The Bond of Family
The Bond of Family
Winona and Walter were busy in the little camp they made their home. It was an adjustment but Walter loved having Winona as company. She knew a lot more about building than he did and it came in handy with the new structures they had. New machines, proper tents and best of all, an improved kitchen. It was wonderful.
However, Walter could never deny the sadness he saw in Winona’s eyes from time to time. She’d brush it off, focusing on the task in front of her but he had a hunch of what was haunting her.
Her sisters. It has to be. I know that look. I’ve made it myself.
Today was a bit odd with what Winona was working on. Or rather, it was something Walter wasn’t expecting. He was quiet as he peered over Winona’s shoulder, seeing she was making a locket with a knob on it. His eyes widened as he recognized the design.
“Um… Winona?”
Winona jumped, clasping the locket in her hands.
“W-What!?”
Walter backed off a little.
“S-Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. I know how it is when you get in your zone but I wanted to ask… that locket. I’ve seen that design before.”
“You have?”
“Yeah, I bought one not too long ago from a shop for Willow. It’s a music box locket, right?”
“... Yes.” Winona showed the locket. “My father was a master at making these.”
Walter looked at it, nodding.
“Schuyler brand if I recall correctly- … You’re related to guy who made these special music boxes?”
Winona chuckled.
“My dad is the owner of the brand. He taught me everything I know about these.”
Walter smiled softly, sitting beside her.
“That’s amazing, Winona.”
“Yeah… Wish I spent more time with him. He made all of his daughters these lockets. On the day we were born, we were given one with our names and a flower to represent us. Jenny had lillies, Charlie had roses and me? I had lavender buds.”
“Heh, that’s so sweet.”
“Yeah. I rarely wore mine because I worried about breaking it but…” Winona dug into her shirt, pulling out her locket “The day I got brought here I happened to be wearing it. They all play a special song our mother sang to us… our father’s precious iris flower…” She smiled sadly, turning the dial as the song began to play.
It was a gentle tune, something that Walter was most certain was supposed to be a lullaby. Walter looked to Winona, eyes going wide as a tear streaked her cheek.
“Winona?”
Winona brushed her hand across her cheek but the tears kept coming. She hadn’t listened to the locket since she came here. Reminded her too much of what she left behind.
How badly it had to have hurt her father and sister.
“I’m… I’m not okay.” She murmured. “Call me childish but… I miss those simpler days. When we were all together and Mom was alive and we had no idea how awful the future was going to be.”
Walter hesitated before bringing his arms around her.
“Trust me, I understand what that’s like all too well.”
Winona was stiff at the gesture but soon brought her arms around him, hugging him tightly. The two sat in silence, letting the music box finish its song. Walter stroked Winona’s back, the woman relaxing into his embrace, her head resting against his. Nothing needed to be said, she just… needed this right now. A moment to grieve in silence.
The silence was broken by the sound of the music box… or rather, someone else’s music box, not Winona’s.
“Do… you hear that?” Walter asked.
It was faint but it could be heard.
Winona’s eyes grew wide as she focused on the sound. It was the exact same melody.
She looked to Walter before getting up.
“I’ll… I’ll be back.”
“I’ll go with you.”
They got up, hurrying to where the sound was coming from, Winona taking the lead. Deep down she was bracing herself for it to have just been some kind of trick or to find nothing but the music box…
But to their surprise, they saw woman lying on a straw roll, curled up around a music box necklace just like Winona’s. The woman was still awake but was clearly trying to get some rest, a very exhausted look in her brown eyes.
Walter blinked, tilting his head.
“Who’s that…?”
Winona didn’t waste another minute as she rushed over to the woman.
“W-Winona!?” Walter called after.
Winona knelt in front of the woman. She rested a hand on her shoulder, making sure she was real before speaking to her.
“Jenny?” she asked.
Jenny took a second to respond as it clicked who was speaking to her. Her eyes grew wide before getting glassy.
“Winnie?” She sat up, looking at her in shock.
“Y-Yeah.” Winona’s voice cracked. “Is… Is that really you?”
Jenny nodded.
“You’re alive… You’re… You’re…” Jenny threw her arms around her. “Oh Winona!”
Winona hugged her tightly, crying out a little.
“Jenny… Oh my gosh, Jen!”
The sisters kept close to one another, tears flowing down their faces as they savored the moment.
“Oh my gosh… You're alive, you’re alive.” Winona stroked her hair. a sob escaping her. “Jenny… Oh my gosh Jen…”
“You’re alive too. I thought… I thought for sure you were gone forever.” Jenny cried out. “Sis!”
“I-It’s okay now… We… We have each other… We… We just need to find Charlie now and then... Is… Is Dad still…?”
“He is. When we find Charlie we’re going to find a way to get home and then we are going to the cabin and we are spending quality time together. Ya hear me?”
“Loud and clear Jen. Loud and clear.” Winona rubbed her eyes a little. “We’re gonna get outta her together. That’s a promise.”
“Sure is.” Jenny grinned before taking a glance behind her. She blinked, taking note of Walter who was trying not to stare. She lowered her voice. “So, uh, what’s your suitor’s name?”
“MY WHAT NOW!?”
Walter stiffened up.
“H-HUH!?”
Jenny snickered.
“I don’t really see you alone with some man, let alone someone so cute.”
Walter turned bright red and if it was possible steam would be rolling off his head.
“I-It’s not like that!”
“Okay, okay, no need to blow up.” She grinned snickering a little. “Either way, got room for one more?”
“Ya kidding me? Of course! I’ll build ya a tent, we’ll get ya a real bed - I’ve gotten good at makin’ cots ya know and Walt’ll make you the BEST meal ever.”
Walter smiled.
“A special reunion dish. I would be honored.”
Jenny giggled.
“Thank you.” She hugged Winona again, keeping close. “Sorry just…”
“No, I get ya.” Winona kept her close. “It’s been too long, Sis… Love you.”
“Love you too.”
“We’re gonna get through this together. Just hope Dad can handle waiting for us.”
“I’m sure he’ll be okay.”
We still need to find Charlie but least we have each other.
