The Path

I stared into Emmeline's eyes

I stared into Emmeline's eyes.

"Why does this feel like Armageddon?"

.

"I am not going to make light of this, sweetie. There are a lot of mixed emotions, out there."

.

"Which means they are pissed with me."

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Emmeline stood.

"You will do fine."

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"Fuck it. Let's get this over with," I sighed.

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I was expecting the worst. I knew my family would be pissed; not only for what happened to me, but for the danger that I subjected the others to.

In less than five minutes the room was filled. There were tears and smiles and anger and joy.

.

Finally after everyone hugged me and kissed me, I spoke.

"I know what I did was wrong. I know what I did was dangerous."

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Dad spoke first, "Whisper, you not only put yourself in danger, but the other children as well."

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Zeke was quick to defend me, saying,"Dad, we are not children. I don't know if you have noticed or not, but we are all grown up."

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"You are still a child, Zeke," Dad replied.

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Aunt Jessie was next saying, "You put Ilene in the middle of an army of demons. She could have been killed."

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"I am sorry, Aunt Jessie," I said.

"It was never my intention."

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Aunt Jessie was shaking her head when she said, "No, Whisper. Sorry doesn't cut it this time. You could have gotten Ilene killed!"

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"I can look after myself, Mom," Ilene snapped back.

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Aunt Jessie turned quickly to her daughter.

"You are a child, Ilene. When did all of you suddenly believe that you are grown up?" Aunt Jessie wondered.

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"When fucking demons started attacking our families," Zeke snapped.

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Aunt Jessie spun around and glared at Zeke, her finger in his face.

"Don't you ever talk to me like that again! You might think you are Mr. High and Mighty, but I still remember when you shit your pants."

Her voice was shrill and angered.

.

"Jessie, there is no need for that," Mom interrupted.

"I don't think Zeke meant any disrespect."

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Aunt Jessie looked at Mom and said,

"Don't defend them. They could have gotten Ilene killed and Robbie too, only he was smart enough to walk away."

.

"Or too cowardly," Zeke said looking directly at Robbie.

Robbie never moved.