Numbness encases my body and mind. I watch the flames lick around Grayson, devouring his body. My heart begs me to cry, to mourn him along with my parents. But I feel nothing, as if I am looking at the world through a strangers eyes.

"Grayson deserved better, he was brought into the world unjustly, and left in the same manner. It's okay to be sad Kai, just do not let the emptiness devour you. Know that your parents death was likely swift and painless." Maximus declares quietly with his voice cracking.

Before he created a place to dispose of Grayson, my guardian explained to me what I was. My whole life had been a beautiful lie. I did not belong here, the rip in our dimension is because of my existence.

I nod to acknowledge his words, but utter no reply. The paper from last night that me and Grayson had used for conversation weighs heavily in my pocket. It taunts me with the words we never got to say, the things we could never explore, for they were no longer possible.

"Can I be excused?"I ask quietly.

Maximus sighs, "Yes you may."

I turn to leave, walking back towards the mansion at a brisk pace. The words Maximus said long ago echo in my head. Never let anyone see you cry, they should not be allowed to see your weakness.

He is wrong, crying is strength, and I'm not strong enough to let myself feel. I cannot handle the pain that I should be feeling. If I begin to mourn, I will never be able to keep myself above the sadness.

Opening the doors, I step into the large room, before running up the stairs. I try to escape my feelings, hurt, guilt. It washes over me like an unrelenting force just as I reach my bedroom door. I step inside, closing it behind me.

Everything comes to the surface, nearly suffocating me when my body shudders with silent sobs. With my back pressed against the door, I slide to the floor. I draw my knees into my chest, placing my head on them.

I wish none of this had happened. I wish that my parents were still alive, that Grayson was here, safe and cared for.

But they aren't, and he isn't. There's nothing I can do to change that.

If the ghosts decide to take me now, I don't know if I'd care.

Just to be safe, I look around the room to see if any are here for an unwelcome visit. My eyes land on a sealed envelope on my bed, with a small jewelry box beside it. I do not remember that being there.

I wipe the tears from my face with the heel of my hand, inhaling a calming breath before standing up and walking towards my bed. Whatever it is, was likely placed there by Maximus, the question is why?

When I sit down I notice familiar handwriting. It's from Grayson.

My emotions threaten to overwhelm me again, but I push them aside, not allowing them to ruin this moment... Whatever this moment may be. Perhaps it is, no, I don't want to speculate, I just want to find out, and savor every moment of discovery.

I grab the letter first, opening it delicately, as if be mere touch it would cease to exist. My hands tremble when I hold it up to read what he wrote.

"Hey Kai,

If you are reading this, then it's likely I'm dead, and Maximus decided he liked me enough to give it to you. Honestly, I don't understand that guy. One moment he wants to murder me, and the next I'm some special beastie that should help you save people? He's as finicky as he is intelligent... Well 'supposedly' intelligent, but I did not write this letter to talk about Maximus.

Something bad happened, and I know you must be very upset. Despite the hope you had for recovering your parents, I knew this rescue mission was likely to end in both their demise and mine. My world is a dangerous and unforgiving place. But the good news is that you are alive and well, hopefully. If you aren't, then I'm sorry. Though you wouldn't be able to read this apology, I'm not sure why I wrote that...

By now Maximus has likely explained to you what we both are, or were in my case. It hurts to know that you will never be able to live for long in one dimension or another. By staying you threaten the very fabric of reality. 

All is not lost Kai, do not fret, or fear your unknown future. I know how much you like reading. Perhaps now is the time you traveled the dimensions, writing accounts of your own adventures. Learn all that you can about these worlds, then maybe even help them to be a better place before you journey to the next one.

Within the box is a necklace that contains a recording device. Observe the worlds, keep record of your observations, and formulate them into something magical. 

Don't worry about the species from other dimensions not liking you, because I liked you from the first moment we met... Well not the first moment, since you screamed and pointed a gun at my face. But after that, you were a pretty great person. 

Go make your own adventures, and never stop being the book loving ranter I've come to admire. Seriously, how do you prattle on without taking a moment to breathe? It's simply amazing.

You are a truly wonderful person, and I'm glad we had the opportunity to meet.

-Grayson"

A fresh tear slides down my cheek when I finish reading the words. For a moment, I felt as though Grayson was next to me, saying this words aloud. I fold the paper delicately, and place it in my pocket with the others he wrote.

Opening the box, I take out the star shaped necklace, instructions on its use fall out beside it. I read over it quickly, thankful that it is straightforward and simple. Turn this stabby thing right to turn on, and left to turn off. To transfer the recording use the lower stabby thing, and to delete it press the center.

With teary eyes and a small smile I press the button. "Hi there, my name is Kai. I want to tell the story of the day my life changed forever, which also happens to be when I received my first kiss, with no foot pop."

WC 31,898