reunion to kick capitalist ass

“Is this the place?” Tam asks, eyeing the drab building. The sign reads Ocean City Hospital for the Mentally Ill.

Austin swallows nervously. “Yeah. That’s the one.”

“They’re keeping your sister in… here?” Leah asks, wrinkling her nose. “This hardly seems like a place to live.”

“It’s one of the better ones,” Austin says, lips twisting into an uncharacteristic frown. “At least that’s one thing her bastard of an ex-boyfriend bothered to do ethically.”

“We’re still gonna kick his ass after this, right?” Tam asks.

“Right on,” Austin huffs. “When I get you, Henry. Henry, when I get you…”

The trio enters the building, and Austin approaches the receptionist up front. It’s strangely quiet, apart from the occasional wails from the back.

“Visiting?” the receptionist asks.

“Yes,” Austin replies. “May I see Beatrice Dieot?”

“Ah, Betty!” The receptionist’s eyes light up. “You’re her brother, aren’t you? I think you’d be happy to hear that she was reported to be in a surprisingly good condition since yesterday. Apparently, she even accepted a slice of cake for dessert!”

“Really?” Austin exclaims. “That’s amazing! Can I visit her today?”

“You should be able to, but I’ll check with her doctor,” the receptionist says.

“Please wait here for a moment.”

“This is great to hear!” Leah says as the receptionist exits the main room. “You’re finally going to see your sister again!”

“Well, we first have to see if she’s okay,” Austin says, though the grin spreading onto his face shows nothing but excitement.

Moments later, the receptionist returns with a warm smile. “You may come in.”

Austin glances back at Tam and Leah, who both shoot him thumbs-ups in unison. Nodding, he takes a deep breath and follows the receptionist through the door.

The walk down the hall is the longest walk of Austin’s life. His heart thumps in anticipation, practically jumping out of his chest. He can’t remember the last time he saw Betty’s face, but it feels like a lifetime. Almost as long as this walk.

The receptionist leads him to a closed door. Beatrice Dieot. The time has come.

Austin steps into the room, where a brown-haired woman sits by the window, staring out forlornly. His footsteps alert her, and she turns towards him near instantly.

Even though she has apparently been in a good condition for the past day, her eyes spell exhaustion. This must have been the first decent night of sleep she’s had in months. Still, despite her dark circles, bony cheeks, and frazzled hair, Austin undoubtedly recognizes the face that he grew up with: his twin sister, Betty.

“Austin?” Betty says quietly, standing up. “Are you… really here?”

“Hi,” Austin says, even more quietly than her. “It’s been a while.”

Betty cautiously moves toward him, arm outstretched. She reaches out and gently touches his cheek.

“Austin...?” she says again, voice rising. “I can't believe it... it's really you! You’re here!”

Without another moment of hesitation, Austin pulls Betty into a tight hug. Tears he didn’t even realize he was holding well up in his eyes, streaking on his cheeks and splashing onto Betty’s shoulder.

“I’m here,” he chokes. “And I won’t leave you again. It's over. The shadows are gone. They can't hurt you anymore.”

“The shadows…” Betty lifts her arms, returning Austin’s hug. “I— wow,” she laughs shakily, tears brimming in her eyes. “So that’s why I feel... relieved. It’s so quiet now... and so bright... I forgot how the sun felt like.”

“You can see the sun again,” Austin says, sniffling. “The rain cleared today. It’s — it’s even more beautiful outside.”

“I missed this,” Betty says, burying her head into Austin’s shoulder. “I missed you... and Ma... and Pa... and Pretz... and everyone else too... I wanna go back home now… please...”

“I’ll get you out of here, I swear,” Austin assures. “I — I can vouch for you! We’ll tell the doctors you’re feeling well enough to leave!” He pauses, releasing the hug to look Betty in the eyes. “Are… you feeling better?”

“I am now that you’re here,” Betty says, wiping away her tears. “Really, I’ve been feeling better since last night.” Suddenly, she gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. “Wait… was that your doing? Did you defeat the shadows?”

“It wasn’t just me,” Austin replies sheepishly. “I had friends who helped. But, yes. We sealed the shadows away. They won’t be bothering anyone anytime soon.”

“You’ll have to introduce me to them if they let me out,” Betty giggles.

“When they let you out,” Austin corrects. “I told them all about you, and they’d love to meet you. They also agreed to beat up your coward ex without hesitation if they ever find him.”

“Oh, him,” Betty scowls, though her expression quickly shifts into one of mischief. “What if I told you… I know his address?”

“No way!” Austin exclaims.

“Yes way! Unless he changed it since last time! But I don’t think so, since it’s a pretty expensive house. It’s right next to—”

“Wait, wait, wait, tell me later. Let’s get you out of here first. Then we can go kick his ass together. How does that sound?”

“Great! Let’s do this!”

With the twins’ reunion, the last of the shadows melt away. They finally have time to catch up on what they lost — and it’ll start with kicking a manipulative capitalist’s ass.