Epilogue

                                    

                                          
        
                          
The memories came back to Kate as she looked at the cartoon drawing of Bendy, Boris, and Alice. She teared up as she looked at the framed artwork. After looking at the artwork, she flipped the frame over to see if there was a note on the back.
                          
No note, so she opened up the envelope to see what Henry wrote her.
                          


                          
Dear Kate (and Aiden and Lukas when you share this with them),
                          
All has been well here at the house. Ever since you saved Bendy, Boris, and Alice, enabling them to live without fear of fading like the Ink Demon, it's been a joy to have them living with me and Linda. Our daughters, Maria and Ellie, even came to stay for a while, so that they could meet them, and help them get used to living in a house. 
                          
Bendy does miss you though. He keeps asking if he could come and visit you. He really bonded with you during the time we had in the studio. We understand that you're busy, with working on the new short story collection with Aiden. We wish you both luck with the project, and we'll be ready to purchase a copy when it is completed.
                          
The toons are still adjusting to living life outside of the studio, and in the modern world. And it doesn't help that me and Linda still have a hard time with some of these fancy new gadgets, but at least Maria and Ellie have been a big help with that.
                          
To our relief, no one from the media has been bothering us about how Bendy, Boris, and Alice are now living with us. If anything, since Mobians live in our town, everyone thinks they're Mobians just like any others. It's been a perk. I've been taking them out to town whenever they feel ready for it, whether to help them adjust to a normal life, or to simply help them enjoy time out of the house.
                          
Linda and I are happy to have them living with us. The best part is when they perform. Boris is skilled with the clarinet, Bendy loves to dance, and Alice has a lovely singing voice. It really brings life to our house, as well as our neighborhood. Our neighbors love them, and it really makes me and Linda happy to see the toons so happy. I remember back when we were fighting to get out of the studio, they were scared, unsure if they could trust me, and showed only fear in their eyes. Having them living with me and Linda is one thing. It's seeing their emotions that is the best gift they could return to us.
                          
I know I said this to you back in the studio, when we finally got out, and after you revived them. But I need to say it again. Thank you. Thank you all. You set them free. You brought them home. You saved them. They wouldn't be in the safety and love of my family if you hadn't gone to the studio and rescued them.
                          
Thank you for everything.
                          
Your best pal,
                          
Henry Stein
                          


                          
After she finished reading the letter, Kate set it down. She began to sniffle a bit and took her glasses off. Tears ran down her cheeks and she tried to wipe them away. She got a few, but the rest fell on the table. Kate's Pokémon saw her crying. They approached her with concern.
                          
She smiled at them, showing her Pokémon that she was okay.
                          
"I'm just a little emotional right now, but I'm alright," she said.
                          
She gently pet Oshawott, who was the closest to her, on the head. Oshawott smiled sadly and nuzzled his head against her hand.
                          
Kate grabbed her phone from her pocket and pressed a few buttons.
                          
"Gotta share this with Lukas and Aiden, so we can send something back in return," she said.
                          
She hit the dial button and put the phone to her ear.