The two foxes stood nervously outside of the small cottage. It was a homey place in the country not unlike a two-story farmhouse painted in pastel shades of pink and white to match the lovingly tended to beds of flowers out front. Melinda had to admit that it reminded her of someplace that could be in the Scottish countryside

 

“Well, here we are and Amy should already be waiting,” MIles said.

 

“Do we just knock?” Melinda asked.

 

“I can go in first and talk to them, Amy can come get you and follow me back in when I give the cue,” Miles said.

 

Melinda nodded and stepped to one side as he approached the door and knocked. The door quickly opened and Amy stepped outside.

 

“It’s just Tails,” she yelled back inside.

 

“Come on in, dear,” Vanilla answered.

 

“I have to take care of something, but I’ll send him in,” Amy shouted back.

 

“I guess we come on your cue?” Amy said to Miles.

 

“Right, I’ll say there’s something I need to tell her and you both come in,” Miles said.

 

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The small kitchen was just as brightly colored to match the rest of the house and a kitty-cat clock swished its tail up on the wall, counting down the seconds with every tick. The place was an obvious mess of pots and pans where Amy had been helping out to cook something. Vanilla quickly turned off the water and turned around as MIles entered.

 

“Are you okay, dear? I’m sorry about what happened,” He flinched a little as she leaned down and hugged him.

 

“Yeah, I’m doing fine,” Miles said.

 

“It must horrible losing your mom like that, I know Cream was also fond of her and took it hard. I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you.” Vanilla said.

 

“Yeah, there’s something I needed to tell you about.” He raised his voice slightly, giving giving the cue.

 

“Hey, I’m back.” Amy said nervously as she walked into the kitchen with Melinda trailing behind her.

 

“Oh, did you get what you ne-” Vanilla trailed off as she stood up.

 

Melinda gave a nervous smile as Vanilla just stared at her, seemingly in shock and blinked a couple times.

 

“Hello, Val,” Melinda said.

 

Vanilla promptly rolled her eyes back and fainted almost as soon as the words were spoken.

 

“Well Amy, looks like you we’re right,” Melinda said with a nervous laugh.

 

“Is she gonna be okay?” MIles questioned.

 

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Melinda laid Vanilla down on the couch and felt for a pulse.

 

“She’s seems fine, “ Melinda said.

 

“I’m kind of impressed you carried her bridal-style across the house to the living room, she’s almost as tall as you,” Amy said.

 

“That’s nothing, you should’ve seen her when I dropped a spare wing on my leg,” Miles said.

 

“Amy, what’s wrong with mother and who-”

 

Melinda instinctively dived over the couch and landed with a thud behind it as she heard the young voice, not wanting to risk scaring the crap out of the kid before someone could explain.

 

“Who just hid behind the couch?” Cream innocently asked.

 

“You’re mom just got over-heated passed out, she’ll be fine.” Amy said.

 

“Amy, it’s the middle of fall,” Tails whispered

 

“Just play along,” Amy said.

 

“Okay, miss Amy, but who's behind the couch?” Cream asked.
“About that, there’s something very important we need to talk about as soon as your mom wakes up,” Amy said.

 

“Okay,” Cream said as she turned to Miles, “I’m sorry about happened to Aunt Mel, I miss her, to”

 

She ran up and gave Tails a hug, much to his obvious embarrassment.

 

“Uh, thanks, Cream.” He replied, turning red.

 

“You can stay with us for a little while, if you want.” Cream said.

 

Melinda listened intently from behind the couch, resisting the urge to jump out and show the poor child that she was okay. She wanted to hug her and tell her that it going to be fine because she could hear in her voice that she had been crying. She wanted to just go out there and tell her that her Aunt Mel was here to stay and that she didn’t have to miss her anymore.

 

“God give me strength,” she whispered to herself.

 

Vanilla moaned and began to stir, attracting everyone’s attention. She opened her eyes and rubbed her head as she started to sit up.

 

“Mother, are you okay?” Cream questioned as she ran and placed a hand on her shoulder.

 

“I’m fine dear, but I had the strangest dream.” Vanila said, rubbing her head,

 

This was meant by nervous smiles and forced laughter from both Amy and Miles. Melinda could tell from behind the couch that they were both trying to figure out how to proceed.

 

“Imagine that,” Amy said with a chuckle

 

“Yes, I could’ve sworn Melinda was behind you. I guess it must be the stress.” Vanila said.

 

“Listen, there’s something we really need to talk to about,” Amy said.

 

“What is it, dear?” Vanilla said as she sat up and straightened her clothes.

 

“Tails?” Amy turned to Miles, why don’t you explain while Cream helps me check on something in the kitchen?”

 

Amy quickly rushed the child through the door and let it close behind her with a thud.

 

“Just pass it off on me,” he muttered under his breath, “You know, it’s kind of a funny story and I’m sure we’ll all laugh about this later, but that wasn’t a dream. Crazy, huh?”

 

“I don’t understand, dear.” Vanilla said.

 

“My mom is sorta, not dead.” Miles nervously fiddled with one of his tails.

 

“Tails, you have to accept this. I know you’re in shock but we’re all here for you and I’m sure she’s in a better place now.” Vanilla places a hand on his shoulder.

 

“No, she’s hiding behind the couch right now.” MIles pointed at the couch.

 

“Are you running a fever,” Vanilla placed a hand in his forehead.

 

Melinda carefully stood into a crouch position and took a deep breath, readying herself. She figured she better intervene for Miles sake before someone thought he was going crazy.

 

“I know it’s hard, but she’s gone now and-” Vanilla was cut off.

 

“I’m right here, actually,” Melinda said as she poked her head around the couch.

 

The two once again stared at each other and Vanilla blinked before opening her mouth and trying to form words.

 

“Stay with me, Val, don’t go fainting again.” Melinda placed her hands on the other women’s shoulders.

 

“Tails, dear?” Vanilla said.

 

“Yes?” He carefully answered.

 

“Your Mom is really standing here, isn’t she?” Vanilla asked.

 

Miles shook his head yes.

 

“So I’m just just going into shock with you?” Vanilla asked.

 

MIles shook his head no.

 

Vanilla looked at Melinda, and then once again at Miles and then back forth a few more times before smiling.

 

“I have no idea what’s going on here, but it’s good to see you and I’m sure Cream will overjoyed. She was so upset we could barely console her,” Vanilla said.

 

“Good to see you, to, Val,” Melinda put an arm around her and gave her quick hug.

 

“I just hope you two find the time to explain all this,” Vanilla said.

 

“It’s a long story, but I’ll do my best to explain everything I can once we all get settled down,” Melinda said.

 

“Of course, you should talk with Cream first. Like I said, I’m sure she’ll be happy to see again.” Vanilla said.

 

“You don’t think I’ll scare her?” Melinda asked.

 

“Of course not, I’m sure that with Amy and Tails here she’ll be just fine. She’ll know it’s okay if her friends say so,” Vanillia said.

 

“Yeah, I’m sure Amy will bring her in once she’s sure of how to handle it,” MIles said.

 

“I hope so, I don’t want to upset the poor girl anymore,” Melinda took a seat on the couch next to Vanilla.

 

Melinda sat in silence and watched Miles pacing back and forth just on the other side of the coffee table. The poor kid had only slept a for a couple hours shortly before dawn at her insistence, and though he’d never admit to it to anyone but her she was pretty sure the fact she promised to camp out in one of the nearby chairs while he laid down on the couch played a factor. She could tell that the near-lack of sleep was starting to have an effect on his nerves.

 

The creak of the kitchen door pulled her from her thoughts and she looked over to see Amy sticking her head out, looking for some sort of signal.

 

“Amy, dear, are you girls almost finished? We have a guest.” Vanilla said.

 

Melinda was always somewhat close to her, and thus knew she could be more clever than she often let on. She had noticed Amy and given the perfect subtle signal for her to bring Cream out. She noticed MIles take a deep breath to match her own as they prepared.

 

A few more sounds of rattling dishes and Amy emerged with a tea tray and Cream in toe. The little girl looked at the couch and froze for a few seconds before hiding behind Amy.

 

“Hi, Cream,” Melinda gave her best smile and watched patiently as she peeked out from behind Amy.
“Cream, it’s okay,” Amy struggled to balance the tray while glancing behind her.

 

“No need to be scarred dear, it’s just your Aunt Mel,” Vanilla motioned for her to come over, “Why don’t you come over and sit with us, I know you’re probably happy to see her.”

 

“I thought…” Cream trailed off and gave Miles a nervous glance.

 

“Cream, honey,” Melinda carefully leaned forward and the rubber soles of her boots squeaked on the floor, “I know this is hard to understand but I was born with a special gift, so that when I…” She trailed off, looking for words the little girl would understand.

 

“When you go to heaven?” The little girl spoke up.

 

Melinda looked up.

 

“That’s how momma explained it to me, that when someone dies their soul goes to heaven,” Cream said.

 

“I guess that’s a really nice way of putting it,” Melinda said, “When I go to heaven, I get to come back because of my gift.”

 

Melinda noticed Cream’s eyes tear up and she slowly came out from behind Amy and cautiously made her way to the couch. The girl climbed up next to her and cautiously held out a hand, to which she held up hers. The two pressed their palms together and Cream carefully felt the leather of her glove.

 

“See, I’m real,” Melinda smiled.

 

In an instant tears began to flow down the young girl’s face and she threw her arms around Melinda, burying her face in the fabric of coat.

 

“I missed you,” Cream choked out through the tears, “I thought I’d never you see again.”

 

“I know honey, but I’m here now and I promise I won’t leave you,” Melinda gently rubbed the girl’s back. She thought back at how much this reminded of her the first time Miles had seen her die and how she held him for seemed like hours trying to get him to calm down and understand.

 

Melinda looked over to see a look of relief washing over Miles’ face, and then over at Amy to see her almost in tears.

 

“Amy, is something wrong, dear?” Vanilla asked before anyone else could speak.

 

“It’s just so touching, I think I’m going to start crying now,” Amy said.

 

“Come on, kiddo,” Melinda held out a free arm to motion Amy over, who quickly sat down the tray hugged her. Vanilla merely placed a hand on Melinda’s shoulder.

 

Everyone save for Cream looked up at Miles, who appeared to be attempting to bite his nails through his glove.

 

“Group hug?” Melinda grinned at her son.

 

“Maybe later,” Miles said nervously.

 

“Ah, come on. I don’t want to leave you out,” She said, inciting a giggle from Cream, who had now calmed down considerable.

 

Miles stood still for a moment before giving up and approaching, squeezing through to put his arms around his Mom’s neck while Amy put a free arm around his back. Melinda could tell he was happy to be in this strange pile-up of family and friendship, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

 

Of course, the quiet “I love you” he whispered in her ear might have been somewhat of an admission, anyway.