Wednesday, August 23, 1995

Following their victory in the International Science and Engineering Fair, Evan and Mangle were invited to get interviewed on several high-profile news and talk shows, such as 60 Minutes, ABC World News, and The Late Show With David Letterman. While Evan wanted nothing more than to just stay home and continue his work on the VANN architecture, he understood how beneficial these outings were, and how much they meant to Mangle. As for the vixen, ever since her first interview following the Hurricane High Science Fair, she had gradually gotten better at presenting herself. She always had a clever comeback to anything said to her or about her, and whenever she was given the chance to speak at length, her words were often thought-provoking and compelling. Of course, the way Mangle portrayed herself and everything she spoke about was very much intentional in an attempt to convince people that she was indeed a real person, and an incredibly bright and charming one at that.

The vixen's hard work bore fruit when she and Evan were invited to the White House to meet with the President and the First Lady. She ended up making such a good impression that she was declared an honorary citizen a little over a month later. This, of course, immediately sparked discussions in both the political and scientific spheres about the implications of this move. Some influential commentators wondered if this implied that Mangle could vote or marry, or whether a deliberate system shutdown could be considered murder, while others dismissed the move as nothing but a publicity stunt. Intellectuals and political commentators all over the world debated the philosophical and legal quandary of granting a robot citizenship, and while these discussions did not result in any policy changes in most countries, Japan actually ended up making provisions for robots to be granted citizenship and receive certain protections, provided that they were able to meet a certain criteria.

Whenever they weren't on the media circuit, Mangle continued her studies, while Evan kept working on his project. The sixteen-year-old also managed to earn his driver's license, and once summer came around, he and the vixen took trips to see the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and enjoy the various sights and attractions in Las Vegas. While Evan wouldn't admit it, he was thankful that Ramón had encouraged him and Mangle to take these trips. Not because he personally enjoyed them, but because the vixen did, and that meant everything to him. That summer had been the perfect sendoff before the two of them left for college.

Sadly, Evan was never able to put the altercation between him and his father behind him, and their relationship remained strained, with no sign that it would ever improve. Mangle's relationship with William remained strong, however, and it meant everything to her to be treated like she was truly a member of the Afton family. She was absolutely delighted with the outfit he had commissioned for her as a birthday gift, and once she received it and got to try it on, she was in awe of how positively majestic it made her look.

—

Mangle admired herself in the mirror. Just like when she first received it, she was in awe at the craftsmanship and bold design of the outfit William had given her.

Part of the outfit consisted of a purple satin shirt accompanied with a fitted black jacket with long sleeves and a high, close-fitting collar. It also included a black silk scarf, which the vixen had wound around her neck like a cravat, tight-fitting trousers with a light cream color, black knee-length boots, as well as a crimson sash with a gold pattern that depicted rose petals, which was wrapped around her waist and fastened by a broad black belt with a large brass buckle.

It must've cost a fortune, and William had told her that it was intended to make up for all of the birthdays and Christmases she had been forced to spend in the barn. Aside from her previous and current bodies, this was by far the most magnificent gift Mangle had ever received.

"You look absolutely incredible," Evan said from behind her.

She turned to him with a delighted giggle. "Thanks!" The vixen then continued to admire herself in the mirror. "I look like I can take on anything with this."

"Oh, I believe it," he said half in jest. "Speaking of which, are you ready to go?"

"Hold on, I just need to…" She trailed off as she put her hair in a low ponytail. "There, perfect!"

Evan and Mangle had spent most of the week packing their most important belongings in preparation for today—the day when they would finally move out and head to college. Although Evan had acquired a driver's licence, his age prevented him from driving across state lines. As such, they would have to take a plane to Boston and then a taxi to the MIT campus, which meant that they would be limited in what they could bring with them.

As with their previous trips this year, Michael had agreed to drive Evan and Mangle to the airport. All three of them had been up since 5:00 AM getting themselves ready and loading their luggage into Michael's dark grey 1992 Ford Explorer. It was a little past 6:30 AM when they had put away the last bag, and as Mangle closed the trunk, William stepped out of the house and approached them.

"I hope you're not intending to leave without saying goodbye," William said dryly.

Mangle offered him a reassuring smile. "We would never dream of it."

However, Evan remained silent.

William regarded the sixteen-year-old with a mixture of sadness and apprehension. "... Look, sport—"

"Goodbye, Father," Evan simply said and then turned to walk towards the car.

However, Mangle gripped his upper arm and said, "Evan, don't be like that…"

Letting out a defeated sigh, Evan turned back to his father and, after a brief pause, added, "Thank you. For making me the man I am today, for taking the time to teach me, and for accepting Mangle. I will always have fond memories of you… but I will also have plenty of bad ones."

Without bothering to wait for a response, Evan then got into the car.

The vixen regarded William with a look of sympathy. "I don't know what happened between you two, but I want you to know that everything you've done for me has meant the world to me." She continued, "Even after he stole me and I hurt Michael, you let me stay and you gave me a home."

"To be honest, I didn't exactly have much of a choice," William replied with a sheepish smile. "After all, you were his only friend."

"But you did have a choice, and the choices you made resulted in both Evan and I becoming the people we are today," the vixen pointed out with a smile. "No matter what your motives, you did right by us in the end."

"I suppose I did," William reluctantly agreed with a lopsided smile.

"And these past eight months would've gone very differently had you not chosen to accept me into the family," Mangle continued and embraced William. "You've taught me so much, and you made me feel what it's like to have a father, and for that you'll always have a special place in my heart… even if I don't have one."

William let out a trembling exhale. "I only wish I had accepted you sooner. Having you around has been wonderful. It reminded me of what it was like to have a daughter." He paused. "No… No, it's more than that. You became the daughter I thought I'd never have, and no matter what happens, you will always be a part of this family."

The vixen sniffled. "Thank you."

After a couple of seconds, they broke the hug.

Mangle backed away from William with a sentimental smile. "Goodbye, William. I'll miss you, and while I can't make any promises on Evan's behalf, I promise to call you once a week."

"I'd like that," William replied with a grateful smile, his eyes welling up with tears. "Goodbye, my dear. And remember to never let anyone stand between you and your dreams."

"I won't, I promise," the vixen replied between sniffles. "Goodbye."

With that, Mangle got into the car, leaving only Michael.

"Alright Father, see you later!" The twenty-two-year old said with a wave.

"Safe travels!" William replied and waved back.

Michael got into the driver's seat, closed the door, and then looked at Evan and Mangle through the rearview mirror with a smile. "You guys excited for college?"

"Very!" Mangle beamed.

"I have to admit that I'm quite excited for it as well," Evan replied somewhat reluctantly.

"And I bet you can't wait to finally live on your own," Michael said as he turned on the ignition.

"Indubitably," the sixteen-year-old replied coldly.

—

Mangle couldn't help but to find it a little bit amusing how the two-hour drive to the Las Vegas airport had been such a novelty just a few months ago, yet had become almost routine at this point. However, she was struck by a sudden sense of nostalgia when she realized that this would be the last time she and Evan would ever leave their home in Hurricane. Given how many bad memories he had here, she doubted that he'd ever want to move back. Of course, Evan had plenty of good memories too, but the vast majority of them were tied to her, not this place.

The vixen began to reminisce about the life they had shared here, her meeting Evan for the first time at Freddy's, the kindness he had shown towards her, him risking everything to break her out and sneak her home with him, him forgiving and consoling her after she almost killed Michael, them growing up together in the barn and gradually making it their own, him devoting his youth to helping her become a 'real fox girl', her falling in love with him, their compromise to ensure their mutual happiness, and her finally getting the family she had always yearned for.

They had made so many memories here. So many memories. And now it was time to make memories elsewhere and find their new home.

Mangle took Evan's hand and squeezed it with great affection. He looked up at her from his book with an expression that was a mix of surprise, confusion, and a hint of annoyance.

The vixen offered him a warm smile and mouthed "I love you."

The sixteen-year-old's expression softened. He smiled back and mouthed "I love you too."

—

Unlike the first time they had been to the airport, Mangle was not treated like baggage but as an actual passenger. Well, more or less. And with the fame she had accumulated, a lot of people had their eyes on her. Some even asked to take pictures with her, which she was more than happy to agree to. She absolutely loved the attention, despite the occasional insensitive comments that came with it.

Like usual, Michael accompanied them to the gate, and once they arrived, he said, "Well, I guess this is it."

"So it is," Evan replied. Mangle knew that he couldn't wait to leave all of this behind him.

The vixen embraced the twenty-two-year old. "Thank you for giving me a chance, and for accepting me into the family."

"I only wished I had done it sooner," Michael replied as he wrapped his arms around her. "You will always be family to me, and I bet you're gonna kick ass at MIT."

"Thanks," Mangle replied with a chuckle. "Goodbye, Michael. I'm really going to miss you and the others."

"We're going to miss you too," Michael replied and then broke the hug. "Keep in touch, okay?"

"I will, I promise," the vixen replied with a heartfelt nod.

She stepped away from him and then gave Evan a serious look to make him know that he wouldn't be able to leave with just a simple 'goodbye'.

Unsure as to what to say, the sixteen-year-old just ground his teeth and shuffled his feet awkwardly.

Finally, Michael spoke up. "Evan… I know I've been a terrible brother to you—"

"Terrible's quite an understatement," the sixteen-year-old muttered under his breath.

"I know some of the things I did were unforgivable, but I hope you understand that I've been trying to make up for it," Michael said.

Evan furrowed his brow. "Making up for it? Making up for it!? There is no making up for it!"

Michael frowned. "Evan…"

"You were my brother! You were responsible for me! And yet you treated me like a burden or like an unwanted toy for you to break!" The sixteen-year-old yelled as he balled his fists. "And you delighted in the pain and terror you inflicted upon me!"

"I know!" Michael yelled back, his voice breaking. "I was a stupid, stupid boy and didn't know how to handle my emotions, and I took it out on you! And I will regret that until the day I die!"

"As you should," Evan replied bitterly. "But that doesn't change what happened."

"I know… And if there's any way to make it better, to make it up to you, I'll do it in a heartbeat," the twenty-two-year-old pleaded. "Please Evan, you're my brother. I love you, and I want us to be on good terms. Just tell me what to do to make it up to you and I'll do it."

"If you truly wish to make it up to me, then stay out of my life," the sixteen-year-old replied with great bitterness.

"Evan!" Mangle snapped at him, unable to believe her ears.

The sixteen-year-old let out a frustrated sigh. "Look, Michael, I appreciate what you're doing and I know you've been trying to be a good brother to me for over half a decade now. Moreover, I am incredibly grateful that you gave Mangle a chance and accepted her into the family, but that doesn't erase what you did to me." He took a deep breath before continuing. "And everytime I look at you, I relive all of it. Every. Single. Thing. And that will never change."

Michael kept blinking as his eyes welled up with tears. "Alright Evan, as you wish... I won't bother you anymore…" He turned to leave, then stopped and looked back at Evan. "No matter what, I will always love you, and I'll always be here for you should you ever need me."

"Noted. Goodbye, Michael." Evan replied.

As she watched Michael trudge away from them, Mangle shook her head and turned to Evan. "I get that you can't forgive him, but I wish you had been a bit more gentle."

"I was being gentle," the sixteen-year-old replied. He then gave her a look of guilt. "I'm sorry you had to see me like that. I know how much he and his friends mean to you."

"And I know how you feel about them. If you don't want to interact with them again, then I'll accept that," she said and then turned her gaze to Michael. "I just wish it didn't have to end like this."