Epilogue ~ Part 2
by Bluebird Branch
Next up was Sandpiper. She looked on as Meadowlark resurrected her husband Wesley. Something was different about this particular zombie, though.
Ah, of course. He was wearing swim trunks!
I cast the charm to return the poor man to his normal form. Sandpiper didn’t want to wait for him to put on real clothes, though - she stole a kiss while he was still shirtless. Understandable.
Fully clothed and back to normal, Wesley took Sandpiper in his arms. “Hey, babe,” he said.
“Hey,” she said back. “Are you ready for a new adventure in a new town where no one’s ever been?”
“Totally,” he said. “As long as I can write there.”
“I think you’ll find this place very inspiring. As will I. It’s like a playground for people who are into vintage clothes and wacky inventions!”
Well, that was easy. Sandpiper and Wesley headed off toward their destination, too excited about it to tell us where it was.
Gran Sparrow was next. She waited eagerly while we took care of Robin.
“Oh, it’s so good to see you so YOUNG!” said Gran Sparrow. “You were always handsome, even as an old man, but…”
“You’re not so bad yourself, Sparrow.”
“Gosh, I know. But I mean, look at YOU! We should go somewhere where the whole world will know our names. I want to see our faces on billboards, our names in lights!”
“That sounds…slightly terrifying, but I’m down if you are.”
I was getting a little weary of the lovesick utterances. But I held it together.
Sparrow and Robin were headed to the big city. Sparrow, always prepared for her next photo op, led the way as they ran for the highway.
Next, it was my mother’s turn. My dad had only been dead for a short while, but we were both still really excited to see him again. And in that shirt! Well, Mom was more excited about that than me.
“Jess, you’ve always been by my side through all my escapades - street art, protests, politics. But even though we are both accomplished rebels, I feel like we’ve missed out on some of the key aspects of living a rebellious life.”
“I might have an idea of where you’re going with this.”
“Do you want to go to university with me? Now that we finally have the time?”
“You mean go off and party for four straight years? Um, yeah!”
“Sorry you won’t be coming with us, sweetheart," my dad said as he hugged me.
“Don’t worry about me, Dad. I have my own story to write.”
“Spoken like a true book nerd.”
“Jess!” said Mom.
“Lay off, I’m a college student! My brain’s not fully developed anymore!”
I bade my parents farewell, and off they went. Honestly, it was kind of a relief. I sort of didn’t want to look at that shirt anymore.
With so many Branches gone on new adventures, only a few of us remained. Great-Great Grandmother Meadowlark had done all the resurrections so far, being the more experienced witch. I offered to take over if she wanted a break, but she insisted on doing the next ones herself.
I didn’t blame her at all. She’d been waiting a long time for the return of Arthur.
While Arthur was having his reverse birthday, the full moon rose over Hidden Springs and caused a temporary invasion of REAL zombies. One of them sprouted right next to Arthur, and she seemed very interested in his Young Again potion. Or maybe just his kilt. That zombie was quietly reset and sent away - to be replaced by another lady I’d never seen before. Shanta Norris!
Meadowlark had lived a long and happy life with Arthur by her side, but she had had to give up her other love, Shanta. Now that Shanta was back, part of the household, and cured of her jealousy, they had an opportunity to make a new start - all three of them.
“Oh, Shanta, I’ve waited so long for this day!” said Meadowlark. “Welcome back. And welcome to the family, for real this time.”
Shanta hugged Arthur too. Then they started figuring out where they wanted to go.
“Honestly,” said Meadowlark, “I just want to go somewhere peaceful, where the three of us can be together. And…maybe raise a family?” She looked sheepishly at Shanta and Arthur, both of whom nodded in agreement.
“I’d be happy pretty much anywhere,” said Arthur, “But I am kind of a social guy.”
“That’s an understatement,” Shanta muttered.
“So, I’d like to go somewhere with people. Active people, you know, no ghost towns. And some kids I can teach!”
“I don’t have a particularly exciting or distinctive personality,” said Shanta, “But I’m sure I can fit neatly into this little narrative regardless.”
“What about Riverview?” suggested Arthur. “I’ve heard there are lots of families and--”
“You want to take
me to a town called RIVERVIEW?!” Meadowlark shrieked.
“Oh, of course not!” Arthur said quickly. “Sorry, babe, I forgot that you don’t like water. How about…um…Sunset Valley? Valleys don’t usually have water in them.”
Meadowlark seemed relieved. “That sounds good,” she said.
Then she turned to the stray dog that had been hanging around the lot. The dog had been sniffing at her throughout this conversation. Meadowlark bent to touch its nose. “And maybe…maybe this sweet thing could come with us?” The dog responded enthusiastically. Meadowlark laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Before they left, Meadowlark came up to me.
“Well, Bluebird,” she said, “It’s all up to you now. Do you think you can take over for me and finish resurrecting everyone?”
“Of course, Great-Great Grandmother.”
“Thank you, darling. You have become an incredible witch, you know.”
“I learned it all from you.”
Meadowlark led the way, her new little family following behind.
