Ashes.

ONE MONTH LATER

Sophie was sitting at North’s desk drawing and planning out ideas for the next Easter. Last Easter went pretty well considering their situation. Jack and Sophie hid millions of eggs across the globe. Sure, it took a while, but it was worth it when most of the children were so delighted. 

Sophie drew, colored, crossed out, and tore out many pages of her sketchbook when brainstorming Easter eggs. Still, she got many successful designs. After rapidly drawing she took a break and dropped her pencil. She sighed and looked at the clock. Jack would come in any minute now and tell her it was time for bed so she decided to talk to the ghosts. 

“Hey guys. I know you can’t hear me but I feel like I need to get this off my chest somehow. North, I really miss you. I miss your loud confidence that at times was annoying but other times made us happy. Your heart was so full of love and friendship for most people you meet. I am so happy that I was one of those people. I have no better vision in my mind for Santa Claus. I will always believe in you.”

Sophie stood up and walked across the room. She picked up a picture of North holding a baby version of herself. He looked like he was laughing in the photo. She could almost hear an echo of his boisterous laugh as if he were there. Sophie vividly remembered how North told the best stories and would do anything to entertain children. Sophie felt her eyes water up.

“Bunny,” her voice broke. “You’ve always been my role model. I always loved Easter with all of my heart. You made it so special and were the reason for all of my core memories of Easter Sunday. I really miss how sweet you were. I know that you and Jack bickered back and forth all the time, but really you two loved each other like brothers. You were like the cool uncle in my opinion. I bet Jamie would agree. Take care of him for me, won’t ya.”

Sophie sniffled, tears now streaming down her cheeks.

“Sandy, I can not tell you how grateful I am for all the dreams you have given me in the past. Sometimes when I was scared or when I was sad the night before, I woke up in the morning with a smile on my face from a dream I had. You may not have ever spoken but it felt like you were always talking because you said so much without even speaking. You were so fun and caring. You helped me through rough times. Back when I was getting bullied and I cried myself to sleep every night you came to my window and just let me let it out. Those nights are when I had the best sleep. Thank you for everything.”

Sophie was looking out at the night sky and stars. Wishing that some dream sand would just…appear. That they’d be back. 

But she knew it was impossible.

“Last but definitely not least, Tooth. I am going to be completely honest with you, your obsession with teeth freaked me out when I was little, but when I got older I started to admire you a lot for it. I love how positive you are, how caring you are. When I had to have a tooth pulled out you held my hand once I got home, telling me how proud you were of me, saying that I was a little soldier like Baby Tooth. I was strong and could do anything. I really appreciate you for thinking that but the truth is…I can’t. I need my brother, I need my parents, I need my friends and I need the Guardians. All of them.” Sophie sat down at the chair at North’s desk. She broke down. 

Jack walked in and embraced her in a hug. “I miss them all too.” 

Sophie hugged back and kept sobbing. Jack didn’t try to calm her down. He didn’t say that it was okay because it wasn’t. He didn’t try to stop her tears. He just let her let it out.