friday's schoolwork, nor did she have time for her concerned friends. Instead she plotted her suicide. She had it all figured out by Sunday. P.N had convinced her it was best not to leave a note- and to make the death quick.

"A rope would be good," P.N had said, "Once you kick the chair you won't be able to go back."

Toxic never made an appearance, and one night P.N was at the height of her strength.

"I'm going to try something," P.N. declared when Night was sitting soulessly on her bed. And with that she had lunged into Night.

She let out a gasp as her own soul left her body and she became a ghost. P.N., meanwhile, had taken control of her body and tried to stand up.

"Hey!" Night shouted, but the words made no sound. All she could do was watch as P.N. wobbled on her own legs, before sitting down again and letting Night have her body.

"Wh-what!" Night exclaimed, "You can do that?"

But P.N. wasn't there. Maybe it depletes her energy.. Night figured. Not that it matters.

Sunday passed painfully slow. The days continued like watching paint dry. Night decided she would carry out her plan when she got home on Tuesday, so she had time to spend some final moments with her loved ones. I'll allow myself to be a little selfish..

It was Monday, and Night actually had a good day. Some sort of accepting feeling had overtaken her. She felt at peace, knowing that her pain would end soon. The Parent-Teacher conferences were today, so school let out early. Her schedule went as usual- She had Ramen for one of the last times, and Karen drove her to school when the sun was setting.

Night timidly walked behind her foster mother in the halls, and soon they were at her first period. Night's grades weren't the best- the only thing she had an A in was art, and Karen shot her the most disgusted glare each time she heard that Night had an F.

"She's a really talented student," Mrs. Brooks, Night's art teacher said, "Night has an amazing gift for art, as well as an A in my class! You won't be needing to worry about her here."

Night looked at Mrs. Brooks. She's a kind of teacher that I like. She understands her students.. I'll miss her. Karen nodded, "Yeah- drawing is all she does!" -she scoffed in exasperation- "Not like she'll get a job doing just that. The art community is a rip-off of a living!"

Night shrank down and lowered her eyes. Mrs. Brooks noticed this, and said, "I think you should have more faith in your daughter, miss."

"She's not my daughter." Karen snarled, and with that, got up to leave. Night shot an apologetic look at her teacher as she trailed behind the woman, and Mrs. Brooks returned it. It's okay, I'll be free of her soon.. Night wanted to reassure the teacher.

As soon as the pair were further down the hall, Night spotted Cindy skipping up to her.

"Hi, Night!" She greeted cherrily, then turned to Karen, "You must be her foster mom!"

Karen eyed the girl thoughtfully, "Yes, I am. Who are you?"

"My name's Cindy! Night's friend!"

"Quiet down, will you?" Karen snapped. Cindy looked a little hurt, but spoke normally as she looked at Night again, "Is your day going w-"

"We're in a hurry," Karen hissed, looming over Cindy, who swallowed.

"R-right! Sorry to slow you down!" Cindy apologized, turning back to her mom, who shot a glare at Karen. Night's blood boiled. You're so difficult! There was no reason to be mean to Cindy!

But Karen smirked and continued walking. "What a nuisance."

"She's not a nuisance," Night said boldly, "She's a great, cheerful friend and y-you should be nicer to her." I might as well stand up to her now! Night thought. But she immediately regretted her words when Karen turned to her, fury in her piercing gaze.

"What was that?" She asked, voice dangerously soft.

"N-nothing.." Night mumbled.

Karen held her gaze for a moment. "Don't you ever oppose me like that again," She hissed softly, "Or I'll make sure you regret it."

Night nodded vigorously, fear fluttering in her stomach. That was a mistake!

Things only got worse from there. Karen continued to insult all of Night's teachers throughout the evening. They were in the cafeteria, where friends greeted each other and met parents between meetings.

Karen let out a gasp, "Vinny!" she exclaimed. Night followed her gaze and saw a woman who looked like Becca- but older- look up from her phone.

"Karen! OMG! Long time no see, huh?" The lady, Vinny, rushed over to her foster parent, and to Night's dismay, was followed by Becca. This must be her mom.. Night inwardly groaned.

As the two ladies chatted Becca greeted her as well.

"Oh, Night..! I didn't expect to see you here."

"Yeah, uh.." Night trailed off, not knowing what to say, "Hello.."

"Where's Bendy? I'm surprised you aren't busy mooning over him, you filthy frog!"

"That's exactly what you do," Night said, unafraid of Becca.

She looked shocked, then turned red. "HOW DARE YOU!?"

Her sudden outburst caught the attention of the mothers, who snapped their attention to Night. Uh oh..

"NIGHT! What did I tell you about keeping your mouth shut?" Karen scolded, "You'd better get out of my sight and leave Becca alone! Such a fair princess shouldn't be bothered by someone as lowly as YOU."

Night nodded eagerly, and turned away from the cringe trio. Only to bump into someone. Gazing up, she locked eyes with none other than Jax, who grinned. "Glad ta see me again?"

Night's heart immediately started pounding, and her legs froze. No.. He wouldn't attack me here!

"I'll take that as a yes," Jax said, "Why don't you listen to your mom and follow me somewhere else?"

"N-no.." Night managed to spit out the word, but it was no more than a whisper. So Jax grabbed her by the sleeve and dragged her away.

When they had nearly reached a door leading outside, Bendy intercepted them, blocking the way with a hardened glare.

"Let go of her, Jax," He demanded.

Jax let go of her sleeve, because he knew she was too scared to unfreeze. "Nah, I think I'll finish my business with her."

Night met eyes with Bendy, then looked down. Don't waste your time. Then she saw something flash silver in Jax's sleeve. He's brought his pocket knife! She realized with a jolt. No- I can't let him hurt Bendy again.

Without quite thinking, Night lunged at Jax's arm and grabbed the blade. Jax, caught by surprise, turned around and stared at her. But before he could do anything Bendy shoved between them. Night dropped the knife and held Bendy's hand.

"She's done nothing to you," Bendy said, "Just leave her alone."

Jax made a growling noise and locked eyes with Night. This is the last time I'll have to see you, Night thought. She held his snake-like gaze, and was relieved when Jax turned away.

After he shuffled into the crowd Bendy looked at her. "Are you okay?"

Night nodded, "Thanks to you.."

To Night's surprise, Bendy leaned down and hugged her. But Night only stood there. I can't hug him back.

He released her with his hands still on her shoulders and stared at her. "Was that what's been on your mind..? Jax? You don't have to worry about him.." he whispered.

If only it were just that.

"Something has been so off about you lately.. Is there anything I can do?" He asked, then added, "It's Toxic, right..?"

Night's fists curled. "I-If you want to help th-then get away from me!" She burst, turning away. Night was tired of having to see his face. Not because she hated him, but because it was too painful to be reminded of the thing that stopped her from dying.

"Night, wait!" Bendy pleaded. But she was already running. The tears that stung in her eyes blurred everything as she pushed blindly through the crowd, not quite aware of where she was heading. After blinking away the tears, Night spotted an empty hall ahead. She put on more speed and rushed towards it, practically slamming herself into the wall and letting out a sob as she crumpled down. There were a few gasps of surprise behind her, but no one paid any more attention.

She sat there for a few moments, letting out her tears like a lost child. The world around her felt muted and muffled compared to the vast amount of sadness that overwhelmed her. Then she looked up.

On the other side of the hall was a door.. 'Roof access'. Something clicked in her brain, and Night stood up. P.N. shifted into existence beside her. Looking to her right, Night saw Bendy and Jax standing face-to-face, shouting. Bendy was trying to get through to her.

Before Night could see what happened, P.N. floated in front of her face, blocking the crowd. "You know what to do," she said softly.

Night nodded and sniffed, facing the door and walking forward. She felt like an astronaut, moving slowly like she was dazed by a beautiful sight. Roof Access..

She pushed her hand to the door and opened it. She was met with a stairway leading upwards. Night took a step.. Then the others came faster, faster- she was running up the stairs. She could hear shouts echoing through the concrete walls.

"Stop! Wait!"

"Night, please!"

"Go on! Do it!"

Night burst through the door at the top, the icy winter wind slapping her face and biting her nose with it's frostbitten teeth. The ledge was just a few steps away. Just a few steps. Past it was the wide expanse of the sky. The sky she had looked up to so many times and yelled at in pain. The heartless, cold stars glittered back at her while the full moon hung lazily in the sky. Something so beautiful..

Night heard footsteps echoing behind her as she put her feet on the edge and spread her arms slowly. The wind slowed, and the world seemed silent for a moment.

Nothing moved- no one spoke.

Night's emotions vanished into the odd feeling of peace.

She looked down. The ground was far enough away to kill her or at least seriously injure her.

She closed her eyes and smiled, her chest falling in one last relieved breath. "Not everyone gets a happy ending."

She paused. The words lingered in the cold air as if someone had spoken them. Then she realized that someone had. Night didn't look behind her, but opened her eyes and stared at the moon.

"You've got to read a story before you get to the end. Don't close a book just because you don't like what's happening, Night.."

Tears once again sparked in her eyes. No.. Don't back down now..

Bendy's voice choked with emotion. "I want you to be in my story. I want you and I to live to the end and see what it's like to be happy. S-so please…"

Night lowered her arms and turned her head, looking back at him.

He was crying. "Come back to me," He whispered.

Night let out a sob and stumbled away from the ledge, crying hard as she ran into Bendy's outstretched arms. P.N. was floating through her, trying to possess her over and over again. But it wouldn't work. No- nothing could tear Night away from Bendy now.

I'm never going to leave your side, Night silently vowed, hugging him harder, I won't let you cry over me again.

The two stood there in the warm embrace for a while, until Night pulled back.

"I-i'm so sorry.." She whispered.

"No, don't be. You're going through hell right now.. But lucky for you, you've got a demon guiding you now." Bendy let out a laugh, tears in his eyes.

Night sniffed herself and cried in relief, hugging him again.

The breeze blew through Night's hair, but she hardly felt the piercing cold. "L-let's get back inside," Bendy suggested, wiping his eyes.

Night nodded and held his hand, walking down the steps arm-in-arm. Jax was nowhere to be seen as the pair emerged into the halls once again. The Parent Teacher Conferences were over, as the crowd that was once gathered in the lunchroom had dispersed.

Night gripped Bendy's hand harder as she spotted Karen walking towards them. The look of fury on her foster mother's face wasn't hidden at all.

"Night. You have been misbehaving too much! You can say goodbye to the warm house I provided you with! The cloths and food and-"

"Does this mean you're disowning me?" Night asked, trying not to let the hope sound in her voice.

Karen stomped her foot, "Precisely, you little-!"

"Then if you don't mind I think she can stay at my house for the night," A new voice said. Night looked up and saw Cindy's mom. I can't stand another moment with her! Thank you!

Karen looked furiously at the woman, then at Cindy, who was partially hiding behind her mother.

"Do what you will with her! She'll be back at the adoption center by morning!" Karen shouted.

Night and Bendy both stepped back a few paces, so that Night could stand by Cindy. Her mom was about to say something, but Karen stormed off without another word.

"...Phew," Cindy exhaled, "That woman is scary!"

"No kidding," Bendy murmured.

"Yeah, right? ..Thanks," Night added, looking at Cindy's mom.

"That is OK with you, right?" She asked, "To sleep over with CIndy for a night? I'm so sorry you've had to deal with Karen."

Night nodded gratefully, "You're a lifesaver!" Then exchanged a look with Bendy, who smiled.

"Well you can sleep over for the night, and then grab your things in the morning and we can sort all that out. For now let's just focus on getting to the house," Cindy's mom said, smiling reassuringly.

And so they did. Bendy and Night exchanged words and phone numbers before she got in the car with Cindy, who desperately wanted to be filled in. Night didn't talk much, as she just looked out the window at the car's moonlight-bathed surroundings.

"I'll tell you in the morning," Night promised as she drowsily stared out the car window. I'll have a semi-lie thought up of by then..

Night looked up at the moon with heavy eyelids.

I'll make sure I have a good ending.