Flares

The next morning Molly wakes up, her mind is energized but her body is tired. That dream last night took a lot out of her. So many overwhelming emotions hit her all at once having to relive that moment again.

Molly continues to get ready to upbeat pop songs to brighten her day. She does a little dance and puts on her best smile. Trying so hard to suppress the memory, the dream, and all of the big feelings about what happened.

Deep down, Molly knows she shouldn't do this. She should tell her family how she's feeling, she should open up to her friends, and she should let herself feel whatever she's feeling even though it's hard.

Molly shakes that thought away for now and stops when she sees Scratch's little ghost house. She sits next to it for a moment, trying her best to feel what's coming up for her.

I should get rid of this. It's just too much to see it everyday. I need to move on…No! I could never do that! It's a piece of Scratch and his past forever home. I can't let that go. I'll keep it as a little piece of the past. That's okay. I'm okay…

Molly notices she's crying when little drops of water fall on the floor beneath her. So she wipes away her tears and continues to smile through it all, not wanting to worry her family.

Then Molly stands up, turns away from the little ghost house, and starts heading downstairs. She's ready to face the day, giving it her all even though she's so tired.

The world passes by in a blur as Molly climbs down her ladder and goes down the stairs that follow. It's all so hazy as she starts to tune out everything around her. Just like in the car on the way home yesterday.

Once Molly comes into the kitchen, she sees her Mom, Dad, and Darryl all gathered at the table together for breakfast.

"Good morning, Molly. How did you sleep?" Sharon asked.

Molly smiles, joining in as the world starts to look a little brighter being with her family.

"I slept really well surprisingly. I'm ready to take on the day. Living my life to the fullest!" Molly replied.

Molly smiles, hoping it will be enough to convince everyone, especially herself, that she's alright.

Pete and Sharon look at one another a bit concerned. It hasn't even been a day since Scratch said goodbye to the family. They can see the sadness behind Molly's eyes although her smile is very convincing. Still, they don't want to pressure her to talk about it if she's not ready.

"We made your favorite. Confetti cake pancakes with no syrup!" Pete said.

Molly smiles, taking a couple colorful pancakes and digging in. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she starts eating. She realizes she was so caught up in what happened yesterday that she missed dinner last night.

"Thank you! This is so good and just what I need. Gotta have energy for the big day I have planned." Molly said.

With that, the family finishes breakfast and Molly heads off to the car to go to school. She can't wait to see Libby and Ollie. She feels like she needs them to feel better and Ollies has been texting her a lot to check in.

Molly looks down at her phone as the family drives. It's quiet, but every text she reads fills her heart up with the love she needs. She blushes as she stares at her phone, then out the window. The world seems more colorful than it was just yesterday.

Once they arrive at school, Molly says goodbye to her parents with a little more joy in her step as she waves goodbye with that big smile on her face.

Pete and Sharon are happy seeing her acting like herself again. They can't help but wonder what changed but they're just glad she's smiling again.

Darryl walks by Molly's side. Seeing her so happy again is good, but he can't help but be worried. Usually when Molly gets like this, she's trying to cover up her true feelings because she doesn't want to worry anyone.

Darryl tries to talk to her but stops when they run into Libby and Ollie.

Molly smiles and runs over to hug them both. She needs this. Both her best friend and boyfriend to help her get through these complicated feelings about saying goodbye to her ghost friend.

"Good morning! I missed you guys so much!" Molly said.

Once they break away from the hug, Libby and Ollie can see it in Molly's eyes. There's a sadness behind her smile and they know why.

"Good morning, Molly. How are you feeling?" Libby asked.

Molly looks around, trying to avoid eye contact because she knows that'll make it harder to keep up her happy mood. It's not a total lie. She is happy, but she feels off. Knowing why but being afraid to tell anyone.

I'm sad. I'm hurting and it's because you're gone. I have to move on with my life. I know that, but I can't. It's just too hard to say goodbye. Why did we have to say goodbye?

"I'm feeling great! Today is going to be an amazing day! I just know it because now, I've decided I'm going to live every day to the fullest." Molly replied.

Libby and Ollie look to Darryl, wondering if Molly's been acting like this for a while. He nods in response.

Ollie takes Molly's hand and, with a sincere smile, tries to help.

"Molly, we know having to say goodbye to Scratch was hard for you. I'm glad you're doing better, but it's okay to feel sad." Ollie said.

Libby takes Molly's other hand.

"And we'll all be here for you. No matter what." Libby said.

Molly smiles, a genuine smile with teary eyes that lets everyone know how she's really feeling. She's grieving, but trying her best to hold herself together.

"Thank you…I really needed to hear that. It helps to know I'm not alone." Molly replied.

With that, the group shares one last hug. Even Darryl joins in. Then they all start heading to their classes, walking together as Molly thinks.

I'm not alone. I've got my family, friends, and boyfriend all here for me. No matter what. Scratch may be gone, living out his dream, and I'm so proud of him. Now it's time for me to see the wonderful life I have right in front of me. Nothing needs to change.

Molly says goodbye to everyone as she heads to her first class. The day goes by and she feels safe and happy. Just knowing she's not alone fills her with a sense of belonging she needed more than she knew.

Molly then thinks about what she was planning to do after school today. Part of her wants to feel the intense adrenaline rush she felt when she was cursed to have no fear for a day. Just to feel alive again and let the thrill seeker in her come out to have some fun. Just for a while.

Once the school day ends, Molly can't help but want to go through with her plan. She knows she probably shouldn't. She should face her feelings and talk to the people who care about her. Still, the adrenaline rush is something she feels she needs right now, even if it's dangerous.

Molly stands outside of the school, waiting for a sign to stop her from walking just down the road and going on an adventure to find that thrill she thinks she needs. A rush to avoid the heavy feelings and instead feel extreme excitement and joy.

Molly snaps out of it when she hears Libby's voice.

"Are you okay, Molly? You look like you were spacing out a bit." Libby said.

Molly smiles, turning to face Libby and seeing Ollie with her as well. When they said they'd be here for her, they meant it.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I was just thinking…Hey, will you both come to the amusement park with me? It's just down the road and I really need to just let go and have some fun." Molly said.

Libby and Ollie look at one another, slightly worried, but they want to help Molly in any way they can. So they go along with her.

"Sure. I won't go on any rides, but I'll go for moral support." Libby replied.

"I'll go too. It might be fun to check out the new crazy rides." Ollie replied.

With that, Molly starts walking, leading the way with a bright smile.

"Great! Let's have some fun!" Molly said.

Molly starts talking and laughing along the way. She's definitely got her energetic personality back after being so distant for a while, but it's a bit worrying. Almost like a hyper manic energy that she can't seem to control.

Once they arrive at the amusement park, Molly starts running to an adventure ride that looks like it might be too much for her. It's supposed to make you feel like you're skydiving as you're strapped in a harness and pulled up nearly one hundred feet in the air. Then you pull the cord and go flying until it's over and you're lowered back down to the ground.

Molly quickly stands in line. As soon as Libby and Ollie catch up with her, they finally speak up.

"Molly, this looks a little too dangerous for you. Maybe we should go on another ride." Libby said.

Molly continues to stare at the thrill ride, watching as people fly through the air, screaming and laughing as they drop down. It's what she needs, to feel free and let go of these feelings that keep pulling her under.

Molly turns around and tries to explain.

"Look, I need this. I want to feel a rush! Something to take my mind off of what happened. I need to feel alive again! That's all." Molly replied.

Molly steps forward as the line starts moving, but Ollie takes her hand. She turns around to look at him. She's a bit angry at first, but freezes when she sees the sad look on his face.

"Molly, don't do this. I know it's just a ride and it's probably safe, but this isn't you. You're afraid of heights…Look, I know it's hard to lose someone you care about, but this isn't the way to deal with those feelings." Ollie said.

Molly's expression of pure happy energy starts to soften as she calms down a bit. All she can think of is when she had no fear and Scratch tried to convince her not to launch herself off a trebuchet and go flying through the air without any safe landing or parachute. That was reckless. This is reckless. And she knows the people who care about her won't let her go through with it.

Still, the memories come back in flashes. The emotions of fear, sadness, anger all meld together. It's overwhelming and that's what Molly feels she needs to let go of.

So, with tears in her eyes, Molly backs away from Ollie and steps up to the ride entrance.

"I'm sorry, but I have to do this." Molly said.

Libby and Ollie stand there speechless as they watch Molly get strapped into the smallest harness they have. Then she slowly rises up into the sky.

Molly watches Ollie and Libby get smaller as her view of the world below her changes. She tunes out the fear and excitement takes over. That adrenaline rush she's been craving is waiting just below the surface.

This is what I need. To fly and just let go of everything. Like a ghost…I want to feel close to you again and this is the only way. This is what I need to feel happy and free.

Molly gets to the top and waits for the signal. She looks down and sees Ollie looking up at her with fear while Libby starts walking away, but stops and looks back before she does. A look of sadness and concern that fades away as Molly gets higher up in the sky.

Seeing this, the people who care about her, so scared and worried, Molly can't help but feel sad as tears start to well up again.

Suddenly, the signal is given and Molly lets that all go as she pulls the cord. Then, she falls. Flying. Like a ghost.