Epilogue- Full Circle

This is the end...

I'm so sad to see my babies go but I'm glad that they're happy within themselves and their relationship so it feels like the right time.

Sorry for any mistakes.

[...]

Will's PoV

4 years later

"One, two, three!" I hear a shout, and then i'm falling.

It's as if I'm flying through the air, the wind rushing into my ears; joyous tears rising in my eyes.

The parachute expands above me, a bright spectrum of delight.

I spot the green mass of fields, many miles beneath me and marvel at the tiny specs of white- sheep- that live in them.

The intense dropping feeling has died down and, instead, is overpowered by a sense of freedom.

"Will!" I hear a call from my right, and turn to face a hysterical Freddie- the wind gushing through his wild locks of hair.

I laugh at his panicked face, though the sound gets lost somewhere in the sky. His hands have an almost death-grip on his harness, a golden band shimmering on his ring finger.

It matches the one on mine- a simple yet stunningly delicacy.

The ground gets closer, as do the trees and the birds. I can hear the faint sound of cars zooming past- full of people with their own problems and relationships.

But, here I am, at one with the clouds.

I feel...truly alive.

[...]

Another 2 years later

"Oi, Captain!" I hear Megan call, "I think I can see the land!"

I laugh, pushing at her shoulder, as we paddle the small boat back to shore.

Soft waves lap at the sides of our 'ship', creating a calming atmosphere in the air.

Sniffing slightly, I am welcomed by the faint scent of salt; mixed in with the aroma of fish and sand.

I giggle, a truly delighted sound, and glide my paddle through the water, bringing us closer to the bank.

We're greeted by the gentle chuckles of my husband, building a large row of sandcastles.

He grins at me, softly tapping the shoulder of a little girl- barely 3 years old. Long blonde hair sprouts from her head like a lion's mane, tied back into frizzy bun. She wears a checked yellow top and a white pinafore- stained with odd grains of sand and water.

As soon as she sees me and my sister- a huge toothy grin is thrown our way. With a clap of the hands and excitable squeal she shouts-

"Daddy!"

A smile takes over my features, still not used to the name- despite it being one year since we welcomed her into our tiny family.

"Ivelle! Did you make this all by yourself!?" I exclaim, rushing towards the huge mound of sandcastles and picking her up in a hug.

"No, silly!" She pouts, "Pops made it with me!"

"It's so good!" I tickle her sides lightly, revelling in the burst of laughter I receive. After placing her down, and watching her toddle towards Freddie, I turn to face my sister once more.

She beams at me, linking her arm through mine and staring at the beach.

"Willy," she says, earning a playful shove from me, "I wanna stay here forever."

As I take in the beautiful sunset and the smiling faces of my family, I reply, "me too"- with a happy sigh.

[...]

I'm in a beautiful field of daisies, the small flowers creating a gorgeous scent.

I settle down in the soft grass, grasping at the ground and breathing in the smell of fresh air.

I close my eyes, taking in the subtle sound of the breeze, and the tweeting of the birds.

This field lies just beside our beautiful cottage- one with a honeysuckle yellow door just like the storybooks.

Sometimes my bones still ache, where it hurts to get out of bed- but it's okay. Because I know that there's people that I need to keep fighting for, who rely on me and love me despite my weaknesses.

A delicate, pink, silk eyepatch covers my left eye- a feeling that I've gotten used to over the years. People stare, I'd be shocked if they didn't, but it doesn't bother me that much anymore.

Freddie calls me his 'little pink pirate', and seems to adore the accessory (don't tell him but, that's probably the only reason why I haven't gotten a glass eye).

I still keep in touch with Lucas, though he seems to have calmed down over the years- enrolled himself in therapy as soon as he left his parents' house.

He's got a boyfriend now, a giant of a man with muscles the size of England- covered in astonishing tattoos. He's called Aaron and he seems to be keeping Lucas happy- which is all that matters.

"Wheels! Come inside and blow out your candles you idiot- I want some bloody cake!"

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

"Alright!" I trot back into the cosy warmth of my house, entering the kitchen to see the smiling faces of my family, "Why do you always call me wheels? I'm not even in a wheelchair anymore."

Lucas gives me a cheeky wink, nudging his boyfriend with one elbow, "nicknames stick, don't they, Pork Chop? "- earning himself an eye roll from said beefy man.

I blow out the candles, to the out of tune singing of 'happy birthday', and eye the people around me.

Freddie, Ivelle, Megan, my mum, Benjamin, Lucas, Aaron, and the proud face of my dad.

My life is now the dreams I used to dream.

I am William Elijah Brookes,

I am a husband, a friend; a father,

But most of all,

I was The Pajama Kid.

[...]

Author's Note

Accidentally published this unfinished lol, sorry for the notification!

This is the end of an emotional rollercoaster and I'm actually really upset because I don't want to let them go!

I hope that you noticed the parallels between his dreams at the start and his reality now; if not, that's okay lol.

I really hope that you enjoyed reading this and I'm so grateful for all the comments and votes- it's so amazing to see. Shoutout to the OG commenters- for I wouldn't have continued writing without you!

I love you all!

Have a great day/ night,

El x

(Ps- this is a new book that I've thought of. Thoughts and ideas would be very much appreciated!)

I think Lucas might be in it as well- who knows?

Blurb

Oscar & Finn

'Courage'- a mental health support group that meets every Tuesday at 7:50pm, without fail. It's there to help you through the good, the bad, and the ugly; no matter the circumstances.

At least that's what they advertise; I don't believe a word of it.

So, when Sargent Corry forced me into signing up, it's safe to say that I wasn't impressed. Tucker, my dog, is all the help I need- not some condescending councillor telling me how to feel.

My name is Oscar Toland, second lieutenant in the British Army; this is my story.

Model inspo for Finn