Chapter Text
He was on the road. At least that's what it looked like. The cold concrete touched his bare yellow feet, and everything around him was black. Only the mentioned asphalt was visible. Manny walked slowly, not knowing where to go. Why is it here and why is it so dark here? His walk started slowly. He begins to increase his pace until he eventually breaks into a full run. Why is he running? Is he running from something? or someone? The road began to spin more as if something were bending it. Several times Manny nearly fell over but bravely kept on running. Through the darkness that had no end. His bare feet could feel the asphalt beginning to shrink and disappear. He had to run faster and he ran faster. Suddenly, he was blinded by a white light that began to drive in his direction. Manny turned and discover that the road has returned. Without having time to think, he started running away from the white light. However, soon his legs stopped listening to him and he fell over. The last thing he remembers is turning into the light and a sudden screech of tires and screams flooded his mind but before he could understand what was going on. Something big and hard hit him.
Manny woke up in a cold sweat. His eyes were wide open and he was staring at the ceiling. Another nightmare he thinks. As he lay there, his chest heaving with rapid breaths, his gaze remained fixed on the ceiling above. But with each passing moment, he felt his breathing begin to slow and regulate, until at last he was able to find a semblance of calm once more. With utmost caution, he lifts his fingers one by one and ensures that they are all raised before he proceeds to slowly raise his arms. Finally, he sat on the bed and looked around. He was alone here. As he looked around the room, he couldn't help but notice that the beds beside him were empty and neatly made. ‘‘This is weird’’ he thought. They usually wake up at the same moment.
Manny gets out of the bed. The cold wooden floor touched his feet. Did his friends wake up early? But if that were the case, wouldn't they have woken him up? Manny silently changed into his everyday clothes. For some reason, everything seemed so off? But Manny preferred not to think about it. Once he was dressed, he left the room and went to the kitchen. When he got there, he saw that someone was already there.
<Umm hello?> Manny looked uncertainly at the person sitting next to the table. Wally was leaning one hand on the table and his face was tired. He barely noticed his brother. As his hand reached for a cup of cold tea.
<Good morning, Da-Manny> Wally corrects himself quickly as he takes a sip of his tea and winces slightly. This tea tasted like it had been left on the table a little longer than one night. Manny was still staring uncertainty at him when he suddenly remembered. This is his older brother Wally. He came to a visit. Manny relaxes and sits next to Wally at the table.
<Do you want to eat something?> Wally asked as he put his half-finished tea aside. Manny thought for a moment and shook his head.
<I don't think so> Wally nodded. Something told him that he shouldn't skip breakfast, but he'd long ago figured out that he and David didn't need much food to function properly, one skipping breakfast wouldn't do them any harm.
<Do you know where my friends are?> Manny asked. Wally got up from his chair and picked up his cup.
<Oh yea. They decided that today they would spend time just the two of them. They didn't tell me where, but they should be back tonight> Wally put his cup in the sink.
<Oh> Manny looked down. This is the first time something like this happens. Wally noticed his little brother's concern and quickly tried to smile to lighten the atmosphere.
<Hey, don't worry. They'll be fine. Aren't you happy we'll have more time for us to play?> Manny still looked uncertain. Don't get him wrong, for now, he liked spending time with his older brother, whom he only found out about yesterday, or at least he thinks it was yesterday. But the idea of being left alone with him in an empty house seemed strange to him. He felt nostalgic for some reason, but it didn't seem pleasant. Wally placed his hands gently on his shoulders.
<Hey, I've already set up some things in the living room, do you want to see them?>Manny got up from the chair to get rid of his brother's hands.
<Umm yeah sure> They both headed to the living room. When they got there, Manny saw an easel with several small containers of paint next to it. Joy appeared on his face as he approached the easel.
<You can use it as much as you want, I even have a few canvases so we can paint all day today.> Manny was delighted, he couldn't remember the last time he had the opportunity to paint on canvas. With Wally's help, Manny sat down on a chair across from the easel. Wally handed him a paintbrush and opened the lids of the paint can. And they started painting. Wally was sitting cross-legged on the floor. His canvas rested against his legs. He decided to paint Home. Pretty simple painting if you ask him but at the moment he couldn't think of anything better. Meanwhile, Manny wasn't sure what to paint. At first, he thought about painting himself or his friends. However, he had a nagging feeling that he could do better. Perhaps he should consider painting something more captivating to impress his elder sibling.
<Are you okay Manny? You haven't painted anything yet> Wally noticed. Manny gazed uncertainly at his brother, then back at the blank canvas. He picked up his brush and when the brush tip was close to touching the canvas he hesitated and pulled the brush back.
<I understand, don't worry, sometimes I don't know what to paint either>Wally stood up and stared at the blank canvas.
<Hmm, maybe we should add some green here?>Manny gripped his paintbrush tightly, his expression betraying a hint of anger.
<NO!> He exclaimed, feeling anxious as he realized how loud his voice had become. Wally jumped slightly at the sudden noise and looked worriedly at Manny.
<No... Green Is Not a Creative Color >Manny said quietly this time. And he looked at the floor as if he was waiting to be scolded by his brother.
<Who told you such nonsense?>Wally asked worriedly. <Green is a very creative color, one of the most important even>
Manny continued to stare at the floor and shrugged. He can't remember who told him that. And when he tries to remember It, his head starts to hurt. They sat in silence for a while. All they heard was the uncertain ticking of the clock. Apparently, the clock felt awkward too. Finally, Wally broke the silence and gently took Manny's hand, who was still holding the brush.
<Let's paint something simple, how about a car?> Wally dipped the brush into the blue paint and touched the canvas. Then he released Manny's hand and let him continue painting. Manny painted in silence and looked at his painting when he finished.
<It doesn't look nice>Manny said quietly. Wally put his hand on Manny's head.
<In my opinion, it looks nice> Manny smiled slightly.
<Want to keep painting?>Wally said carefully.
<We don't have anything better to do anyway, do we?> Manny looked at his brother, who was avoiding his eyes for the first time. ‘‘Great, he just made his brother uncomfortable’’ he thought, and just as he was about to apologize for his behavior, someone suddenly appeared beside them.
<Hello!> A white Envelope greeted them.
<Oh, hello> Manny greeted. Wally just shyly extended his hand in greeting. He's still not sure what these teachers are, but considering what happened yesterday, he better keeps an eye out for them. The Envelope came to them and looked at the painting.
<Wow, that's pretty, you should turn it into a stamp>
<Stamp?> Manny asked, not knowing exactly what a stamp was or why his painting should become one.
<Oh, stamps are something you stick> Wally wanted to explain what the stamps were, but the Envelope suddenly interrupted his conversation with a loud grunt.
<If you let me. The stamps are part of the letter of course!>The Envelope said with great enthusiasm. Wally glared at the Envelope, he usually doesn't like being interrupted by someone in a conversation, especially by a stranger.
<A letter?> Wally was ready to explain to Manny what letter are, but Envelope started talking again.
<Letters are something you send to your friends or family!> The Envelope jumped with joy and went to the cupboard. Wally just rolled his eyes. He felt confident that he could explain the concept of letters to Manny much more easily and efficiently. After all, one of his friends is a postman. The Envelope took an old letter out of the cupboard and showed Manny.
<See this is what the letter looks like> Manny took the letter from the Envelope. Wally bent down a little to see what was written in the letter. Huh, it seems that time wasn't been so kind to this letter because no matter how hard Wally tried, he couldn't read anything from this letter and apparently Manny had the same problem. Wally reached out to take the letter from him so he could get a better look but as soon as his hand touched the letter, the Envelope quickly snatched the letter from his hand.
<It's not nice to read someone else's letters> Envelope scolded him. Wally was about to say something about it but the Envelope suddenly disappeared and as soon as it disappeared it appeared behind them. Again, music from an unknown source began to play.
<Come on, let me explain to you what letters are!> Manny and Wally were moved to a new location and Envelope started her singing. The Envelope began to sing what the letter is but soon began to sing more about letter history. Wally had his arms crossed the whole time, and honestly, once the music started, he stopped listening to her. There was still that old letter in his head, who it was addressed to, and why he was there. Wasn't it simpler to take some blank letter or just a piece of paper and draw what the letter looks like? The Envelope continued to send them to random places along with that jingle of music that Wally noticed was getting weirder? Wait when from saying what letters are now she's singing about what people do with those letters?
You can burn them in the fireplace and forget them
The Envelope transported them to the forest, where apparently the next part of her song was starting, where she explained how to make paper for the letter. Upon casting a glance at Manny, Wally could tell that he shared the same sentiment as him, both of them were clearly not happy to be here. Wally touched Manny's shoulder to get his attention.
<Do you want to get out of here?>He whispered to his brother so Envelope couldn't hear them. Manny looked at him with wide eyes and nodded. Wally grabbed his hand and they started walking away from the Envelope the music began to fade. They started walking in the woods, Wally wasn't sure about their surroundings. But, if he remembered correctly, they should eventually come across Manny's house.
<How do you know where to go?> Manny asked after a while.
<We are in the open space, so your house should be here>Manny gave him a questioning look but kept walking. Meanwhile, Wally is really glad that they decided to run away while they were out in the open space. He really didn't want to know what would happen if they were in some locked room. Escape would be much more difficult. It's possible they could have escaped through the walls, but Wally really wouldn't want to risk it. He really wouldn't want to stumble upon their father if they started escaping this way. It's not like he was afraid he'd get punished for running away from the teacher with Manny. Roy was usually kind to him, maybe even protective at times in a strange way. He never tried to intervene in his quiet life unless it was necessary. Sometimes he just watched him in the distance. But no matter how much Roy adored his first son. If only he'd seen David with him. Roy would probably be mad and he'd probably drive David away to go back to his teacher. Regardless of how much Wally would ask him not to. Wally sighed as they continued walking through the woods.
He couldn't remember why his father behaves like this to David. Did David do something wrong? Or maybe their mother did something on his behalf and that's why Roy is so angry with him. As Wally tries to remember what might have been the reason for his father's behavior, he felt Manny squeeze his hand. Wally looked at Manny and suddenly heard music approaching.
<HEY WHERE ARE YOU GOING OUR LESSON IS NOT OVER YET!> Wally pulled Manny's hand and they started to run. But the Envelope began to catch up with them.
<Wait, I have an idea!> Manny shouted and stopped. Wally nearly fell over from the sudden stop of his little brother. Manny let go of his older brother's hand and hide behind a swaying tree.
<Oh here you are!> The Envelope screamed at Wally and raised a finger at him. The Envelope had already begun to say something when it was interrupted by the loud crack of a falling tree.
Before Wally could realize what just happened, his ears squealed over the Envelope's very loud and high-pitched scream. Wally covered his ears and looked at what was left of the Envelope. Her legs were pinned down by a tree and the light in her eyes began to fade away. Wally stared as Envelope slowly passed out, for some reason that reminded him of something.
It's been a few days since Wally last went outside. Frank's body was still limp in the bathroom. Wally decided that the bathroom was now his forbidden zone in the Home. That will be better that way. The Home stopped talking to him. Under normal circumstances, Wally would be worried, but now he's glad no one is talking to him. He needed silence and a long one. He was leaning against his chair on the floor. Beside him lay several cans of empty paint. He stopped having the passion to paint for a while. Wally sighed heavily. He didn't need a mirror to know he probably looked terrible. His hair is a mess and his clothes are dirty with blood and paint. He knows it's only a matter of time before he has to get up. After all, someone would have noticed if he hadn't been around for a while... right?
‘‘No, they won't notice’’ he thought bitterly. As long as he's at Home, time outside doesn't exist. He can stay here as long as he wants but the sense of duty overcame that desire. Wally slowly gets up off the floor. He went to the kitchen where the sink was there's no way he's going to the bathroom. After washing up, he went to the bedroom. He quickly changed into clean clothes and fixed his hair. He looked in the mirror for a moment. The reflection stared back at him. Wally stepped away from the mirror, he didn't have to look back to know that his reflection was still there, judging him. He walked slowly towards the exit. For a moment he wondered if he really wanted to leave Home.
‘‘The story cannot begin without him’’ A quiet voice sounded in his head. It's true that Frank won't be a part of the story now, but that doesn't mean he should leave his friends behind. He gripped the handle tightly and opened the door with a wide smile on his face. Time to start a new day.
The day started off peacefully, for now, Wally strolled through the neighborhood. He hasn't met anyone yet, but that's normal, he's pretty sure his friends will show up in a moment. He was just passing Eddie's post office when he saw Eddie with some boxes.
<Hello Eddie!>Wally greeted happily as Eddie picked up the last box.
<Oh good morning Wally>Eddie smiled as he saw his friend's face. Wally approached the boxes he was carrying with a curious gaze.
<Who are all these boxes for?>Eddie laughed and nearly knocked over one of the boxes.
<These boxes are for our friends, of course, do you want to help me deliver them?>Wally took several smaller boxes from Eddie and he nodded his head.
<Of course, what kind of neighbor would I be if I hadn't helped you> Eddie just laughed at Wally's response. They both started walking around the neighborhood. First up was Howdy, who got the biggest package. Then they went to Barnabas' house. As Wally handed him the package. The package exploded and confetti and glitter scattered around them. All three started laughing at this. They waved goodbye to Barnaby as they walked to Julie's House. When they got there, they met not only Julie but also Sally. When they gave them two cute-looking packages. Sally took one package that belonged to Poppy. Sally explained to the others that she was going to Poppy so she could give her the package. No one argued with her about it, after all, everyone in this neighborhood trusts each other.
The day was slowly coming to an end and Eddie still had two packages left.
<Hmm that's weird>Eddie said as he looked through one of the packages. Wally looked questioningly at him.
<What's wrong Eddie?>Eddie just scratched his head as he continued to read the package address.
<Have you seen Frank today? His butterfly book just arrived. I am sure he will enjoy it>As soon as Frank's name was mentioned, Wally stop walking. He felt a tightening sensation in his throat. He wanted to say something, but he didn't know what. Eddie continued walking, presumably to Frank's house. Wally ran after him quickly.
<Wow, what the rush Wally, I'm sure Frank is at his house by now> ‘‘No, he wasn't’’ Wally wanted to shout, but Eddie had already started knocking on Frank's door. As expected, no one came. Eddie frowned and knocked again, but louder.
<Hmm, that's weird. Maybe he still hunts butterflies>Eddie walked away and Wally followed him, still unable to speak. Wally tugged on Eddie's hand. Eddie looked at him.
<Oh right, hold on, this package is for you>Eddie handed him the package and continued walking towards the forest.
<Eddie wait!>Wally ran after him. For some reason, Eddie didn't hear him or he pretended not to hear him because he continued walking towards the forest. Wally couldn't let that happen. Wally managed to grab Eddie's hand once more.
<You know what's weird Wally?>Eddie stopped but his eyes were still fixed on the forest.
<All day, no one asked about Frank. Even me. His House is close to Barnaby house. But we skipped it anyway and went to Julie> Wally was still holding Eddie worriedly. He had to get Eddie home quickly before the day was over.
<Now that I think about it, I start to remember other things that I often forgot> Wally let go of Eddie's hand for a moment. He was about to say something when Eddie was walking towards the forest again like he was in a trance.
He had to stop him.
Wally looked around and saw a swaying tree. Well, kinda like a tree. The setting sun shows how the tree looks more like a metal pipe with leaves stuck together. Maybe if he tried to push the tree to fall down. The loud noise may disturb Eddie's trance, causing him to stop walking. It didn't sound like a good plan, but Wally was starting to get panic as Eddie got closer and closer to the place where Frank's body had once been. Eddie started to mutter something under his breath. He had no time to waste, stupid plan or not, he had to do something
Eddie was left behind in the dust as Wally rushed towards the towering tree before him with incredible speed. As Wally approached the tree, Eddie stops walking. Wally wasn't sure why Eddie stopped. Did Eddie realize what he was doing and decided to go home? Or maybe he has already forgotten why he is going to this forest and stopped?
Eddie started walking in a new direction, Wally ran after him again. ‘‘What's going on with him?’’ Wally thought as he tried to catch up with Eddie. For some reason, his friend acted as if he was either hypnotized or very deep in thought. As soon as Wally was close to him, Eddie turned around. The fear evident on his face was unmistakable. And as soon as Wally wanted to open his mouth and ask him what was wrong. Eddie started running away from him.
<Hey wait!>Wally screamed, but Eddie started to run away faster and faster. In the end, Eddie was so far away that Wally wasn't sure where he had gone. Wally stopped and looked around to see where he was. What a surprise he was next to the Home. The Home already had an open door ready for him. However, Wally really wanted to find Eddie and find out what just happened. But the sun, or rather the lack of it, made Wally meekly go Home.
He'll find Eddie tomorrow.
As soon as he walked into the Home, the door slammed shut. Wally exhaled deeply, his breath having been shaky without him realizing it. Today didn't go as well as he had hoped. Wally walked over to his chair. The empty paint cans were gone and replaced with new ones that lay neatly beside his chair. Wally put down the package he didn't even notice how tight he was holding it. He checks its contents later. Wally was about to sit down in a chair when suddenly something told him to go to the hall where the bathroom was. For some reason, he had the strange feeling that someone was here. Wally went into the hall, the only light there was coming from the bathroom. But Wally didn't want to go there, he turned to go back to his safe place in the Home when suddenly his foot stepped on something. He looked down and nearly fell over.
Eddie was lying on the floor, and for some reason, his legs were missing.
Wally awoke suddenly as his foot almost tripped over a small pebble. Quickly scanning his surroundings, he came to the realization that he was still in the forest.
<Wha?> He took a moment to saw that Manny was holding his hand and leading him towards the house.
<Oh, hello> Manny said as he continued walking towards the pink house. Wally looked at his younger sibling's face. For some reason, it was unreadable to him.
<What happened?> Manny looked at him.
<You didn't talk or move for a while. So I decided to go home>Manny pointed to the house, which was already a few steps ahead. Wally was silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. This is the second time he has left his brother in potential danger.
<I'm sorry>Wally said, not knowing what better to say. He kept his eyes on the grass they were treading. Deep down, he knew he could afford a better apology. Wally squeezed his brother's hand gently.
<It's okay>Manny said carelessly once they were in front of the blue door. He opened the door and let them in. They were back in the living room. The living room looked just as they had left it but Wally quickly noticed that the TV was on. Manny let go of his hand and sat down next to the playing TV. Wally decided to do the same and sat down next to him. On the TV was a show called Grolton & Hovris.
<it's my favorite show> Manny said as he stared curiously at the screen.
<I see> Wally continued to stare at the screen where the show was still on. For some reason, he felt a little uncomfortable watching this show. And he wasn't sure if it was because of the dog or the strange man.
<I'll be right back> Wally got up and went to the kitchen. The sun was almost down, shrouding the kitchens in almost complete darkness. But Wally didn't turn on the light. All he did was stare out the window. The day is almost over and Manny's friends haven't returned yet.
<You said they'd come tonight> Wally almost jumped out of himself when he heard his brother's voice. He turned to see his brother staring at him. The sound of the television could still be heard from the living room.
<Yes, at least I thought. Looks like They must have decided to be back in the morning> It sounded logical in Wally's head. After all, they had been gone since the morning. Manny nodded and continued to stare at Wally. The silence between them was unsettling.
<Do you want something to eat?>Wally asked when he realized they hadn't eaten all day. Manny thought for a moment, then nodded and turned on the light in the kitchen. Wally walked over to the fridge and hesitantly gripped the handle. Luckily nothing happened when he opened the fridge. When Wally was looking for ingredients he could use to make them dinner. Manny walked over to the cupboard to get the plates. Probably just by instinct, Wally turned at the perfect moment to run to him and catch the falling plates.
<Are you ok? You should be more careful> Wally handed two plates to Manny who placed them on the table. Further dinner-making went without incident. Wally managed to find bread and jam. Dinner was modest, well it was hard to call it dinner. But Wally didn't want to rummage further in the kitchen cupboards.
<Thanks for the food> Manny said as he finished his slices of bread.
<Don't mention it. Would you like to eat something else before we go to bed?> Wally was already picking up the plates to put in the sink. Manny shook his head, then asked quietly.
<Can I sleep with you tonight? I don't want to sleep alone> Wally was surprised by his brother's question. He smiled at him and patted his head.
<Of course, you can>The sun had already gone down and it was black outside. Wally felt fatigue creeping up on him. It was exhausting day.
< Come, let's get ready for bed, it's been a rough day for both of us> Manny listened to his brother and they went together to the guest room where Wally was sleeping. Manny looked around the room as if he had never been there before.
<Wow, you have a very nice room Wally>
<Um, Thank you?>Wally wasn't sure how to respond to his brother's strange praise. It's like Manny forgets he's the one who lives here.
They were getting ready for bed. Manny was almost ready to go to sleep. When Wally began to sort through a few things in his suitcase. As he pull out his pajamas, his hand touched the paper box he had forgotten. Sudden curiosity made Wally carefully pick up the box. He opened it and spilled the contents of the box into his hand. Two new batteries fell out of the box. Huh, that's weird, he thought. What would he need batteries for? Manny tilted his head to get a better look at what Wally was holding.
<Oh, do you use batteries too? I didn't know they had to be changed> Manny asked as he got into bed. Wally looked questioningly at Manny.
<If you ask me, my batteries look a little different than yours>Manny closed his eyes. Wally's face turned to a very confused expression.
<You're what?>
