Chapter 39: Time to Go

With a little sister born, Harmony sets out to be the big sister. Having completed an aspiration, she now wants more independence. And with mom and dad busy with the new baby, who else to ask but her big brother? So now Link passes on the skills taught to him by their father as Harmony learns to ride his old bike.



Harmony learns fast, and soon she's riding around in the neighborhood on her own.



And stops by her favourite playground and gets to know the neighborhood children more.



And decides to follow in her mother's footsteps and join the scouts.



But while Harmony is thriving, tragedy is unfolding in Willow Creek. Having been more tired than usual, and a little confused at times, Derek wanders out of the house one evening and heads over to feed the cowplant, a task he has done a thousand times before.

Why is it that he tonight is tempted by the cake he normally knows to avoid? It's a question Willow will ask herself again and again in the future, but the answer to that only Derek can answer, or could as it would.



The funeral is the following day and all the family gather at the cemetery. There has been more trips than normal here, but with so many elders in the family there are bound to be more.



Harmony is almost as heartbroken as her grandmother. Grandpa meant the world to her.



Corinne is as inappropriately dressed as ever, but at least she showed up.



After the funeral, Christmas worry about her mother. She visits her at home and suggests she'll move in with them instead. She's almost surprised when Willow agrees, but fact is, Willow has a hard time keeping up with the garden on her own, and the house feels empty without anyone to share it with.



And so the newly decorated nursery gets another remodel as Willow is moved into the room.



And Willow can become a full time grandmother as Christmas and Jamie work.



When Amity ages up her crib is put in her parents bedroom instead of the intended nursery.



And with mom there, Christmas has time to work on getting back in shape, which isn't proving so easy this time around.



For Willow, living with her daughter and grandchildren gives her the opportunity to pass on her knowledge to a very interested Harmony.



But in spite of all this, she still waters the plants in Christmas' garden with her tears, and find herself staring out in space as she daydreams of the love she has now lost.



Valentine's birthday comes and goes, offering more drama than usual as Carolyn's sister manages to set fire to the bedroom.



Valentine shows quick thinking and puts out the fire, and saves his aunt.



And Carolyn promptly yells at her and tells her to leave the fireplaces alone. Why did she have to light every single fireplace in the house in the first place?



After she's calmed down, and dinner is served, it becomes something to talk about. A funny, thrilling, and a little scary flavour to the party. And then the candles are blown and Valentine ages up to a young adult.



And yet, Willow feel empty and detached, as if she's not really a part of this world already. She gives Valentine Derek's essence of life as a present.
"An alternative to vampirism," she says. It won't let you live forever, but used wisely it can almost double your life."
"Why don't you take it?"
"I don't have the desire to."



Harvestfest is the next day, and now that they cannot gather in Willow's sunroom, Carolyn has offered to host it, as they're all in Oasis Springs anyway. But it's just not the same, and for Willow the holiday no longer holds meaning.



It's not that she feels that her life has no meaning. She knows it does. And she can see her own usefulness in the happiness of her grandchildren around her. In how safe baby Amity is when sleeping, even with her sister playing with her new best friend next to her, and in how Jamie after much hard work has finally earned his next promotion.



But she's also tired. And lonely. And longing for new adventures that can't be found in this world. She can't explain why, but she knows her life is nearing its end, and she's prepared to welcome the change.

She knows where that last trip must take her, and start out outside the first home she knew in Willow Creek. In the backyard she worked so hard to make beautiful she can hear someone moving about. This is no longer a home to her and so she moves on to the place that awaits her.



The tree is still there, tall and proud. She takes her time to greet her before entering inside, feeling the pull of the glade stronger than ever before.



There is only one object waiting for her down here today, and Willow knows what is required of her.



She is not surprised when she turns around and sees Flower Bunny approaching. It's fitting that her life long friends should be her at her final moments. She greets them with a warm hug.



And so the friends watch the clouds go by one final time. There is no need to rush.



And when they're ready, Bunny hands over the final gift of Willows own flower arrangement.
"This is it?" she asks as she takes it, receiving a nod in return.



The effect is immediate, but Willow is not afraid. Even as her life drains from her, all she feels is love. Her life has been a good one, and she's achieved so much. A child that is blessed, a love that was strong, and grandchildren who are happy and knows what is important in life. She has no regrets, just a sense of curiosity.



But Flower Bunny still mourns their friend, in their own quiet way. Standing back as the grim reaper arrives to claim another soul.



When all is said and done, Flower Bunny takes the gravestone back to the family Willow left behind, and with heavy steps they walk away. Leaving a family to grieve in peace.