Lost In Purple

Chapter 85: Dissension

Hello. I apologize for taking a while to write this chapter. I had another one of those moments of writing an entire chapter, hating it, and rewriting it it. Hope this one was worth the wait.

Johnny's POV

Frantic apologies come from Evelyn for everything that unfolded. She's so embarrassed and unsure of what to do that she doesn't even want to cut into her own culinary creation and have a bite. I don't blame her for feeling the way she does though. Our entire story from start to finish has completely shocked her alongside Melanie.

"I mean it, Evelyn, my husband has needed someone outside our family to set him straight for a long time. If anything, I'm glad it was Ronan that did it because anyone else would have become physical with him," My mother states after taking a seat next to her.

While Evelyn throws her head in her hands, my grandfather chimes in. "As true as that may be, I still think this shouldn't be overlooked. You and Melanie need to have a serious talk with Ronan about who he is because, as bad as it sounds, it seems like he's voluntarily suffering for your family's sake."

This whole night didn't go how I wanted it to. Melanie was too terrified to talk, Ronan was silently seething the whole time, my grandfather was busy trying to keep the peace, and my mother slaved away while my father got outmaneuvered by words for the first time in his life. Then there's the part that's generated so many questions. How is it that Melanie's family could only survive by turning to crime? How did Ambrose practically erase their existence from the public's eye? Does Hazel or any of Melanie's other family members know of this? Does Alden and Ronan's other siblings have similar abilities like Melanie? How did Ronan keep their transformations a secret and did he think of the repercussions that could bring? Was there ever a point where he would have told Melanie about it? This also only makes me think about how closely related the Everett's are to Carina Kennedy. Did her family have the exact same issues, or were they just extremely distant ancient relatives that only just converged with the Everett's a few generations ago. Based off of general observation, Ambrose couldn't have been related to Carina Kennedy, but Hazel definitely would be. Maybe this is where I'll need Professor King again.

Evelyn cautiously takes a stand and looks to Melanie with worry. "Melody, I think it's best that we go home and hope that your father won't shut us out."

This whole time Melanie has been looking down at the ground in her seat between my grandfather and I. The only action she's been able to do is twiddle her thumbs, but finally puts an end to that with a nod.

"I'm so sorry, Evelyn. It seems my husband is at fault for this mess," My mother groans, "If there's anything I can do to help make this better, feel free to reach out."

She helps guide Evelyn out of the dining room while I help Melanie to her feet and let her say goodbye to my grandfather. He hops off of his chair, causing his yellow fur to bounce, and stand as tall as she does when on all fours.

"Stay strong, Melanie. I understand if you feel afraid and helpless, but I can guarantee that you're the only one Ronan will open up to. It's your turn to be there for your father, okay?" He says firmly.

Melanie nods with her ears drooping down before turning to me. I push my fingers through her own and hold her hand as we take slow steps to the front door. The castle-like dining room turns into a modern entertainment room containing a large fireplace made of round stones, several chandeliers hanging down from the ceiling dark hardwood floors, several cream colored sofas, and many expensive paintings and portraits along the wall. That then turns into white walls decorated with gothic columns, dark wooden trims and archways, and a floor of white tile. There's also that cursed door that will separate me from Melanie once again in a few short seconds.

"John, is it alright if I call you later?" Melanie mumbles after stopping at the door.

"You want to call me? You're saying you haven't had enough of the Worthington's tonight?" I say raising my eyebrow.

"U-um…No. I just feel like I fumbled after…not talking very much," Melanie broods.

"Heh, don't worry about it, princess. No amount of time would have prepared you for tonight. That's how I've felt about seeing my family again ever since leaving for college at least," I reply with a chuckle.

Melanie gently grabs her dress and swings it from side to side. "Still…I feel like I haven't changed much after all of this…It's hypocritical of me after asking you to change and all that."

I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close, just like old times. "Well aren't you cute thinking that I want you to change. You're perfect just the way you are. It was I who was starting to become my father after all."

She blushes and tries to push herself away, but just like old times, I don't let her get away with such a dreadful action.

"I love you, Mel," I say before planting a passionate kiss upon her lips.

When I end the kiss after a few seconds, Melanie throws her arms around my neck and gives me a colossal hug that I voluntarily return. After that, it's a short journey outside, and to her parent's car. The sky has turned into a navy blue, the crickets have started chirping, and a slight summer breeze has rolled in. With Melanie at my side, I look over to her in hopes of burning yet another beautiful image of her in my head. Her hair beautifully blows in my direction, giving me mysteriously beautiful windows of time where I can't see her eyes and instead see her slight smile against the dimly lit background. On top of that, her slim and sexy figure makes all of this feel like the world has chosen me to lay my eyes upon its greatest creation. Unfortunately, the time comes for me to open the back passenger side door and help Melanie into her seat without fail.

"Jonathan," Ronan states in the passenger seat.

I look to the front of the car and see Evelyn, who looks at me with worry, and Ronan glaring out of the windshield towards the skyline of Monstropolis.

"I'm entrusting you with making a decision. One will cause us to once again disappear, while the other does not. Be the final judge and decide which is better, not only for yourself, but for all of the monsters of this world."

Confusion invades both Evelyn and Melanie's faces, while I stand outside the car only understanding half of what he means.

"Y-yes sir," I respond.

Silence is the only thing drowning out the emptiness of the atmosphere. The evening summer breeze blows against my fur and into the Everett's car followed by the occasional distant honk coming from traffic a mile or two away. I wish either Evelyn or Melanie knew what to say to lift the weight placed upon my shoulders now, but maybe it's for the best that they don't yet know. According to Ronan, I have the freedom to decide the future…but it's not everyone's future, it's Melanie and I's future.

"Go," Ronan says as a quick flash of light comes from his back.

One of his black tendrils flies to the back door handle and pulls it shut, creating a thick thud that echoes down the street. Evelyn's muffled shouting escapes through the cracks of the car doors, but vanish once the car jerks forward, leaving me with the sight of Melanie looking out the door like she wants out of the car. If only it was safe to run after a moving car.

With nothing left to do, I head back inside and hope to live life like normal while thinking about what Ronan said. I also have to make sure to keep my eye on my phone. Missing a call from Melanie is something that I don't want to deal with. She'll either guilt trip me jokingly or she'll actually get sad and think that I forgot about her. However, I'm thinking about it now so that's probably a good sign that I'll remember.

I take the small hike back to the front door. The crickets are still conducting their songs and the small outdoor lights emit rays of yellow hues that create noticeable waves of heat when they bounce off my fur. I turn back to see the car that Melanie is in turning off the street and heading towards Monstropolis. It's going to take them hours to get back since it's rush hour…

"Hello?," My mother says while placing the house phone on top of her shoulder and tilting her head against it.

I've moved all the remaining dishes into the kitchen so that the two of us can clean them. All the Wagyu Beef was eaten too, which isn't a surprise, but usually the dishes holding the main course are the dirtiest. This time they're the cleanest.

"Oh Mr. King! Yes…yes of course!" My mother shouts.

Oh god, why is the Professor calling? I hope that I didn't mess up too badly the other day that it forced him to call my parents like back in grade school. I mean…I don't ever recall my parents getting a call from the school before. I was a saint as a matter of fact.

"Well I do know that you've been talking to him these past few days. He's been coming home pretty exhau-…Yes…Yes…," My mother responds to the Professors voice, "Y-You want to speak to his father?"

I listen closely but can't quite make out what's being said exactly. Is he wanting to talk to my father… or my father's father?

"W-well, he's in the next room, but I'm not sure he'll be happy to talk to about m-."

Oh no, oh god, my grandfather's about to be pulled into all of this now. He's great as a grandfather, but as a businessman he'll rip apart anyone's reputation and strip them of their dreams and ambitions within seconds. He's literally the infamous dystopian ruler of the Scaring world and I'm genuinely terrified of what the Professor is about to bring back.

I probably shouldn't frame him like that. He doesn't do anything with malicious intent and many retired Scarers actually preferred him over my father, but when things go sour, my grandfather is the one who becomes the most intimidating.

"You want Jonathan there too?" My mother asks uncomfortably, "He's not in trouble is he?"

I continue listening and see my mother's expression relax a little bit. I'm guessing that means I'm not in trouble, or at least in only a little bit of trouble. That also probably means that it's my father who's in trouble. That poor man is about to have the worst day of his life.

"S-speaker?" My mother questions.

Oh my god it just keeps getting worse.

"O-ok, one second," My mother says before turning to me with a worried expression, "You and your grandfather need to have a talk with Mr. King. Go sit with him."

She pushes me out of the kitchen and towards my grandfather who's still enjoying one last slice of the Caramel Apple Tart that the girls made earlier. It must be heaven if he's inhaling piece after piece like that.

My mother goes to the right side of the table while I go the left, walk behind my grandfather and take the seat that Melanie occupied not to long ago.

"Mr. Worthington," My mother states in her most calm voice possible, "It's Mr. King."

My grandfather pulls the fork in his mouth out and puts on a somewhat fake smile. He's likely just as exhausted as we all are but gathers the energy he needs to get through this conversation.

"I've been wanting to meet him anyways, so I guess this is a good enough time," My grandfather responds.

One movement of my mother's finger is all it takes to place the phone on speaker. I wish the process took longer so that I could mentally prepare for what's about to happen.

"Ok, Mr. King," My mother signals.

"Hello hello, can you all hear me?" Professor King proclaims.

With that jolly nature of his, my grandfather gets as excited as he can to hear the professors voice. "Mr. King! Yes, we can hear you loud and clear! It's great to finally talk to you after all the excitement a few months ago!"

"Same to you. It's not every day that someone like me gets to speak to a living legend with more prestigious accolades than politicians," Professor King responds.

"Well aren't you a nice, young man. All the stories that Jonathan told us about you must be true," My grandfather adds.

"Heh, I get that a lot nowadays. Speaking of, are you feeling a bit better, Jonathan? If you aren't then we should consider taking you to get that checked out," Professor King inquires.

Well, the fever is gone so I guess I can say that I'm perfectly fine from a medical standpoint point. It's the suspense that this conversation is bringing that's putting stress upon my well-being though. If anything, this call could cause me to relapse into a feverish state.

"Just needed some sleep is all. I'm hoping the next few days will go by quickly so that I can get back to work," I respond.

"As long as we don't have to worry about you, then almost everything is well. That's also what I'm wanting to talk about, that one thing that is…not well. That thing being the way your father is running Fear Co.," Professor King elucidates.

Looking at the phone, my grandfather raises one brow and makes his annoyance of the topic known. "Shouldn't you be discussing that with my son? I'm retired after all, and gave the CEO position to him."

"Yeah, about that. I'm beginning to question the way in which he wants to run this company and whether he wants what's best for it. Your son is not making the effort to talk to me and his employees, change any issues, or control the operations of the factory. He's even going as far as to keeping monsters from obtaining try-outs at the factory all because they're not what he considers worthy," The Professor explains.

My grandfather immediately gets frustrated, closes his eyes and growls. "Well, we have been having some issues with him at home, but how can I be sure to trust what you say when you've only been employed as COO for about two months. I don't mean to call you untrustworthy after all you've done, but we Worthington's are not strangers to people attempting to overthrow us."

"I understand the hesitation and frustration you must be feeling to hear me say this. I know all about how you personally taught your son to run the company, but to put it simply, nobody is happy and nobody is confident that this factory will last much longer with how he is running it. I've been getting numerous complaints from supervisors, managers, and directors that he will not listen to their concerns or propositions because he believes that the company is perfect as it is. Employees are questioning the company's processes, more specifically the placements of Scarers. There are lower level Scarers who barely make the effort to reach quota and receive no consequence for their laziness, while the more advanced Scarers have to increase their workload to make up for the lower level Scarers losses, and occasionally get punished by moving down a level for not being able to adequately take on that workload. He's not making an effort to prioritize the recruit of mechanics or Scaring assistants to maintain the reliability of our technology and work efficiency, and I'm not even going to mention what happened with Melanie Everett's father since I'm sure you know all about what happened the other day," Professor King rants.

I can see it in my grandfathers eyes that he's furious. He then looks over to me but keeps talking to the Professor. "No, I don't believe I have heard about that. Please, enlighten me."

"Is that so? Alright, well, Jonathan has told me that he's had some trouble sleeping recently and almost came in late the other day due to lack of sleep. Your son then pulled him into his office to talk about how questionable the idea of hiring Melanie's father is because he does not come from a bloodline with legendary Scarers such as yours. Ronan's grades were also not perfect and he's had basically no experience since leaving college because of systemic discrimination against monsters who don't look scary. They fought for three hours and caused Jonathan to become inflicted with a stress induced fever," Professor King explains further.

My grandfather looks at me again but with genuine surprise. "He doesn't want someone like HIM to work at Fear Co.?"

I just shrug. "Melanie is just as scary, and he doesn't want her working there either. I've been trying to prove him wrong since last year, but he doesn't care. It either you're a legend or you're not in his eyes."

My grandfather leans back in his chair and puts one of his hands on his head. He's absolutely dumbfounded right now. He left the company in such a good place and now it's derailed into nearly an unsalvageable state.

The seriousness from behind the phone continues. "I wanted to get in touch with you, not only because you were once the CEO of Fear Co., but because I'm genuinely worried for everyone that's currently employed there. I see the companies biggest and best Scarers leaving for Monsters Inc or Scream Industries soon, and I see the company going under within a year or two because your son has this idea in his head that everything he's done is justifiably perfect. I argued and argued with him, told him that he's out of control and more, but he does not want to change. I know you're retired and everything, but I HAVE to ask you to step in as a joint CEO at least for a little while so you can set your son straight and so we can get back on track to being as good as Monsters Inc."

"Grrr…Can't we just have you take over his position?" My grandfather asks.

I hear a chuckle come from the phone. "Oh I appreciate that you consider me to be competent enough to do that, but I made it clear when I took this position that I am not a businessman. I'm a scientist that's only interested in helping our Scarers continue their operations in a healthy and happy manner. Unfortunately, nobody is healthy or happy except for the Scarers who are slacking off on Scare Floor 1. Oh, did I also mention that your son has been deliberately keeping Jonathan and his friend, Chip, from advancing to higher floors even though they have the numbers to back it up?"

"HE'S DOING WHAT!?" My grandfather screams.

"Yeah. The dude straight up thinks he's god or something. Your grandson and his friend should be on at least Scare Floor 40, but he's nowhere near that. Again, I need you to come in and set everything straight. Many Scarers need to just be straight up fired, so I need you to just get rid of that dumb rule where Scarers don't technically have to meet their quotas. I also need you to get angry with your son. He HAS to be taught how to be a normal monster and businessman. No more being his best friend, you HAVE to set him straight or he will have his position as CEO taken away and given to someone else," Professor King berates.

"Ok. I'll be there first thing in the morning. Do you by chance have a list of names that you believe shouldn't be working at the company any longer?" My grandfather says with a booming voice.

A quick rustle is picked up from behind the phone, but ceases to exist any longer before Professor King speaks. "Yep."

"We'll start with that tomorrow then. Instead of throwing them to the streets, we'll direct them towards Scream Industries or some other scare factory and recommend them to whichever factory they choose. However, we must keep our veterans. I would plan on giving them raises alongside the floor managers and directors," my grandfather suggests.

"Alright, I'll send out emails and we'll get all the paperwork ready tomorrow. Now, I need to talk to you about Ronan and Melanie Everett as well," The Professor states.

"Oh I don't think we need to speak about them. I've already seen and heard enough in regards to those two," My grandfather dismisses.

I lean forward onto the table so that my grandfather can notice my annoyed grin. He said that in a way that struck a nerve. "Why do you say that like that's a bad thing? I get that we just had a rough evening with them, but I'm tired of people treating them like they're disposable cattle."

"Jonathan, I agree with you that they've lived unfairly, but I promise you that I didn't mean that in a malicious manner. It's just that I'm not exactly looking forward to doing business with Ronan after tonight. We can't risk hiring an alleged criminal," My grandfather responds.

"What's this about Ronan being an alleged criminal?" Professor King questions.

I sigh and take the reins. I explain everything that happened tonight down to the last detail. Everything from what my father said to make Ronan upset, to the entire story that Ronan gave us about who he is and what he can do. I even describe Ronan's transformation that he deliberately hid from the world so that he could protect everyone he's ever loved. Retelling all of this only makes me recall all the questions I've had after our experience tonight. Unfortunately there's a couple more questions that fall onto the table now.

After a deep breath, I speak. "Professor? Ronan told me that I have to make a choice for them. I…I don't know what he means by that and I'm scared that if I make the wrong choice, then it will hurt Melanie's family even more than they already are. I just want Melanie to live normally like the rest of us, but the world has shown me that she can't because she's differ-"

"Stop," Professor King interrupts.

I refrain from speaking and look up to my grandfather and mother who now look lost. Both of them have experienced the two extreme sides of the Everett's and have become unsure of how they feel about them.

"You already made the right choice," Professor King interrupts, "You said it yourself, you want Melanie to live normally. To do that, your opinion on their family cannot changed, and it sounds like it hasn't. You have pushed away the ideals your father instilled in you and believe that monsters such as Melanie are not simply servants to monsters such as yourselves. You believe in who they are rather than what they are."

"I'm sorry, Professor, but I don't understand," I reply.

"Jonathan…The choice is whether or not you let Ronan become a Fear Company Scarer," Professor King reveals, "Do you let the Everett's fade away with time by telling us that they're a danger to society, or do you let the Everett's finally show the monster world their true colors by telling us that they're reliable, hardworking, and exactly what we're looking for in a Scarer? From what I've seen, you already decided that Ronan and Melanie deserve jobs at Fear Company."

"But wouldn't letting him get a job be a bad thing?" I ask.

"…Listen closely, all three of you. It's both a yes and no. Becoming a Scarer means revealing your entire backstory. Where you come from, who your family is, what past jobs you had, where you went to study, what it is that makes you different from other Scarers… The public will have to know what happened, specifically what Ronan did. Believe it or not, there's a chance that people will not appreciate having 'an alleged criminal' serving them. At the same time there will be people who will think the opposite, that having someone dangerously scary will push the boundaries of the business as a whole. So that's a part of the choice you have to make. Do you focus on their questionable past or do you focus on what they want to become?" Professor King answers.

"…Ugh… I don't want people to see them like threats," I growl in response.

"Well that's also a part of your choice. Do you let people see them that way, or do you adequately explain to people that this 'alleged criminal' appropriately acted in self defense while enduring the worst a monster could in this world in order to survive."

My grandfather finds this to be the opportunity to join in. "King, you can't possibly be suggesting that what they did was justified?"

"Oh, I am. Monstropolis has held onto some several old, yet important laws that come from before the discovery of scream energy. A few of these include self defense laws, and the one that Ronan and his father rightfully exercised was the "Stand Your Ground" law. They both acted appropriately by using lethal physical force after being seconds away from having their own lives taken. If you know anything about gangs in Cormeadow, you would understand that it was either kill or be killed, and they chose to kill in response to excessive force being used against them," Professor King elucidates.

"But that doesn't help them in the case of Ronan's grandparents being the masterminds behind the Nevermore," My grandfather counters.

"Mr. Worthington, they are descendants of Carina Kennedy. You're only looking at one small and arguably insignificant part of their familial history. If you want to claim that having one bad apple in the family is enough to expel a family from Scaring, then I would argue that your son is eligible to have the Worthington name be tarnished," Professor King claps back.

He's silently dumbfounded after understanding that. Yeah…it doesn't feel good when you're being judged on something you have nothing to do with. I wouldn't have learned to understand how that feels without Melanie.

Professor King sighs. "Look, I've told both Johnny and Melanie this already. I was the main reason Melanie got into Monsters University in the first place. I actually remembered the Everett name because I saw Ronan at Scream Industries many years ago while treating a couple Scarers there, and dug up as much as I could about him. I happened to be one of the few people who remembered who the creators of the Nevermore were, and saw firsthand that the Ronan and his family were trying to prove that they weren't what the public believed them to be. It turned out that he was never a Scarer to begin with, nor was he a bad person, so I chose to treat him like any other monster. So, when Melanie's name showed up on an MU application, I gave her and her family the chance to be remembered for something else. If it wasn't for me, admissions wouldn't have accepted her. To me, that was one of the best decisions that Monsters University has ever made. This is also what I wanted to talk to you about Mr. Worthington. The things that you rely on and consider when deciding to hire a Scarer, it no longer works. With human children becoming more resilient and unresponsive to certain kinds of scares, we cannot simply ignore Ronan and Melanie just because they're smaller than the normal Scarer or because they have a rocky past. None of that mattered from the start, but it definitely doesn't matter now. They must be evaluated at Fear Co., otherwise we will make a huge mistake and fall further into an energy crisis. However, you have to emphasize that they are not criminals, that Melanie is just a substitute/special Scarer, and that Ronan absolutely has the prior knowledge to better this industry."

My grandfather seems to have finally be convinced. "…Alright. When should we have them come in?"

I took a long shower once my grandfather ended the call. The moment he handed the phone back to my mother, I stood up and stomped upstairs so that I could no longer be bothered. I could hear my mother calling for me just before I subsequently entered my room and bathroom, but she will have to wait another day before I even consider talking to anyone in this family. After tonight, I've decided that my father is more of a child than Chet was the entire time I lived in the same house as him. I'm more than glad to be moving away from them permanently this time so that I don't have to even look in the eyes of someone who's made a mess of an entire family.

However, I'm not privy to having his face living in my head anymore. The sting of the scalding water helps me stay numb enough to not feel any frustration. The pitter-patter of the water droplets is soothing enough for me to close my eyes and partially fall asleep as I lean against the wall, but not enough to completely slump over and smash my head into smithereens. Maybe it's time to get out and go to bed.

I do just that by diving into my bed of black sheets and red blankets after meticulously drying every strand of fur that refuses to be void of moisture. After getting comfortable, I suddenly remember that Melanie wanted to talk to me, so I lift my phone over my head to find a missed call notification from her. Damn it. It doesn't even take five seconds to call her back. There's a ring that doesn't last for much longer either, and I'm graced by the soothing voice that Melanie projects.

"John?" She whispers.

"Hey. Sorry about that, princess, I lost track of time in the shower," I respond with calm tone.

I wouldn't want to talk to her any differently since she takes me away from all my stress.

"Oh, yeah. I, um… hehe, I didn't even think about that for some reason," Melanie laughs.

"Aw what? Does this mean you don't normally think about joining me in the shower?" I tease.

I hear a scoff. "John, we've barely spoke and you're already trying to embarrass me."

"…Mmmmm, I don't hear you denying it," I say with a smile and narrowed eyes.

Frustration seeps through her voice. "John, pleeeeeease? I don't think I can handle this right now."

This makes me feel a little down knowing that everything that unfolded impacted her negatively. I probably should have realized that now isn't the time for all of this…and maybe saying that is implying something that isn't really true.

"Y-yeah, sorry. I guess I…don't want anything to change between us. I don't know why, but it makes me happy seeing you get flustered when I'm around," I say reigning my spastic side back in.

Melanie sighs, "Why do you take pleasure in embarrassing me in times like this?"

Thinking about it now, it was something I always did to women, but only because it's a strategy to take their minds off of serious topics. If they took it humorously, I played off of that. Same as if they're took it seriously. However, I really don't believe that I take pleasure in humiliating people just because that's who I am, but maybe it's because of another reason that sounds similar.

"Sorry…I'll stop if you'd like me to," I state.

"….You know, when you do that, I sometimes can't tell if you really care about what I want to talk about," Melanie mumbles emotionally.

"…I promise that I only do it because I love you. I can tell that you're always stressing about something to the point where you feel physically ill, and…I know how you're feeling about everything that happened tonight. It's just my way of making you open up to me," I explain.

There's no response from Melanie, and it makes me wonder if she even heard me say that. It's possible that her mother needed her attention and she left to deal with that.

"Mel?" I say.

"Do…do you hate my dad now?" Melanie questions with a shaky voice.

Seems like that method of mine coincidentally worked, but it's at the expense of her emotional integrity.

"Deep breaths, Mel. No, I don't hate him or anyone in your family," I respond.

It doesn't sound like she listens though. I can hear a couple sniffles, which likely means she's started glowing blue again.

"You don't think I'm a bad person either right?" Melanie asks with some breaks in her voice.

"No, you did nothing wrong!" I lightly chuckle.

There's a sniffle that's loud enough for the phone to pick up.

"…I feel like I did though. Dad lived his whole life feeling like he couldn't trust me. He willingly took jobs that took up the entirety of his days so that we wouldn't find out either…and I just thought nothing of it," Melanie whimpers.

"Mel, you have to understand that, to him, there was no way of knowing how you would react if he told you everything," I try reasoning.

I get no response and can only imagine what she's doing. Silently brooding my curling up in her bed while having many different feelings conflicting with each other. It's understandable. The reasonable side of her is saying that she'll be alright and live normally, while the unreasonable side is giving her several scenarios of 'what-ifs.'

"Will you at least understand that I don't hold anything against him? He acted in self-defense and tried his hardest to set a good example for you by being hardworking and reliable. He even went as far to teach you to be compassionate, generous, and more," I explain.

"I-I know," Melanie sobs, "But…He said that he has nightmares about it all, and always thinks about the families who never saw their sons again. He's also not talking to my mom anymore. It's as if he hates himself for being him, and I don't know what to do to make him feel better."

I toss my body into a position that I feel comfortable in. "Well, my grandfather and I can get him some help, but we need him to do his Scaring try-out first. All you have to do is treat him the same way you did before."

"A…a try-out?" Melanie asks.

"Yeah. I also convinced my grandfather to have you do one so that you and I can share a shift. I thought you knew that I would do anything for us to become the greatest Scarers in the world?"