The dim light of Mr. Rabbit’s lantern illuminated their surroundings… dimly.

“This Castle is scary… why is it so big?”

“Well, it certainly wasn’t made to be scary at all. Once there was a time where it was full of life, that filled these now-cold walls with a warm joy. These days have long passed, leaving nothing but sterile architeture. It certainly doesn’t look inviting in such a weather, hoho!”

As to respond Mr. Rabbit’s sentence, the rain seemed to intensify, now falling in diagonal fast speed.

“geez, it’s getting worse…”

Mr. Rabbit looked to the dark clouds with aprehension. Something felt… off, although he couldn’t point out what was it.

Max seemed worried too.

“So… we’re finally… in the end, right?”

“yes, dear! can you believe it? you’re finally going home!”

“What a journey we had, huh, boy? You must be excited to finally leave this cursed land, hoho. You shall certainly have a story to tell, although I doubt anyone would believe it.”

“Haha, yes… no one would believe it…”

“what is it, honey?”

“It’s just that… I will miss you guys. It’s hard to believe but… I had fun, exploring this world with you guys. Even when it was all scary and creepy, to be with you… just felt good.”

“oh, dear… we’ll miss you too! sometimes i can’t believe i only know you for a few days. you’ve became our family!”

“They’re right, Max. You’ve grown so much… just a few days ago you were a scared little boy, lost in a world of shadows and fear. Still… I felt it… I felt the light within you. Courage, it is. And over the course of our adventure there was nothing that made me prouder than to watch that light shine bright yet brighter… I am proud of you, my boy, and proud that I had a part on this. We’re happy to have met you, Max. Trust my words.”

“mr. rabbit will miss you, that’s what he was trying to say!”

“I would eventually say that, Meryl, thank you.”

“well, it certainly wouldn’t be this night!”

Max smiled, and his eyes went back to the windows, to the rain outside.

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