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It had been a rough day for the two children staying at camp. Their chores of collecting resources somehow turned into a day full of antics and, as is to be expected when living in the constant, danger. Luckily, Abby was joining her living friends on their adventure when they decided to go into the swamp to get some reeds for Ms. Wickerbottom. However, the creatures of the swamp— living in the hostile environment that they do— quickly overwhelmed the trio, eventually forcing Abby to take shelter inside of her flower once again. Wendy had thankfully managed to grab her sister’s flower before the aggressive merms could get to either of them, but she and Webber didn't make it out of the swamp completely unharmed. The injuries were minor, just some scratches and scraped knees, but the days events still lingered in Wendy’s mind.
The sun was setting by now, and Wendy was sitting on a log near the camps fire-pit, cradling her sister’s flower gently in her hands and absentmindedly swinging her feet a bit. Wes had patched her and Webber up when they returned to camp, but not before Wilson ran over to the both of them and hugged them, worry clear on his face. Listening to the chatter of everyone around camp, Wendy had spaced out before her trance was broken by the voice of her friend, who was now rushing towards her.
“Hey Wendy, guess what!!” Webber stopped, almost tripping in his excitement. “Mr. Warly is gonna make us some banana pops and ice cream after dinner today!” The spider boy beamed, bouncing on his feet as he spoke. “We call first dibs! We brought back more stuff so we get ours first.” He giggled playfully, looking over to his friend.
His smile fell, however, when Wendy began to sniffle.
“H-hey wait! Were sorry!” Webber stepped a bit closer, waving his hands in front of him. “We didn't mean it, you can have your treat first if you want!” Wendy looked up at him, tears threatening to spill.
“You can have your ice cream,” She pulled her knees up to her chest, “that isn't why I’m upset.” Webber stood there silently for a moment before sitting down on the log next to her.
“Can you tell us what’s wrong then?” He spoke softly, trying to be comforting to his friend, although that wasn’t fully sure what he was doing. Wendy began to tremble, sniffling again before she spoke.
“I miss Abigail.” Webber stiffened a bit, putting a hand on her arm before she continued. “Why must death plague my life as it does? Why must this cruel world allow me to bring her back just to tear her away from me once again?” She was fully crying now, and Webber looked down at his feet sadly, not knowing what to do in order to comfort her.
“Well... you can still bring her back again.. so shes never really gone!” He looked over to her again, forcing a sad smile only for it to fall again once he saw it didn't work. An awkward silence passed before Wendy spoke again
“You know something, Webber?”
“What?” He perked up a bit, hoping she felt better. There was a pause.
“I can’t remember what Abigail’s laugh sounded like. I used to hear it so often, perhaps even every day, and yet I’ve forgotten it so quickly.” She sat up. “I’m not even sure what my own laugh sounds like anymore...” She wiped her face and sniffled before Webber scooted closer to her—
and pulled her into a hug.
“Y’know Wendy...” she was stiff, confused and still unused to physical affection like this. Wendy awkwardly returned the hug as Webby spoke. “I don't really know what losing a sibling feels like, but I know losing someone close to you is really sad. So uh, just remember that even when Abby goes back in her flower, you've still got us! And everyone else around camp too!” He pulled away from her, smiling at her warmly. “Hehe, were all kinda like a big family, aren't we?”
“A family...”
The two of them suddenly jumped a bit upon hearing a shout. Webber stood up and looked back over to Wendy. “I think that's dinner!! Come on,” He held his hand out to her, “lets eat so we can get our dessert sooner!” Wendy nodded slightly and took his hand, standing up.
After supper, Wendy and Webby sat in their school chairs enjoying their treats as campers started to turn in for the night.
As the two of them sat together, Wendy smiled.