"Wilson, do be careful up there." Wickerbottom looked up at her grandson who was on a very precarious ladder.
They had been spending some time together, sharing research notes and catching up at Wickerbottom's home… and Wilson was currently raiding her library for materials.
"I need this math book. I'm not leaving without it." He called down. "What's the hurry anyways?"
"Technically, according to the children, you do not need it but I don't want you falling." She smiled. "Besides, we still have much to discuss."
He smiled, sliding down the ladder, book in hand. "You said there was something you wanted to show me when I got here earlier. I admit, I'm getting rather curious."
"Well, it's a concept that's not too foreign to Earth but takes on a whole different meaning in the Shadow World." Wickerbottom smiled. "Come, we shall discuss in my garden."
Wilson nodded, following her out.
"Wilson, I know you're not one who takes interest in spiritual matters, relatively speaking, but have you heard of the concept of the Twilight Hour?"
"I believe so. A few folk-tales Mother read to me when I was little." Wilson smiled, getting a nostalgic look in his eyes. "Something about the veil thinning between this world and the next."
"That's exactly right. However, here, that concept is reality."
Wilson's eyes widened.
"Are… Are you serious?"
Wickerbottom nodded, sitting down on a stone bench.
"In the Shadow World, a whole hour is in complete twilight. It is during this hour that spirits that have already passed on can come down and visit their loved ones. All that needs to be done is for those loved ones to call their name and they shall come down. You can see them, talk to them, interact with them and many other things as if they were still alive."
Wilson had a stunned look.
"Y-You mean that? And it would really happen?"
"I've experienced it, Wilson." She gave a gentle look. "And as long as you know their name you can call out to them."
Wilson looked up at the night sky, an unsure look in his eyes.
"... What if you're afraid they're disappointed?"
Wickerbottom frowned, a knowing look in her eyes.
"Wilson, he is FAR from disappointed."
"H-Huh?"
"He never was and he never will be." Wickerbottom looked up, seeing the sky becoming a beautiful orange and blue violet color. "Right, Percival?"
"Quite so, my love." said a voice.
Wilson froze up at hearing the voice. He turned slowly to the source, eyes widening as he saw a familiar man standing not too far from him. He was dressed in a green vest and black pants and had a white cloak around him. He had wild dark hair and deep blue eyes just like Wilson's. Wilson hadn't seen this man in years, let alone seen what he looked like when he as in his prime but… he was there. The man smiled gently at him, chuckling a bit.
"Been a while, hasn't it, Grandson?"
Wilson was quiet, staring at him, stunned. He walked up to him, looking him over.
"It… It has." He whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder to see if he was real. "Grandfather..." He laughed a little, eyes getting misty. "Oh goodness it's you. It's really you!"
"In the astral form." Percival placed his hand over his. "It's so good to see you again."
Wilson nodded, wiping a tear out of his eyes.
"It's really good to see you too. I've..." His voice cracked. "I've really missed you."
"And I've missed you too, Wilson." Percival gave him a knowing look, offering an arm to him. "C'mere."
Wilson threw his arms around him, sobbing quietly.
"Grandfather I… I…"
"Shhhh…." Percival stroked his back. "It's okay. You're okay."
Wilson sniffled a little, burying his face in his shoulder. It had been years since he had last heard his voice. Last time he had even spent time with him.
"I'm sorry… i'm sorry…"
"Oh, Wilson, you have nothing to apologize for." Percival chuckled. "It's alright."
Wilson looked up, seeing Percival had a gentle smile on his face.
"I promise." He added.
Wilson smiled a bit, relaxing.
"Thank you. It's really good to see you again."
"And it's good to see you. You've grown so much and have done so many things. I couldn't be more proud of you."
Wilson sighed happily, a touched look coming to his eyes.
"That means a lot to hear.. I… I really wanted to do right by you. I really tried."
"And you've succeeded. I feel very lucky I can call you my grandchild."
"Grandfather…"
"I mean it." Percival brought him close. "We've got a lot to talk about you and me."
"That we do." Wilson chuckled, hugging him tightly. "I don't even know where to start."
"How about the beginning, hm?"
"That sounds wonderful."