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The sunlight dripped through the window in the early morning, landing right on Simon's eyes. He shifted a bit before batting his eyelids open. Simon then stretched and his arms instinctively tightened around something that was laying overtop of him.

Someone…

Simon smiled as he wrapped his arm around Stella's still sleeping body. She was admittedly an absolute mess while sleeping. Hair tangled in endless coils, drool staining Simon's sleep shirt, and a snore that was a tiny bit too loud to ignore.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" He thought to himself.

Simon slowly shimmied himself out of bed, being sure not to disturb Stella. He had big plans for today, and he couldn't just ruin the surprise! He gently covered Stella back up with her bed's blanket, quietly stepping out of her room. It had been 6 months since they had started dating, and it was a joyous experience the entire time thus far. Simon began sleeping in her bed only semi-recently, though. He was always too nervous to seize the opportunity and ask himself, so he stuck to sleeping on the sofa for a couple months. Although one night when Stella invited him to bed, he took it immediately. Simon almost regretted not asking sooner. Having someone to hold while sleeping made the nights a bit easier to withhold.

He sifted through his clothes and picked out an outfit for today, always topping it off with his sailor's cap. Simon glanced at himself in the mirror for a moment.

"Hmm…" He stepped in different ways to get better looks at himself. "Rather refined today."

He swept his hands over his outfit to smooth it out once before leaving the bedroom. Simon had a pep in his step walking over to the kitchen. With Stella still asleep, right now was the perfect opportunity to make her a surprise breakfast. Simon flicked on the stove and began to fry up some bacon and eggs for the both of them. He made sure to cook them perfectly, all crispy and golden brown with that lovely crunch. Simon even got fancy with the plating, making a little smiley face using the eggs for eyes and bacon for a smile. He made sure everything was perfect, specifically adjusted and paragoned.

Just as Simon was setting down the plates on the dining table, Stella emerged from her room. She had bags under her eyes, and for once, a face that looked dead tired. Stella groaned loudly, stretching her arms and walking over to the living room. When she glanced over at Simon, her eyes immediately lit up in her dim face.

"Heyyyyy." She sleepily said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "What did you make? Smells great."

"Eggs and bacon." Simon replied as he placed his hands on Stella's hips.

"Ooh, sounds lovely."

She sat down with a weary smile on her face. Simon gave her a kiss on the forehead before sitting himself down. They both looked into each other's eyes, taking in their appearances. Simon thought that Stella looked absolutely haggard, honestly. But despite that, he actually found that kind of adorable. Her hair was an absolute tangled mess, and her skin looked really greasy. And yet, Simon loved every inch of her. Stella, on the other hand, was observing Simon. She noted he looked awfully neat today, more neat than usual. Stella almost felt insecure in the fact that she didn't look her best, when Simon obviously went out of his way to look nice. She twirled one of her coils around in her finger as she enjoyed the food in front of her. It really did taste good, Simon was an excellent homecook.

"Do you like it, dear?" He asked her.

"Mmph!" Stella tried to say, not realizing a piece of egg was still in her mouth. "Excuse me, I mean yes, I really do like it."

Simon smiled at her, "I'm glad."

Stella giggled, pursing her lips and wiping them with a napkin. She had noticed that Simon's sentences flowed much more smoothly than when they first met. He smiled a lot more; he laughed a lot more. Stella was grateful that she had seen him on that first day, and Simon felt likewise.

"I'm going to freshen up," Stella said as she stood up. "Do you need me to do the dishes?"

"Oh, don't worry my darling, I'll have them covered."

Simon stood up to make eye contact with her.

"Thank you, ku’uipo."

"Anytime, mon petit chou."

Stella giggled again as she walked off into the hallway. Simon took the dishes to the sink and washed them absent-mindedly, thinking about his plans for today.

"I can't wait until she sees it! I'm so excited!" He smiled to himself. "I should get started on some snacks, then we can go for a walk."

Simon gently put the clean dishes on the drying rack and spun around to open the fridge. He pulled out some meat, cheese, and some other sandwich stuff. He prepared them with as much precision as he did with the breakfast, making sure everything was just right. He pulled out that lovely picnic basket Stella had and began stuffing all sorts of things in it. The freshly made sandwiches, a couple apples, and anything that was as sweet as his Stella.

Then, Simon glanced around, making sure that she wasn't in the room. He walked over to one of the side tables next to the sofa, pulling open a drawer. Inside, was a very tiny little box with a felt coating. He snapped it open, making sure what was meant to be inside was still there.

A beautiful diamond ring sparkled and reflected in Simon's eyes. He smiled to himself as he gazed at it. Simon made sure to get the clearest, glittering diamond in the shop, and he didn't regret laying down a good amount of cash for it. He was hellbent on purchasing one that he thought to represent Stella's ethereal beauty. He even paid extra for an engraving that read "My Soul Full of Stars." Simon's heart jittered as he shut the box with a click, excited for his upcoming plans. He chuckled to himself as he remembered how funny it was to hide such an important thing in such a plain place. But in actuality Stella never even used that side table aside from placing various items on the top. She never could have suspected something so germane could have been inside!

He sauntered back over to the picnic basket, holding the ring box carefully in his hands. Simon rustled around the food and gently placed the box underneath, so it would be perfectly concealed. He closed the flaps of the basket, not before wedging a bottle of champagne that he thought to buy the day before in there. Simon thought that having something to celebrate with would be another pleasant surprise over top of the already exciting event. He held the basket in his hand and stood patiently for Stella to return.



In about 10 minutes, she did. Stella made an appearance in the hallway, wearing a beautiful flowing off-white dress. Her hair was now neat and styled, and… was she wearing makeup? Simon looked up at her with a goofy grin, absolutely loving this look of hers. Stella glanced down at the picnic basket, smirking.

"Big plans today, Mr. Minor?" She casually said as she approached.

"I was just thinking," He flushed. "Would you like to go on a promenade with me?"

"A 'promenade' huh?" Stella wrapped her arms around Simon's neck again. "That would be great if I knew what 'promenade' meant."

"It's a walk, darling." He laughed.

"Mmm, sounds nice."

Stella turned her face into Simon's cheek and began to kiss his bright red face. He just stood there, grinning and taking it all in. He never really knew how to respond to affection, but Stella knew that he loved every bit of it. She pulled back and looked at him in the eyes with a soft expression. --

"Where are we going today? Another beach trip?"

"No, actually." Simon explained. "I thought maybe we could spice things up a little? How would you feel about a waltz in the woods?"

"Hmm, you sure you know your way around there?"

"I may have skimmed over a few maps, it's actually a very popular spot"

"How exactly long were you planning this?" Stella said with a playfully skeptical look.

"Longer than you know." He beamed.

Stella leaned on him, drawing circles along his back with her finger.

"Sounds absolutely lovely, then."

Simon gently swept his fingers under Stella's chin and tilted her head up, leaning in for a kiss. He glided his other hand across Stella's back, holding her softly as he deepened the kiss. She hummed, closing her eyes as she leaned into it. Simon let his lips off with a small pop, looking down at her.

"Are you ready to go, then?"

"Mhm." She happily buzzed.

Simon held the picnic basket with one hand and Stella with the other. It was exciting; this was the first time Simon would be the leader to one of their many date locations. It was hard to hold back his giddy laughter as he knew what would be in store for them in just a bit. A couple months of planning leading up to this moment, and Simon was ecstatic. He took a deep breath before entering the woods with Stella. He envisioned the paths that he had memorized from studying the maps he had looked into. Simon strutted along the trail with Stella by his side, trying to act completely normal and calm with the engagement ring in the basket.

…
…?

An eyebrow curled up on his face in confusion as he stepped deeper into the woods.

"Is something wrong?" Stella asked.

They stood in place for a moment.

"Everything's fine, my dear, just a bit nervous is all."

But it wasn't all 'fine'. Simon's breath hitched slightly as he felt… something. Anxiety, maybe? He tried to brush it off as just nerves but…

An icy chill ran its way down his spine.

Simon shivered for a moment, continuing to walk with his beloved. Stella looked up at him, looking a little bit concerned. Simon plastered on a smile to ease her. She gripped his hand the tiniest bit tighter. They followed down the path for a little bit longer, but,

Simon stopped.

He furrowed his eyebrows together and looked around them both. He couldn't be sure, but he felt a pair of eyes shining directly on him. Simon looked off into the trees, through the thicket and brush but…

No one was there.

"Simon?"

…

"Simon…?"

He suddenly snapped back to his senses.

"Oh, sorry my love, I'm just a tad bit distracted."

"A 'tad'?" She suspiciously looked at him.

"Well, I suppose maybe a lot but," He sighed. "It's alright, let's just keep going."

Stella continued to glance at Simon as they walked. After a few minutes, the anxious feelings seemed to be pulled away. Simon let out a long exhale of a breath he didn't even know he was holding.

"So," He breathed. "Have you ever walked in these woods, Stella?"

Stella, a bit surprised Simon began talking, responded, "Ah yes, quite a few times. Sometimes I even set up and easel and paint what I see. It's rather calming."

"Mm, perhaps I'll have to join you in one of those sessions."

She laughed, "What will you do?"

"Just sit and watch my favorite person in the world."

"Awwww Simon!" She lightly punched his arm. "You're such a sweetheart!"

He darted his eyes away and blushed. Simon absolutely melted at petnames, and this was one of the many times. He looked off into the foliage for a second, gazing at all the pretty colors filling his vision.

"Oh! Hold on a moment!" Simon excitedly said before letting go of Stella.

She stood there in the middle of the path as Simon went off the trail. He plucked a flower from a bush, a really big pink-yellow one with petals that burst from the center. He carefully stepped back to where she was standing and offered it to her.

"For you, my love." He announced while bending slightly for a bow.

Stella giggled, taking it, "How chivalrous of you, I always enjoy a good aloalo. They're pretty, aren't they?"

Simon nodded with her.

"Just as pretty as you, my dear."

Stella stopped for a moment, taking her time to register that compliment. She blushed, grabbing hold of Simon's arm.

"You know," She said. "Hibiscuses have a special meaning in Hawaii."

"What is it?"

"They represent delicate beauty, and joyfulness."

"So you are just like it, then."

Stella blushed even harder, caught off guard by the double compliment. Simon turned towards her, grabbing hold of the flower again and gently tucking it behind Stella's ear. She was completely starstruck by him, just absolutely amazed at the amount of affection she was receiving.

"I love you, ma petite fleur."

Simon twiddled her precious hair between his fingers. He thought that Stella's cheeks had some competition with tomatoes for a moment, given how red they were turning. They continued to walk, giggling and chatting the entire time. Simon was all the while looking for a nice little clearing to settle down at, but it was all mostly bushes and trees ahead. Then, he stopped again, sighing at the trail.

"Hm?" Stella questioned.

"It's just getting a bit boring." Simon spoke. "Have you ever been off the path before?"

"Oh yes of course, many times."

"Is it safe?"

"Mhm, I know my way around, don't you worry."

He smiled and diverted his stride to the right, walking into the foliage. Stella grabbed tightly onto his hand, careful not to catch her dress on anything sharp. Simon looked behind him and realized Stella was having some trouble, so he lifted her up from under her arms and swung her around to be beside him. Stella chuckled a bit and continued to hold his hand, walking into the brush. Simon was walking a little bit ahead, glancing behind him a couple of times to grin at Stella. She smiled back at him. Simon didn't even realize what he was about to walk into. Suddenly he lost his footing, slipping off a short cliff.

"SIMON??" Stella screamed out for him.

She clasped her hands over her mouth in shock. The unmistakable sound of glass shattering rang in Simon's ears, the picnic basket completely smashed.

"Fuuu- Fu… Fu- FUUUCCKKKK!!" He shakily shouted out in pain.

He winced as blood oozed from his thigh. Simon fought back stifled tears as his hands trembled. He slipped his fingers through a newfound rip in his pant leg, brushing over a deep gash caused by falling into the rocks. The fall wasn't even that bad, maybe only 2ft down, but the sharpened spikes at the bottom definitely made it worse. Simon couldn't hold back from crying any longer. Wetness dripped down his cheeks and on to his jacket, which was now ruined too.

"Simon…?"

Oh, he was broken by the fact that his dear Stella had to witness all of this. A pathetic display of a man that was too oblivious to watch where he was going.

"St-Stella…." He stuttered out, his voice completely broken. "Pl-Please g-get help…"

Stella wordlessly nodded her head and ran off towards the direction of the trail. Simon was left stuck in the ditch, battling uneven breath. He had never gotten a laceration this bad before. Of course accidents had occurred back in the days of working on his father's ship, but they were never this horrible. Or painful.

Instinctively, he wrapped his hands around the trickling wound. Blood percolated through his pant leg easily, staining everything in sight. He then noticed a new line in his vision that wasn't previously there.

Oh, his glasses were cracked.

Simon sighed as he took them off, inspecting them. He was upset at the newfound spike protruding through his vision, but decided to keep them on; he was rather blind without them. Simon suddenly snapped his head up as he realized the engagement ring was still inside the destroyed picnic basket. He tried wiping his hands on his pants, but those were already soaked. He frowned as he reached his hand through the rubble, rummaging through the remains. Simon inhaled sharply as a piece of glass from the shattered champagne bottle sliced open his finger. His lips grew even more downward. Eventually though, Simon found the small velvet box between all the food, which they surely couldn't eat now. He sighed at the waste. What was even the point of coming here? All that effort, all that work just… gone?

Simon clicked open the box, making sure the engagement ring was still inside. It was out of place, having been jostled out of the holder. Simon wearily sighed again, gently picking the ring up with his shaky hands and slipping it between the folds. He then cursed himself as a smudge of red appeared on the diamond. Of course, how could he be so stupid to touch it when he's in this condition?

Simon then looked around for Stella.

"Where is she?" He thought. "She ought to come back now, right?"

Simon looked down, feeling his leg once more after tucking the small box away in his coat pocket. As a test, he bent his knee and wiggled around his leg. He flinched and twisted his face in pain, but at least the damage didn't affect him that deep. He was grateful for the fact that none of his bones broke, as they easily could. Simon took a few deep, stifled breaths as he tried to test how much weight he could put on it. He used his arms to lift himself up, and very, very slowly put more pressure on the leg. He eventually got to a leaning position, not without some struggling. Simon trembled and shook in place. He felt almost lightheaded just trying to keep himself upright. Simon squinched his eyes shut, trying to block at the sheer agony he was bearing.

And then, something else pricked up his senses.

A feeling of deep dark dread turned over in his stomach, the same feeling he felt earlier. He looked up over the cliff to see if Stella had returned but…

"She's still not back yet…?"

A sudden spike of anxiety tingled through Simon's body. He involuntarily gasped as the emotions seeped further through him. He turned around, stumbling. Simon gripped the edge of the cliff, trying to lift himself up.

"Stella…?"

A sudden scream rang out in the clearing.

"STELLA???"

It rang.

It echoed.

It stung.

"STELLA!!!" His voice strained in desperation as he scrambled his way up.

It was so quiet, so unbearably quiet, all except for the pathetic sounds of Simon trying to get out the ditch. His thigh bled, ripping and tearing with his erratic movements. Simon managed to push himself over the edge with his sheer tenacity, now on the forest floor. He dug his nails into the dirt. Simon felt like a corpse clawing its way out of a grave on a moonlit night. He tried to stand up, but immediately fell forward, making the musty earth cram into his gash. Simon cried out again, whimpering, as he forced his body to walk. His breath faltered as his tears flowed down his throat. He coughed and gagged at the mucus forming. Simon stumbled to a mostly upright position, slowly limping his way forward. He used the trees to propel him forwards, inching his way towards Stella at an agonizing pace.

And finally,

He saw her.

"St-Stella…?"

She wasn't moving.

"...Stella…?"

Simon's knees crashed down to the ground.

His arms fell forward into the dirt.

He used every last bit of his strength to crawl his way to Stella, who was facing away from him.

"Stella… p-please…"

He stroked her hair.

Nothing.

"St-Stell…"

He shook her arm.

Nothing.

"S…t…"

Simon reached across Stella's chest, gently turning her over.

…

His hands trembled as he ran his fingers over her slit throat.

Simon's heart seemed to shake as he couldn't comprehend what was happening. His most beloved person in his life, gone.

Gone.

"St-St-St…." He sputtered over and over as his tears choked him.

Simon put his hands over Stella's neck in denial, coating his hands in her blood. It seemed to never stop flowing, covering and seething and staining every surface it touched.

"P-please…"

His tears dripped onto Stella's lifeless cheek.

"No, no no no no…"

Simon whined and whimpered, cradling Stella's body. She looked absolutely…

What was the word?

Haggard.

Yes, that was it.

Her perfectly styled and plumped curls shriveled into disarray.

Her once white dress stained and torn.

Her beautiful face drained of her ethereal light…

Simon clutched the fabric on her chest. He dipped his head down into the crook of her neck, crying.

No, not crying.

Simon weeped; he bellowed and wailed out into the world. It was the loudest his usually quiet and simple voice could handle. Simon squeezed his love's corpse as hard as he could, embracing her like he never did before.

"Stella… I'm so sorry…" He spoke in his mind. "Stella… please come back, I didn't mean to leave you…"

For a moment, Simon glanced down and saw soulless eyes stare back at him. He squinched his eyes shut in fear, before opening them again and seeing that Stella's eyes were actually closed, just as they had been.

"Stella… talk to me dear, please. You don't have to act like this."

Simon's thoughts began to unravel.

"Sweetheart, I was going to ask you a very important question, you have to wake up."

He began to rock back and forth with her in his arms.

"It's such a beautiful day for a picnic, isn't it?"

"You make me feel so warm, dear."

"Won't you smile for me? Why aren't you smiling?"

"What happened to your flower?"

"Please just… hold my hand."

He intertwined his fingers through hers.

"That's better, isn't it?"

"I apologize for tripping earlier, I really didn't mean to ruin our date."

"It's my faù̵̳l̵̪̀t̴̲͝."

"I bought you the sparkliest diamond I could find, Stella, I hope you like it."

"I couldn't prot̵̛͙e̴̼͆c̴̣̔t̸̢̍ ̸͇̆h̶̠̉e̵̳͂r̷̬̾"

"Oh Stella, won't you marry me you beautiful woman?"

"Why̵ ̷͔̂d̵i̸d̷̊ ̵̢̉I̶̛̗ ̶̱͠h̷̲̿ą̵͍̈́v̴͈̓̊ͅe̸̡̖͗ ̵͍̐t̵̪̎͗o̵̜͒̍ ̴̰̖̐̔f̷̯̃̈́a̷͇͊͂ľ̸̗l̷̙̓?̸̻͂"

"You're the light of my life, don't you know?"

"W̶̠͎͂̏h̷̢̐͊a̴̾̿͜t̷̡̹̿͐ ̴͔̹͋t̷͎͉̓h̸͔̙͛̐è̵͔͕ ̸͉̈́f̴͖̕u̶̪͑c̶̛̯̺̉ḳ̶̊͜ ̵͕̄̓į̷͙͋̚s̴͎͋ ̷̙̍w̷̘̦̑͝ṙ̶͉̯̕ơ̵̳͎n̸̦̻̽̇g̷̥͒ ̶̨̬̃͘w̸̥͌i̴̠̜̿t̷̮̻̂̇h̵̪̆̐ ̷͙̿̆m̵͚̃̈ẽ̷̮͓ ̴̥̌Ĩ̷̪̘̂'̵̜͑̚m̴̢̉̚ ̴̼̗̓̆s̵͔͉͋́p̵̗͚̿e̸͔̮͌a̵̬̹̐k̴̻͛į̵͋̐n̷̨̔̑g̴̼̎ ̵̝͔̈ṯ̵̭̽͠ō̵͔ ̶̞͕̅a̷̠̐ ̸̛̤͆d̷̛̯̐è̷͙͔a̸̧̍d̸̯̑ ̴͖͆̋b̴̝̓̆ȏ̵͉d̶̘͋y̵̱̪͛̓.̸̞̲͊͌"

"You make me so happy, Stella."

"It's my fault"
"Ḯ̵͓t̴͚͑'̸̹̕s̷̜͊ ̶̙̽m̵͍͒ỷ̷̫ ̶͎̎f̵͈̉ä̸͜ǘ̸͓l̷̙̊t̵͚̊"
"I̸͔̾̈t̵̹̎̈́̏͑͠'̵̡̪̦̓̍͘s̷͖͉̪̈͗̑ ̶̠͒̎̓͝͝m̵̹͚͔̄̔̈́͂͝y̸̜̤̮͌̒̚͝͠ ̶̱̫̒́͌̂͘f̷̖̖̌͆ͅa̶̼͙̥̽́̕͝ǘ̴̘̫̏ͅl̸̛͕̹̋t̴͔̤͐"
"I̵̳̦͖̙͖̊̒̾̏ṭ̸̢̡̯͕̱̞̉̏͌̂̓͝ͅ'̴̧̨̛͎͛̽̄͘͘͝s̷̻̜̜̘͚͈̣̒́̊͜ ̴̟̻̯͍͙̹̳͙͝m̸̢̧̡̳̱͙͈͓͓̓́̈͂͐̌ỹ̴̗͎ ̸̡̭̜̜̜͖̰̻̄͌f̷̨̛̦̻͙̯̠͈̑̕͜á̶̫̟̥̖͗u̸̻̱͗͊̃̆͗̕͜l̶̢̹̰̱͚̘̮̓̏̿͘t̶̨̛̛̫͎̀́͒͋̊"
"İ̴̲̫̞͇̲͓̥͇̫̲͚̻̊̃̅́̾͠ͅͅt̷̡̧͖̜͚͈̼͖̦̠̫̩̜͛̽ͅ'̴̢͕̜̌̑̈́̽͐͛̔̍̓̑̕͘͜s̵̨̠̳̱̼̠̯͓̹̺̫̦̱̝͒̂͠ ̴̧̛̛̱͓͕̦̻̲̯̜̳̥͊͐̀͗͊̒̐̾̚ͅm̵̡̱̪̮͔̘̱̫̪̓̽͒̌̋̓̋̾̆̒̕͜ÿ̴͎͎́͊̌̎̒̇̕͝ ̸̨̧̠̹̞͕̥̱̭̻̗̽f̶̨̟̯͕̘̲͉̞̙̺̠͂͆̋̊̓̚͘͜a̵̜͚̖̤̫͎͈̩̯͚͉̝͆̾̀͑ͅu̷̢̹̲͚̙̺̤̹̜̯̹̒͌̐́l̷̞̺̯̾͌̇̎͐̔̃͋̕͜͝t̸̥̹͔͚̉̈́̈́͆̒̈̎͘̕̚͘"
Ỉ̶̢̛̗͈͎͕̰̘̭͇̩̮͖̘͚̘́̎̒͛̿̃͑̀̃͒̎̀̌̽͂͆̕T̶̡̨̨̼͕̙͉͇͎͔̹̙͕̳̣̪̠̪̫̅͋͐̋'̴̢͇̻̬͎̼́̀̓̆S̶̢̡̲̤̯͍̤̣̯̙̋̓̄͂̈̑̀̾̌̈́̄̋̇͗͘ ̴̢̜̝̰̰̦̜͖̤̬͇͉͚̈́͛̈̆̍̓̿̒͗̓̆́̅̈́̒̌ͅM̴̢̡̫̥̹̭̠͔͕͚̱̪̤̮͇̏̈́̿͜͝Ỳ̷̨̡͕͙̳̫̬͚͛̉̊̎̈́̚ͅ ̵̨͖̣͇̼̬̺̟̻̹͙̯̱̮͖̠̜̦̌̅̉͛͆̌͗̂͂͗̆͘͘͠F̷̡̡̡̥͙̗̯͓̹̞͙͍͔͋͋̅̉͌̃͋̏̀̈͛͜͝ͅA̶̧̧̮̭͈̻̬̗͖̙̮͍͍̠̲̱̍̀͒̒̎̒̈́̔̍͗̓͆̈́͛͆͌͝Ų̴̛͓͙͚̬̫͈̎̏́͗̽́̍̏̐̌̈́̎̎̎̔͂͠L̵̯̲̬͚̟̠̜̦͚̎͒Ṱ̶̠͓̜͖̗͖̻̽͂̇͐͊͌͝
Ĩ̵̢̨̡̨̫̠̼̥̘̟̹͔̼̬̠̘̲̳̻̣̫͒͜T̶̡̡̛͚̼͍̻̬̘̼͓̥̺͓̲̲̩̝̥̲̠͕̋̄͗̏͗͆̑̊̈́̏́̒̔̃̀̈́̾̅́͘͝͝'̸̛̱͉̗̲̬̫̅͐͆͊̆́͂͌́͊͗͌̈́͆S̶͎͉͎̈́ ̸̢̫̫̭̬̜̬͓͙̘̖̬̜̪͕͒̐͆͛̀͆̈́̽̈́̐͘̚͠ͅM̷̡̯̻͎̰͙̟̰̞̞͉̭̠̫͂̂̾̍̌͐̌̀͋̄͆̊̽̅̓͑̀̕͜͠ͅY̷̨̡̠̟͚͇̺͓̥̥̦̞̗̠̑͆̐̿͌̿̈́͊̂͂̑̇̃̆̅̍͑̽͑̈͆͜ͅͅ ̴̧̢̤̙̯̬͚͙̻̮̟̎͗́̎̓̑̆̈́̍̊̈́͒͂̊̆́̊̕͜͝F̸̨̡͔͍̦̻̱̗͔̪̟̥͈͚̜͕̜̥̂̒͜Ą̷̡̛͎̪̥̖̺̳͓̩͉̲̙͍͍̮͕̟̬̠̥̄̎̾̆̿͛͌́̇̿́́̈́̀̅̇͠͝ͅͅͅU̵̫̠̔͌̅̉̒͑̌̃͊̄̎̐̽͗͊͂̄̕̚L̵̢̛̰͖̲͓̬̫̫̟̤͕͉̫̯͚̫̫͕̘̜͈͕̘̽̿͗̂͐̄̑̎̾̆̃͂͂̀͗̈̌Ţ̶̬̥̱̳̼͔̯̲̝̭̻̘̼̜̘̖͍͕͇̠̞͚̫̽͑͂
S̴̡̛̛̱̱̥̣̮̮̋́̐͂͐͌̀̍͂̓̏̈́͐͐̅̀̀̃͒͋̕͘͠Ḥ̷̨̢̝̜̝̥͙͉̻̲̐̐ͅͅȨ̶̛̲̬̫̻̟̙̯͇̻̲͕̙̗͇͚̺̙̙̖̰̯̱̝͂̓͛̀̎͂̆̽͂͛̂̉̀̃̈̎͘̚̚̕'̴̨̢̛̱̻̩͉͇̰̟̠͉̼͉͎̭̦̽̃̓̈̃̓̽̉̿̿͐̇̔̊͛͊̆͘̕̚S̵̲̪̫̈́̐̑̋̾̒̊͋̀̃̉͐͘̚̕ ̶̛͍̦͓̣͍͖͔͕̻̺͕̲͈̈̑̄̿̆̽͆͑̆̚̚̚͜͝͝D̸̢̧̧̛̛̛̻̻̫̠̻̞̬͖̘̯̯̱̱̣̎͐͗̋͂̍̂̇̔́̾̽̋́͋͂͆̾͘̕͝͝͝È̸̢̧̜̮͉̟̥͇̦̦̹̗̎̆̚͝A̶̞̰͈̻͙̻̍͊͊͌́̇̊̓̀̎̏̅̆͗̈́́̀̓̕͠͝͠Ḑ̷̬͓͖̬̲̝̘̇̄͝ͅ ̷̦̬̠͓̦͕͍̺̳̖͔͍̰̜̼̠̩̓͋͑͐̊̏́͊̚B̵̺̟̻̫͙̺̳̻̦͍̱̑̎̾̈́̉̐̓͜͝͝Ë̷̢̢̧̜͇̗̭͎̟͈̺͕̦͓̩̩̻̠̺̟͎̤̼͉͇́͌̎̑͆̚ͅC̶̛͕̳̞̜͓̩͋̓͒̀̇̃̈́͒̏̇̌̆̏ͅA̸̧̦̘̤̥͌͗̒̋̽͆̚U̴̘̠͑͌̔̆̋̉͆̂͋͋͒͐̆̆̇̊̊̔̄̿̃̈́́͑͋S̴̢̧̡̧͚̤̹͙̪͉͇̫̱͍̙͈̲̘̦̣̝̻̽̾̍̐̆̅́̏̈́̊͋́͊̈́͑͆͐̏̀̈̈́̇̋̚͝͝E̶̱̯̹͐̌̓̑̆̃͆̀̚ ̴̡̣͈̥̜̙̖̤̭̦̻͌̊͛́͗̍̔͆̾͋͜͜O̷̢̨̞͕̤̻̰͇̠͍̳̙͕̲͓̟͖̫̺̎̂͂͐̅̎̍͑̈̊̕͝F̵̙̗̝̬̜͖̘̙͎̟̻͓̻̱̟̥͍̟̞̫̼͑̔͐̋͐̈́̃̽̂̅̎̈́̄́̂̊̅͋̏̏͘̕̚͝ͅ ̴̢̱̬͈̮͍͖͓̺̱̟̤̓̋͋̆͒͂̏̍͂̋̔̒̀̂̂̅̊̌̈̓̊̀͛̚͝͝ͅM̴̗̩͚̿̐Ë̴͓́͒̒͌͛̋́́̐̏̕͘
S̵̢̧̛̫̖̠̝͖̦̤̉̿̈́̍̍̃̃͋͒͊͋͛́̏͂͛̐̔̌͌̑̀̊̐͘̚͠͝͠͠͝H̵̺̅̔̀̆͊̎̉̃͊͐̑Ę̶̢̦̰̖̫̼̮̰̖͕͓̞̥̰͇̩̤̲̼͈̤̻͍̬̏͒̈́͌͛̾̌͛́͑͊̈̒̾́͌͑̾͊̃̓͘ͅ'̷̨̣͙͇̬͔͕̥̦̙̣̮̙̞̲͕͙̯͙̝̩̦͗̋̐̐̊́͒̑̊̑́̓̈̂͆̂̃̒̓̿̈̃͛́̅̉̂̐͘̚̕͜͜͝͠Ś̸̢̛̤̹͈̞̩̤̜̗̙͇̤̼̝̞̿̍̈́́͜ ̷̗̂͆̂͘̚D̸̢̛͉̰͂̎͆̂̀̀͊̄̈́̏̇̔̌̄̊̽̆̉̈̑̓͆͛̋͑͘̚͜Ę̸̧̼͓͖͇̤͓̪͇̥͙̪̩̹̹̘̜̼̯̣̝̞̠̿͌͋̒̃̽̅̂́͘͜ͅA̶̡̳̗̦̭͍͓̞̺̱̹̯̲̜͐̈́̽̈́͆͊͝Ḑ̸̨̛̫̖͔̲̱͉̼̣̰̗̻͇͖̺͐͒̎͂̅̾̍̈̆̋͂̅̑̓̽͜͝͝͝ͅͅͅ
S̵̢̧̛̫̖̠̝͖̦̤̉̿̈́̍̍̃̃͋͒͊͋͛́̏͂͛̐̔̌͌̑̀̊̐͘̚͠͝͠͠͝H̵̺̅̔̀̆͊̎̉̃͊͐̑Ę̶̢̦̰̖̫̼̮̰̖͕͓̞̥̰͇̩̤̲̼͈̤̻͍̬̏͒̈́͌͛̾̌͛́͑͊̈̒̾́͌͑̾͊̃̓͘ͅ'̷̨̣͙͇̬͔͕̥̦̙̣̮̙̞̲͕͙̯͙̝̩̦͗̋̐̐̊́͒̑̊̑́̓̈̂͆̂̃̒̓̿̈̃͛́̅̉̂̐͘̚̕͜͜͝͠Ś̸̢̛̤̹͈̞̩̤̜̗̙͇̤̼̝̞̿̍̈́́͜ ̷̗̂͆̂͘̚D̸̢̛͉̰͂̎͆̂̀̀͊̄̈́̏̇̔̌̄̊̽̆̉̈̑̓͆͛̋͑͘̚͜Ę̸̧̼͓͖͇̤͓̪͇̥͙̪̩̹̹̘̜̼̯̣̝̞̠̿͌͋̒̃̽̅̂́͘͜ͅA̶̡̳̗̦̭͍͓̞̺̱̹̯̲̜͐̈́̽̈́͆͊͝Ḑ̸̨̛̫̖͔̲̱͉̼̣̰̗̻͇͖̺͐͒̎͂̅̾̍̈̆̋͂̅̑̓̽͜͝͝͝ͅͅͅ
S̵̢̧̛̫̖̠̝͖̦̤̉̿̈́̍̍̃̃͋͒͊͋͛́̏͂͛̐̔̌͌̑̀̊̐͘̚͠͝͠͠͝H̵̺̅̔̀̆͊̎̉̃͊͐̑Ę̶̢̦̰̖̫̼̮̰̖͕͓̞̥̰͇̩̤̲̼͈̤̻͍̬̏͒̈́͌͛̾̌͛́͑͊̈̒̾́͌͑̾͊̃̓͘ͅ'̷̨̣͙͇̬͔͕̥̦̙̣̮̙̞̲͕͙̯͙̝̩̦͗̋̐̐̊́͒̑̊̑́̓̈̂͆̂̃̒̓̿̈̃͛́̅̉̂̐͘̚̕͜͜͝͠Ś̸̢̛̤̹͈̞̩̤̜̗̙͇̤̼̝̞̿̍̈́́͜ ̷̗̂͆̂͘̚D̸̢̛͉̰͂̎͆̂̀̀͊̄̈́̏̇̔̌̄̊̽̆̉̈̑̓͆͛̋͑͘̚͜Ę̸̧̼͓͖͇̤͓̪͇̥͙̪̩̹̹̘̜̼̯̣̝̞̠̿͌͋̒̃̽̅̂́͘͜ͅA̶̡̳̗̦̭͍͓̞̺̱̹̯̲̜͐̈́̽̈́͆͊͝Ḑ̸̨̛̫̖͔̲̱͉̼̣̰̗̻͇͖̺͐͒̎͂̅̾̍̈̆̋͂̅̑̓̽͜͝͝͝ͅͅͅ



And suddenly, a light shone on Simon's face, reflecting in his watery eyes.

The sound of a soft gasp filled his eardrums. Simon wearly tilted his head up, eyes glossed over. He couldn't see what it was, he couldn't bother to see. But figures started to surround him, closing him in.

"Get… get away from me…" He almost just whispered it out.

The shadows murmured around him, judging.

"What did you do?"
"W̴̤̞̉̕ͅh̵̦̻̱̯̿a̴̲̭͆t̶͓̫͊̊͂͝ ̷̻̺͙͔͊d̸̥̤̱̩̈́̍̓i̵̤̺̗̬̕ď̷̳̰̪́ ̴͖̎̕y̸̡̦̿̒ǫ̵͇̳͓̏̏͊ũ̸̢̻͓̻̏ ̷̘͔̪͇̊̂͝ḑ̷̘̹͙̆́o̷̥̝͂̄ͅ?̶͚̤̌͝"
"W̷̡̧͔͉͆͆̃̀͜h̷̢̹̣̝͖̣͖̞̙̓̂̊̑ḁ̶̢̩̝̖̱̱̄̒̽̍̐̎̑̐̑̒̓ţ̵̢͇̰̱͉̙̻̟̺͐̑̑̃̇͋ ̵͔̫͇̭̥̜̳̣̼̊̃͑ͅd̶͕̥̗̪̼̙̜͆͐ï̸̢̛̗͎͖̳̻̻̏̑̅́d̴̢̡̛͖̙̺̭̜̭̙͖̳̓̃͌̿̏͗̈́͛̿ ̴̡̩̭͓̓͐̂̒̋͑y̴͖͖̒̀̈́o̷͔̠̬͛ṳ̷̲͙̭͖̻̞̏̆̋̐̍̈̚ ̸͙͈̠͋̎̊̔̎̈́̈̾͆d̴̛̺͑͌̃̃̏ǫ̸̳̌?̵̱̓͋̅͒͒̚"


"I-I didn't do anything…"


W̴̨̢͈̤͍͕͍͙͚͙̏͋́͛̈́̂͊̆́̿͐̀͊̉̚H̴̢̧̱̩̭̭̠̟̬͛̿͆̓͆̀̃̆́͆̋̀͜͠͠͝A̶̧̮̪̣̱̤̼͍͑̔͋̽͌̕͜Ţ̸̦̖̜̬̝̦̞͔̲̥͕̰̮̜̘̰̐̾̊̇̏̊͛͝ ̷̡͚͕̘̹̩̙̼̟̠̟͈̺̘͚̲̟̙̎̃̈́̓̂͋́͒Ḑ̶̡̻͇̲͉̮͇͇͔̘̟̩̪̙̙̲́̈́̈̓́́̆͐̎͊̚̚͠Ȉ̴̭͍͇̗̙̪̹͓̻̼͚̲̖͆̄̔̂͋̽͋̌͊̒̈́̂̆̿͒̚͜͝ͅͅD̶͕̻̯̰̪̺͉̺͖͉͇̬̣̘͍̣̜̑͐̈́͑̾͑́͆͊̀͊͐͌̊͜ ̶̬̝̟̟̩̣̥̼̹̯͓͚̣͕̫͚̤̲̎̄̓̊̂͒͜Y̶͓͙̞͉̎͑̾̾̑̆̾̾͠O̷̢̨͓̪͖̱̞̻̣̟̥͋̄͆̆̓̐̄̐̈́̈́̉̕͠͝U̴̡̡͕̠̦̩̝̝͓̯͉̞̬̝̲̟̘̯̓̈́͛͌̈̒̇̀̌́̑̕ ̴̧̺̞̭̘͍͍̯̜̦̖̺́̏̆́͑D̴̛̛̖̂̈́͂̑̂͗̋͐̑͑͌̈́̐͊̇O̷̻̿̏̋̾̄̈́̀͒̌̒͌͛͂̓̀̿͛?̶̢̡̛̜̬̪̣̬̺̥̗͙̫̭͉̅̍̍̓̌͋͆̈́́̆͑̕̕͘͜͜͠͝?̶̧̬͕͋̅ͅ


"I-I d-didn't… I didn't… I didn't."

And suddenly his arms were grabbed, and he was jolted upwards. His legs were slack, not having any more reason to stand.

"Please… please… I didn't do it…" His voice cracked.

But the shadows and creatures of the forest didn't care what he had to say. Simon's arms were yanked behind him, snapping into something metal.

He didn't know what was going on, he couldn't comprehend it.

All he knew was that what once was is now gone. The fleeting happiness now a desolate whimper. There was no catalyst for it, no reason, and yet, it still happened.

And as he got carried away, he knew deep down,

Nothing will ever be the same.

full story here.

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