Change

After playing video games for a few hours, Anne and Marcy decide to go to bed. Anne's exhausted from the long day so she's able to fall asleep fast. Marcy has a hard time sleeping, but her exhaustion eventually takes over and she falls into a deep sleep.

All of the sudden, Marcy's back in Amphibia. Having a vivid nightmare about the traumatic events that happened to her. Everything's happening so fast and in flashes. From when Anne and Sasha backed away from her, leaving her alone, to getting stabbed in the back with the fire sword, to thinking she was going to be saved by Olivia and Yunan only to get electrocuted and assimilated into The Core's collection of minds. That was when she lost control of her mind and body. Being forced to fight her closest friends.

All of the desperation, sadness, and terrifying loneliness that Marcy felt while being trapped in The Core comes back to her. It was so dark in there, all she remembers was hearing the voices of The Core's minds keeping her trapped in her own dark thoughts. This time as she battled Anne and Sasha, she wasn't strong enough to fight and she gave in.

As Anne and Sasha try to save Marcy, Darcy takes complete control and hits Anne, distracting Sasha. Darcy grabs Sasha's duel swords and uses both of them to stab Anne and Sasha.

Anne and Sasha fall. Marcy's terrified inside of The Core, but Darcy is laughing maniacally on the outside, tears still running down her face as Marcy cries for her now dead friends.

All of the sudden, Marcy wakes up from her nightmare, screaming and crying as the intense feelings take hold of her. She sits up in bed holding her hands over her eyes with a terrified expression on her face.

Anne wakes up and immediately notices Marcy's fearful state. She hugs Marcy close, trying to bring her back to reality and reassure her that she's safe.

"Marcy, it's okay. It's Anne, I'm here." Anne said.

Marcy takes her hands away from her face and looks at Anne, slowly starting to calm down as she hugs Anne back tightly.

"I'm so sorry Anne. I just had a nightmare and it all felt so real." Marcy said.

"It's okay Marcy. You're safe now. Just take deep breaths." Anne replied.

Anne can feel Marcy slowly calming down as they breathe together. She's relieved that Marcy's slowly coming down from her nightmare. She hopes she'll talk about it, but doesn't want to push her. It takes time to heal from trauma and Anne's more than willing to be patient for her.

Suddenly, the Boonchuy's come into Anne's room with worried expressions.

"Is everything alright in here? We heard a scream." Mr. Boonchuy asked.

Mrs. Boonchuy notices Marcy's sad and fearful expression and walks up to her, putting her hand on her shoulder.

"Marcy, are you okay?" Mrs. Boonchuy asked.

"I just had a nightmare, but Anne calmed me down. I'm sorry I woke both of you up." Marcy replied.

Mrs. Boonchuy looks at Anne, concerned that her daughter may be taking on more than she can handle. Anne's always been protective of Marcy. That's just the way she is, compassionate and empathetic towards others. So much so that she tends to neglect her own well being.

"It's okay Marcy. Why don't we all head down to the kitchen for some chai tea. That always calms me down when I'm feeling anxious." Mrs. Boonchuy said.

Anne and Marcy nod as they both start to feel better. Anne helps Marcy walk as they all head down to the kitchen together.

Once they're all seated at the table, Mr. Boonchuy starts making the chai tea. Mrs. Boonchuy asked Anne if she could talk to her in private, so they head to the living room. Anne can tell there's something wrong by the worried expression on her Mom's face.

"What's wrong Mom?" Anne asked.

"Anne, I know you care about Marcy, but I just want to make sure you're taking care of yourself too. You've both been through a lot, and I'm so happy that you're supporting each other. But, just make sure that big heart of yours doesn't get burned out. You're Dad and I are always here if you need to talk." Mrs. Boonchuy said.

Anne smiles, happy to know her Mom is looking out for her. She realizes that she may be taking on too much. She loves Marcy and wants to help, but this trauma that Marcy's experiencing may be more than she can handle on her own. Anne starts to tear up as she lets her sadness out and hugs her Mom tightly.

"Mom, I'm just so scared and sad. I wish I could just go back and change the past so that Marcy, Sasha, and I never found that music box. I know a lot of good came out of it, but at what cost? I'm just so tired Mom." Anne said.

"It's okay honey. I'm here for you. Whatever you need." Mrs. Boonchuy said.

Anne starts to feel lighter, like a heavy weight has been lifted off her shoulders as she realizes she doesn't have to do this alone. She has her parents' love and support, and she knows that they're more than willing to help Marcy too.

With that, Anne and her Mom walk back to the kitchen to join Marcy and Mr. Boonchuy for chai tea. Mr. Boonchuy and Marcy were talking about video games while Anne and her Mom were in the other room. A much needed distraction for Marcy to take her mind off of her nightmare.

It's the middle of the night, and they're all physically and emotionally exhausted. But this relaxing moment's exactly what everyone needed.

Anne takes Marcy's hand and they both smile at one another. Enjoying this peaceful moment together. Anne feels emotionally recharged and ready to be there for Marcy, secure in knowing she has her parents to lean on for support when she needs it.

Once they're done with their chai tea, the Boonchuy's head back up to their room while Anne and Marcy head up to Anne's room. Anne looks at her parents and smiles, letting them know she's grateful for their help, reassuring them that she's going to be okay. Her parents smile back, proud of their daughter and how much she has grown.

Back in Anne's room, Anne and Marcy lie in bed together. Marcy's staring at the ceiling, trying to fall asleep while Anne lies next to her. The peaceful moment in the kitchen definitely helped ease their anxiety, but Anne can't help but worry for Marcy.

"Marcy, do you need anything?" Anne asked.

"I think I'll be okay." Marcy replied.

Anne can tell something's wrong, but she doesn't want to push Marcy. She knows Sasha would definitely try to make Marcy tell her what's going on, but Anne knows that kind of tough love doesn't work for Marcy. It only makes her shut them out more, so she trusts that Marcy will talk to her when she's ready.

"Okay, let me know when you want to talk." Anne said.

Marcy looks at Anne and can tell that she's still worried about her. She wants to open up, but she doesn't know how to explain all of the complicated emotions she's feeling.

"I will Anne, I promise. I'm not going to shut you out this time. It's just, I don't know how to talk about what I'm feeling. It's so strange. One minute I was breaking down and now I feel nothing." Marcy said.

Anne puts her hand on Marcy's hand. She's relieved that Marcy's at least talking about it, but wants so badly to make her pain go away. Anne hopes her support is enough.

"Marcy, I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. I wish there was something I could do or say to help." Anne said.

"Anne, you being here for me is more than enough." Marcy replied.

Anne's relieved to hear this and she can tell Marcy's being genuine in saying it. Both girls start to feel tired as a sense of safety comes over them. They slowly start to fall asleep, drifting away into the peaceful night.


The next morning, Anne wakes up to the sounds of her parents making breakfast in the kitchen downstairs. Marcy's still fast asleep and Anne tries her best not to wake her as she hops out of bed.

Anne wonders what the day has in store for them. She knows that Marcy's probably going to move in with Ally and Jess soon, but she's not sure when. Thinking about this, Anne feels nervous. She's happy that Marcy's not moving out of state, but she's concerned Ally and Jess won't know what to do if Marcy has another nightmare. She just wants to make sure Marcy has the support she needs.

All of the sudden, Marcy starts waking up. Anne takes a deep breath, holding back her anxiety and smiles, not wanting to worry Marcy.

"Good morning Marcy. How did you sleep?" Anne asked.

"I slept great actually. Your parents were right Anne, the chai tea and lighthearted conversation really helped." Marcy said.

"I'm so happy to hear that Marcy. I'm glad you're feeling better." Anne replied.

With that, Anne and Marcy head down to the kitchen together to get some breakfast. As Anne helps Marcy walk she realizes how light she is. Marcy probably hasn't eaten since she lost her back in Amphibia and starts to worry for Marcy.

Once Anne and Marcy get to the kitchen, they sit down at the table. Anne's relieved that Marcy will finally be getting the nutrients she needs. Mrs. Boonchuy serves them both omelets with mushrooms, potatoes, and vegetables. Anne's excited to dig in as these are her favorite.

"Thank you for making breakfast Mom, but are you sure this is enough for Marcy?" Anne asked.

Marcy looks at Anne slightly confused as they both got the same portion.

"The doctor said that we need to take it slow when giving Marcy food because she hasn't eaten for a month." Mrs. Boonchuy replied.

"Yeah Anne, it's basic science. My body needs to get used to digesting again so it's best to start out slow and with more protein rich foods, complex carbs, and vegetables with vitamins and minerals. So this meal is actually perfect." Marcy said.

"Okay, I understand. I'm just worried about you is all." Anne replied.

Marcy smiles, happy to know her girlfriend is looking out for her. Anne smiles back, trusting Marcy and her Mom know what they're talking about. And with that they start eating their breakfast, Anne's parents joining in.

Once they're all finished with breakfast, the Boonchuy's let Anne and Marcy know that they've contacted Ally and Jess. They're planning on picking Marcy up later that afternoon and Marcy's parents will be there as well.

Marcy's shocked to hear this. All of this change seems to be happening so fast. She's also nervous to see her parents again. So she reminds herself she's lucky her parents are letting her stay in Los Angeles with Anne.

Anne and Marcy head back upstairs to get ready for the day. They plan on meeting up with Sasha at the mall for one last girls day out before Marcy moves in with Ally and Jess.

Anne thinks a fun time at the mall will be a nice distraction for Marcy after the emotional nightmare she had, and Marcy's excited to hang out with Anne and Sasha for the day.

Once Anne and Marcy are ready, they head downstairs to meet Mr. Boonchuy at the door. He carries Marcy's wheelchair and loads it in the back of the car as Anne helps Marcy walk.

Once they are all settled in the car, Mr. Boonchuy drives and they plan on meeting Sasha there. Anne and Marcy are excited to meet up with Sasha, but nervous to tell her about their new relationship.

"How do you think Sasha's going to react to us being a couple?" Anne asked.

"I think she will be supportive, I just don't know how it's going to affect our friendship as a group. I hope she doesn't feel left out." Marcy replied.

"I don't think she will. Sasha's changed. I'm sure she will be honest with us if she feels out of place." Anne said.

Marcy nods, agreeing with Anne. Both girls know that Sasha will probably be fine with them being together and they're confident about telling her.

Before they know it, they arrive at the mall. Mr. Boonchuy gets Marcy's wheelchair out of the back and Anne helps her out of the car. Once Marcy's in her wheelchair, both she and Anne say goodbye to Mr. Boonchuy and walk to the mall entrance. Sasha waits by the door, waving at them with a smile.

Once they all meet up, they get together for a group hug, happy to be together again. They go inside the mall, laughing and talking just like old times. After they do some shopping, they stop at a table and sit down to talk.

Anne and Marcy look at one another and nod, ready to tell Sasha about their relationship. Sasha looks at them both slightly confused, but open to hearing what they're going to say.

"Sasha, Marcy and I are in a relationship now. It kind of just happened recently and we're both happy together." Anne said.

Marcy nods, both girls blushing as they smile at one another. They look back to Sasha for her reaction.

"Finally! I knew you two nerds would end up together. I'm so happy for both of you." Sasha said.

"That's what Anne's Mom said too. Did everyone know we were going to end up together except us?" Marcy replied.

"I guess so. Well, at least we're together now." Anne said.

Anne and Marcy are so glad to hear that Sasha's supportive of them. They knew she would be, but past insecurities about them all separating as friends back in Amphibia kicked in. Open and honest communication solved that right away.

With that, the girls continue to shop, enjoying their time together. Anne and Marcy let Sasha know Marcy's parents are going to let her stay in Los Angeles and live with Ally and Jess. Sasha's excited to hear that Marcy isn't going to move and knows Marcy will be happy living with her cousin Ally and her partner Jess. They'll support Marcy and her interests in science and technology. It will be good for her to have positive role models.

The day flies by and before they know it, Anne's Dad texts her that he's waiting outside for them. They head to the mall exit and see Mr. Boonchuy, and the Waybright's waiting for Sasha.

Once there, Anne and Marcy say goodbye to Sasha and join in one last group hug before heading their separate ways. Happy to know that they'll see each other again soon.

Driving back to Anne's house, Marcy lies her head on Anne's shoulder and falls asleep, exhausted from the long day. Anne looks at her and smiles, then looks out the window watching the world pass by as the sun starts to set.

A sense of peaceful contentment comes over Anne as she realizes how happy she is with her life right now. She's home and safe, Marcy and her are together, and Sasha's her friend again. Even though her time in Amphibia was dark and terrifying at times, she did meet her frog family there. She also learned a lot of valuable life lessons and her, Marcy, and Sasha have changed and grown in their own ways and are now closer than ever.

Once they get back to the Boonchuy's house, they see Ally and Jess waiting by the door with Marcy's parents. Anne gently nudges Marcy to wake her up. Marcy looks out the window and notices her parents standing at the door waiting for her. Anne can tell she's nervous, so she helps her out of the car and walks her over to them.

With tears in their eyes, The Wu's embrace Marcy in a heartwarming hug. They missed her so much and are so grateful she's finally home. Marcy starts crying tears of joy, happy to be in her parents arms again. She didn't know if they would forgive her for running away, but this moment reassures her how deeply they care about her.

Once they stop hugging, Marcy walks over to Anne to say goodbye.

"Goodbye Anne, I'll see you soon." Marcy said.

"Goodbye Marcy, I'll miss you. Remember, if you need anything at all, please reach out. I'm here for you." Anne replied.

"Don't worry Anne, I promise I will." Marcy said.

With that, Ally and Jess help Marcy get into their car while her parents hop in the back with her. Anne stands at the front door with her parents as she waves goodbye. Marcy waves back as they drive away.

Once they're gone, Anne hugs her parents, tears in her eyes.

"Anne, what's wrong?" Mrs. Boonchuy asked.

"I'm okay, I'm just so happy to be home. I love you both so much." Anne replied.

The Boonchuy's smile, tears welling up in their eyes as they hug their daughter.

It's been a long journey. So much had changed, but in the end everyone found their way back home.

The sun sets as the Boonchuy's head inside for the night. Tomorrow is a new day and, no matter what the future holds, Anne knows that with all of the love and support she has, she'll be ready for whatever comes next.

The End