𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 || The Black Phone

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

TW: Dead body, if uncomfortable skip this chapter.

It had been a month since the victims escaped the grabber's terrible basement. The Blake's had managed to scrape together enough money to hold a viewing and funeral service for Finney Blake, the only victim who didn't survive.

The boy's friends gathered outside the church with their families, all wearing the appropriate attire, including Vance, surprisingly.

"Well.. are we ready for this?" Bruce asked, looking around at everyone. "Hell no." Robin said, not looking at anyone, he hasn't been the same since Finney's death, the boys are worried for him.

I bet you're all wondering what happened after the boys escaped huh? I'll tell you, Bruce and Vance discovered their feelings for one another, which resulted in them getting together. Billy's family had gotten a new dog, it turns out, Harper had passed away during Billy's time in the basement.

(Don't come at me for the dog's name, it's canon.)

Griffin had a sibling on the way, which he was very excited for. Bruce's family had adopted a rescue kitten, they named him Rue in honor of Bruce. Vance's mom had gotten a new car in his favorite color, to honor her son of course. And Robin? His mother surprised him with a new bandana, a few days after his return, in Finney's favorite color as well which resulted in Robin breaking down. Now it's the only bandana he'll wear.

Now, let's get back on track shall we?

The service was starting, the boys and their families entered the church to see Gwen, her dad, and family members at the front. Gwen rested her head on her father's shoulder, tears streamed down her face. The boys sat together in a row while their families sat in the remaining seats around.

Vance and Bruce sat together, Vance's arm around Bruce's shoulder. Robin sat beside Bruce, Billy beside Robin, and Griffin beside Billy. They were in the row behind Gwen and her father, closest to Finney's casket.

The boys and Gwen had gotten up together to say one last goodbye to Finney, but none of them were ready to see their friend in his current condition. He was pale, he looked nothing like the Finney they once knew, scars covered his face and neck. Tears filled their eyes, they never wanted to see Finney like this, and yet here they were.

-

The boys gathered once more at the graveyard, surrounded by their families and Finney's. Finney's dad had walked up to the stand to give a speech on his son.

"My dear, sweet Finney. You were taken from us too soon, by a cruel soul. You were always so full of life and energy, I regret my actions towards you and you're sister, I wish I had the chance to do better. I hope you're pain free and happy up in the sky, we miss you down here. But I know you're always with us my boy. Rest in peace, and take care of yourself up there."

After giving his speech, Terrence returned to his seat beside Gwen, the boys had gone up one by one to place a flower on Finney's casket, each saying their own goodbye.

-

It had been a full year without Finney, the boys were now adults. (The boys were 16 when they were kidnapped and spent a year in the basement, which included their birthdays, so now they're 18, except Griffin who was 14, and is now 16 lmao.)

Bruce and Vance were still together and happier than ever, the boys were still best friends and did everything together. Each had something of Finney to remember him by, Robin had his favorite jacket, Griffin got his rocket light, Vance got one of his necklaces, Bruce got his favorite stuffed animal, and Billy got his space rock collection.

The boys would forever hold onto these items and keep Finney's memory alive, he was a part of them, a very important part. They promised to take care of his sister and kept her company when she was missing her brother. They knew that Finney was safe and happy, and that's all they wanted for him.

They knew that no matter what, Finney was always going to be there with them, they knew he was looking down on them and that he was proud. They escaped because of him and were eternally grateful. Finney Blake was their best friend and the light in their group, he lived on in their hearts, and he always would.

Everyday they would go and visit Finney's grave, it was well kept and decorated with all his favorite things that he loved in life. They would be there for hours, laughing and enjoying their time together, just as they would when Finney was with them. Sometimes Robin would come alone, telling Finney about his day and his home life, little did he know Finney was there, in spirit, listening to every word that left Robin's mouth. He missed his friends, but he was glad they were alive and safe.

Finney wanted more than anything to hug them, but he couldn't. He could only sit and listen and laugh like they could see and hear him, but no matter what he always felt included during their visits, because they made sure to include him. They kept his stories alive and his spirit alive.

𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.

A/N: And.. that concludes this story, thank you so much for reading, if you did. And to the one person who comments on each chapter, I appreciate you, your comments kept me going when I felt like giving up on this book. I hope you all enjoyed this book, don't worry, this isn't my last one. I have plenty more in store for the future. Until next time! :)