E.x (Interlude: End)

Okay, here is a 5x compressed summary of chapter E.x in 1571 words:

Aboard a train, an old woman struggled with her fare, causing a delay. A teenager in an overcoat, scarf, and wool cap offered their seat. The woman, preferring a window seat, initially declined but eventually accepted. As the train moved, they engaged in polite conversation. The old woman inquired if the teenager was traveling for business or pleasure. The teenager, struggling with a heavy backpack, replied, “Everything’s pleasure, I think.” The woman shared she was visiting an old friend, admitting a past betrayal of trust due to prejudice. She hoped to redeem herself during their upcoming dinner.

The conversation shifted to societal progress, with the old woman asserting that things were getting better despite the negativity often highlighted in the news. The teenager expressed skepticism, mentioning suffering in third-world countries and Gold Morning victims. The woman acknowledged the tragedies but maintained that the big picture was promising, emphasizing individual responsibility in making the world better.

The old woman then, in the spirit of being a better person, nervously asked if the teenager’s backpack contained something dangerous, like a bomb. The teenager, surprised, opened the bag to reveal clothes, toiletries, and a laptop. Relieved, the old woman apologized for her suspicion.

As the train approached Philadelphia, the teenager prepared to disembark, revealing it was their stop for a “reunion.”

■

Tattletale monitored her computer screens, receiving coded messages from her network. Footage showed Lung’s retreat, the PRT base, and the airborne Simurgh, the last of the original three Endbringers. Imp arrived, commenting on Tattletale’s lack of online distractions. They discussed the arrival of new members and Imp’s নামকরণ of Parian’s group as the “Needlepoints.”

Imp settled in Tattletale’s chair, indulging in rare chocolate cupcakes. Tattletale reclined in a leather chair, resisting the urge to check her laptop. Imp mentioned bringing four of the Heartbroken children, leaving them downstairs with Tattletale’s soldiers.

Foil and Parian arrived, taking a seat on a couch. They discussed recent successes and Parian’s uncertainty about the future. Tattletale offered to connect Parian with Panacea for help with her friends’ altered appearances. Foil expressed skepticism about Tattletale’s motives, suggesting she needed a skeptic in her company.

Rachel arrived with Bastard, reporting a quiet winter and accepting Tattletale’s offer for scheduled gas deliveries. Imp returned with Forrest, Charlotte, Sierra, and Aidan, who was carrying a bird. Cozen arrived, feeling out of place and facing Imp’s symbolic refusal of a chair. Dinah arrived last, taking the seat opposite Tattletale.

Forrest poured wine, and Tattletale proposed a toast to those they fought for and those they couldn’t save. They also made a libation for those who had passed, including Grue and Taylor. Cozen poured wine on the floor as an offering, and Imp did the same, placing a doll in a chair as a symbolic gesture. Tattletale poured wine in front of an empty seat in the corner, meeting Dinah’s eyes.

■

The teenager entered a mall, navigating through the crowd. They approached a coffee shop where a woman sat reading. The teenager asked to sit, revealing they were the woman’s daughter from Earth Bet, Taylor Hebert. The woman, Annette Rose Hebert, was initially confused but quickly understood. Taylor explained that the other Annette was dead and that she had slipped through before the worlds were sealed off.

Annette expressed condolences and acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation. Taylor offered to leave if it was too much, but Annette insisted she stay, though worried about hurting her. Taylor shared that her mother had been a university English professor and that her father, who was picking her up, didn’t want to see Annette.

Annette, lost for words, expressed a desire to say something meaningful. Taylor explained she wanted to see her mother’s face and raise some ideas that had been on her mind, but it would require a long story. Annette offered to listen, and Taylor spoke of regret and coming to terms with her choices. She had chosen death, but been given life, and was struggling to reconcile why.

Annette suggested that many people with near-death experiences felt similarly. Taylor, overwhelmed, choked back tears. Annette stood and offered a hug, noticing Taylor’s artificial arm. She suggested Taylor had time to find peace. Taylor, moved, admitted she was a monster. Annette disagreed, pointing out that Taylor’s father clearly didn’t think so either.

Taylor decided to go, agreeing to meet again to talk about something less heavy, like books. As she walked away, she saw a boy who resembled Alec.

■

Tattletale watched on her monitors as the others left, leaving only Imp and Rachel. Imp questioned Teacher’s plan, calling it dumb. Tattletale explained that Teacher was a symbol, a gatekeeper to a larger threat. Rachel offered to tear him apart, but Tattletale emphasized the complexities and unwritten rules of their situation.

Imp used a metaphor of an asshole blocking an elevator to explain, suggesting they could deal with Teacher before he became a bigger problem. Rachel agreed, and Imp grinned. They discussed the importance of convincing Dinah that Taylor was dead, acknowledging their ability to lie to themselves.

Rachel asked what would happen next, and Tattletale said they would deal with Teacher, hopefully without looking like assholes. Imp asked about Taylor, and Tattletale said she would keep looking after things.

They went downstairs to join their assembled forces.

■

Taylor shook her head, realizing the resemblance to Alec was slight. She touched the soft spots on her forehead, remnants of surgery to seal her power away. Her father asked if she was okay, and she admitted to feeling better after the hug. They decided to get lunch, and Taylor reflected on their improved relationship.

She acknowledged lingering doubts and guilt but expressed hope that she could learn to be okay. Her father agreed, saying it was all any of them could hope for.