Closure

Well, life at Blackburn Downporte is over. Definitively.

A few days ago, I packed up the few remaining things I had in my little Earth Room loft, replacing them in my inventory with a sigh the entire 'Verse population probably heard. Yes I shed a tear and more than one, to be honest. This place had been my home for a long time now, and it had echoed my laughter and my sorrows,and also the sound of my dancing shoes on the bar's floor. In the early mornings or in the middle of the night, I had whispered all my dreams, wishes and secrets to Black Horse as I brushed him in the dry air of Blackburne. I had teased Milo more than once, and ran with him around the shops and dwellings, playing with him until he growled and hid in Sabrina's garage, tired and cranky. But this was over now. As the rumors of an immanent massive raid persisted, I looked in my mirror and was quite honest with myself: I couldn't face it. I had to go.

Last night, as the Reavers attacked the dry sandy moon which what was or had been the home for so many of us, I went to my little loft for a last time, sneaking behind the burning buildings, watching out for snipers and feeling pretty silly in my apricot colored long dress and high heels, while my friends were battling the Reavers and dying or being wounded.

I stood outside a while on the balcony, the sound of gunfire and screaming freezing my blood and paralyzing me near the ramp, at the point where Meyers shouted and asked if I was alright. I muttered "yes" with no conviction at all. I thanked him for having been such a good and patient neighbor. He waved, turned around and returned to the battle zone. I entered the loft. All was in order. As I checked one last time for forgotten stuff I could have left behind, I found under the living room's rug a little piece of paper.

On it, a simple sentence: " Woman, I love you.".

I smiled.

As the fire caught on the porch where me and my family had shared stories, emotions laughs and tears, and the fighting intensified and that I knew the end was near, I realized that as much as I was leaving forever a place that I had called home, I wasn't quitting the most important of all, the friends I cherish with a passion, the loving men and women who care and listen to me with patience and understanding.

Downporte Firefly was going down. Life, Love and Friendship was still there alive and thriving.

"All is well, all is well".

I closed the door behind me, glancing one last time at Downporte that I knew so well. Clutching my little note, I waved, smiled and before TP'ing out to safety, I whispered: "See you soon, pretty people".