When Susan fainted, the two wizards decided to not use the backroom for a rest space for Susan. Madam Stacy checked the backroom for triggers. Eugene slipped out to the front of the shop. The dragon-cat slipped over to Nadir's legs and purred. Nadir lifted up the fluffy creature. Meanwhile, Madam Stacy decided it was better to bring a bean bag chair out here for Susan to rest. The backroom's banners and articles about the Enchanted School could make Susan uneasy. Now the decide how to handle the situation, Madam Stacy fans Susan's face as zhe lays on the bean bag chair of the back room. The goblin turns to the two wizards. Nadir pets Eugene nervously as Benet shakes his head. 

Benet sighs, "I thought it was going so well..."

Madam Stacy paces, "We are taking healing steps. This one was to be your last big step Benet and Nadir...It appears Susie has more work to do. Susie and I have been working hard over the last decades to help zher recover from the past... But it I forgot to warn you of triggers."

"You mean about our past adventures?" Nadir asks.

"No. . . No. . . Not just those. The mention of you know who. She is a sensitive subject for Susie, zhe did not resolve everything with her before the accident," Madam Stacy carefully takes out a notepad from her pockets.

"You mean the one where F-" Nadir asks.

"Yes, yes, that one," Madam Stacy says, "Please do not talk about it now. Susie tends to come to pieces when anyone even says her name. We had been reaching a break through. I thought meeting with you Benet and Nadir would resolve the sensitivity."

"Oh," Nadir lowers down  Eugene.

"Should we call a magic bus to give you guys a lift? A taxi? Or maybe we should phone a doctor or a healer?" Benet takes out his cell phone.

Susan groans, "I may be old, but I am not a child. You don't need to fuss over me."

"Oh Susie, how do you feel?" Madam Stacy says. She pulls the gun with the banner from Susan and motions for Benet to put it away. Benet quietly takes it away and puts it on the counter by the cash register.

Susan looks around and picks up zher cane from the floor. Zhe lowers zher eyes to zher feet. The invite remains on the floor from the earlier fuss. Zhe calmly lifts zherself up from the floor and dusts off zher clothing. Zhe neatens zher bob, "I am pleased at this honorable opportunity, but I will need some time to think about it."

"It is okay that you are not okay with the situation right now, Susie. We can discuss it further in our next session," Madam Stacy nods with the jingle of her headdress. She motions for Nadir to get the shop phone, "Please could you ring up a taxi. I believe we have done enough for the night."

"Yes, very well," Nadir goes over to the counter next to Benet. He starts to dial on the phone with Eugene on his shoulders.

"Listen, please. I am not so soft nowadays. I want to say something before you send me off back to my own home," Susan leans on zher cane as zhe collects zher thoughts. Nothing is going according to plan. Not even the simplest one. Susan swallows. Zhe realizes with the two wizards standing together holding hands, zhe is at a loss. Susan says, "I wanted to thank you for having me in your shop tonight. I know I have not always been kind and good... I have been trying so hard with my second chance... Er... I ... I wanted to thank you. I am sorry for any trouble I have caused... I know it is not enough... I cannot fix everything I ever did that was wicked... I-I j-just am . .. I am truly sorry... So sorry ..."

"It is okay. I have forgiven you a long time ago. Like I said, it is fine now," Benet grins.

Nadir takes a firm hold onto Benet's hand. They both knew the process of recovering from the Dark Lord's deeds had taken years of therapy and reflection. Nadir was hurt from the Dark Lord. Benet had nearly been destroyed. It was with the help of Professor Plum, Curtis, Musette, and all of their friends they pulled through. Heck, the whole effort to reform and have the Magic Community even think about forgiving Susan was brought about by Benet's efforts alone. Madam Stacy's role was to iron out all the details and smooth the trauma all parties suffered. The goblin therapist may have had questionable methods, but she had had stunning results. Nadir weakly says, "Yes, you have been forgiven a long time ago."

Susan covers zher face. Zhe had not expected this result. Susan shields zher face to hid the frustration, sorrow, and confusion. Zhe mutters, "Madam Stacy, I will wait outside for the taxi."

"Yes, Susie, we can wait together," Madam Stacy comfortingly pats Susan's arm. She lifts up the invite and holds to Susan. Zhe takes it and tucks it away.

"No. . . I will be okay by myself... Good night everyone," Zhe stoically says.

"Good-bye! Please come back and visit soon!" Benet says.

Nadir manages a weak wave.

Madam Stacy says, "Good night Susie. We will have a session to discuss all of this tomorrow. Please call, if you need me."

Zhe walks out with zher cane and waits outside for zher ride. Zher hand wraps tightly around the cane's orb. Zhe flushes with zher head low to hid fresh tears rolling down zher cheeks. Zhe keeps her back to the flower shop window. Zhe did not know what zhe would tell zher loyal followers back at the Sunnydale House. Zhe hardly understood why zhe even came here. Zhe just had wanted to spend zher time over at the Halloween party as a bunny. Zhe balls zher fist. Zhe wants to end the struggle. Susan thinks, Between good and evil, which is it I am choosing again? And how could the gun backfire like that? I know I am old... But it sparked with magic...Did I do it? What am I becoming? What of my goals? My vision?

Soon the taxi pulls up and drives away the former Dark Lord. Madam Stacy turns to Benet and Nadir as the couple studies the toy gun on their counter. The goblin paces for a moment as she steps with the heavy steps of all her bangles. She nods knowingly with her knowledge. She holds out her hand for the toy gun and its banner. Nadir hands it to her. Madam Stacy coolly states, "Mister Nilson and Mister Soledad, you both did splendidly with Susie. Susie is going to face a very hard time with transitioning back to society both the Magical Community and Mundane. There are those who would try and lead Susie down the wrong path. Susie and I laid down a foundation to guide zher. I can see zher efforts."

Nadir nervously sighs, "It still feels like zhe could go back."

"We have faith in Susan. Zhe is clearly trying. It will take time. Susan has changed over the last twenty years. I think the reformation is going well," Benet declares.

Madam Stacy points to hidden signs of wards and traces of protection spells. She looks over at Nadir, "I trust we will continue to practice trust. I do not blame you for your wary nature. Nor you Benet for the wand up your sleeve."

The wizards exchange glances. Madam Stacy feels the weight of the toy gun and the banner. She could see the prediction was correct. The toy gun had indeed been real, but with the whole affair of older wizards making technology backfire in unexpected ways. It was clear Susan had second thoughts. Madam Stacy nods at the evidence. She would update her log about Susan's behavior. Madam Stacy ponder, If this technology so easily backfires, why did Susie take the taxi? Zhe would only make it a block or two. Perhaps the event had been too much and a quick escape was needed.

Madam Stacy places the toy gun back on the counter. She proudly tells the two wizards, "I believe I am done here for the night. May I please use your portal circle to return to my place of business?"

"Of course," Benet motions and takes Madam Stacy to the back room.

Nadir remains with Eugene in the front to close up shop. He pets Eugene's head as he goes to lock up the shop. He flips off the neon sign and turns off the open sign. Nadir turns all the locks and pulls down the shades. He goes over to the light switch with Eugene happily at his heels. Nadir pauses at the door handle to see the toy gun with the banner. He picks it up and tosses it into the trash can. Slowly he shakes his head. For the sake of Benet, Nadir will follow him and his plans to the ends of the Earth. After all Nadir loves Benet without a doubt. The night outside with its misty and dampness goes on serenely. The vendors have gone home. All the people wander away to their beds and the bars close at last call.