Golden Yet Gone

Chapter 21

Suddenly, I see a bright glow of a light coming from beneath the door.
"What is that?" I ask Grace.
She looks at me, and for the first time ever, I catch a glint of fear in her eyes.
"That, is our ticket to freedom."
She takes my hand, and we walk from her room.
Out in the party room, the toys and old animatronics have gathered.
Marine, wasn't present.
"Gold!" Freddy shouts, running over and scooping me up into a hug.
Out of instinct I laugh and throw my arms around him.
Grace smiles from the floor, then walks over to the toys.
She whispers something to them, and they all giver her frightened looks.
"Gold, I'm so sorry." Freddy says, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"For putting you through all this. We were just children, you the youngest. You shouldn't have had to see all this."
I hug my brother tightly.
"It's okay. I forgive you."
Freddy hugs me back, then sets me down.
"You already know what needs to happen next." He says to me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see the toys looking at the light.
"What's beyond there?" CC asks nervously.
"Something more beautiful than we have ever seen. Something that will take your breath away, and is for eternity."
Grace's words are half spoken half mumbled, but everyone catches every word.
CC looks at the light on wonder.
Mangle walks over to the old animatronics.
"I think it's time you guys go." She said, turning towards the toys.
Everyone started at her in disbelief, except for Grace.
"Mangle, you can't possible stay!"   Bon-Bon says.
Mangle smiles, and looks to Grace.
"She understands. She'll tell you all about it. I'll see you real soon."
Bon-Bon loOks at Mangle a second, then gives her a big hug.
"We'll miss you." He says.
Everyone does the same.
Then, the last three toys step into the light.
And they were gone.
I couldn't see their outlines or silhouettes anymore.
Freddy makes me look at him.
"And now it's your turn." He says gently.
And I can't help it, I begin to cry again.
"No! N-no, I...I c-can't leave you!"
Freddy hugs me close, and I feel a few tears slip down his face.
"I don't want to part either," he says.
"But I know you're in good hands with Grace, and like Mangle said, we'll be seeing you real soon."
I looked at my brother.
My only sibling, the one I had watched die and had tormented me for so long, the sibling I loved so much, couldn't come with me.
I started sobbing, and Freddy rubs my back.
"Time to go." He said softly.
"The window is closing."
I peek over, and sure enough, the light is dimming.
Grace walks to my view, and holds out a hand.
"We'll do it together." She says.
I look at Freddy, and give him one last hug.
I say goodbye to his friends, hug Mangle tighter than before, and take Grace's hand.
"Ready?" She asks.
I'm still crying, but I nod.
Grace turns to me and gently wipes the tears away.
"Don't worry, it'll feel like only a few days before they follow."
I look to my brother.
He smiles at me, and waves.
And I can't help but do the same.
"Come on now, we haven't got all day."
Grace teases.
I smile at her, and together, we step into the light.