Simon stared across the digital lake, sulking.
This place was stupid. It was stupid and fake and it drew people in like a spider's web. He couldn't see how so many people wanted to stay here willingly. He couldn't see how his own brother wanted to stay here willingly, even knowing the truth.
So what if it was Simon's fault his whole family was stuck here and had been drawn in? They all knew the truth, they all knew better now, they should want to go home now.
He sighed, but it was cut short by the voice of Octavia. He lifted his head and turned around, astonished to see Steven with her.
"Octavia? Steven? What's going on?"
Octavia was out of breath, but her face was bright. To his surprise, it was Steven who answered him.
"I'm ready to go home, Simon."
Simon stared at him. He was shocked, not because of the quick change of mind, but because he knew Steven meant it. His little brother, who had once considered himself so weak and helpless, was deciding something for himself and not letting the opinions of others determine his life. He smiled and pulled his two younger siblings into a hug, something he hadn't done in years.
"Then let's let Kat know and let's go home."
The three siblings walked off together.
And in less than an hour, the only proof that their family had ever been there were four abandoned, empty rooms and the many memories they'd left behind.
