Inspired by Cosmosdex

Autumn Pass

It's been one year, six months, and three days since Laurel was culled, and it was now Autumn.
An afternoon with much room to explore the island, with new experiences happening every day.
Guy Nameless Rabbit
I'm going to sit here first, if that's alright.
Their friend had dragged them into the outside, but when the rabbit chose to sit on a lonely bench, the friend in question knew nothing could stop them from thinking.
Remembering the thoughts of the past, when he was still here.
Yes. Some few years ago, when the first few leaves fell and a new season began, Laurel too took them to the outside.
They still remember the words he told them as his calloused hands pulled and dragged.
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
There's no use being cooped up in the comfort of home.
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
You'll have to get used to the chill of outside, eventually.
And he was right. They wished he wasn't right.
The rabbit closes their eyes and tries, desperately, to recall that memory. Unlike now, the past autumn had clear skies.
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
There are people raking the leaves. Want to help them?
Guy Nameless Rabbit
You can help them. I'll probably get tired after one round.
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
Come on, you never know.
Guy Nameless Rabbit
...Alright, fine.
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
That's the spirit.
And sure enough, they got tired, though they did more work than anticipated. Laurel had a smile on his face throughout the whole ordeal. They'll never forget that look.
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
Good job. You made a huge pile of leaves back there.
Guy Nameless Rabbit
I really thought you were going to help...
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
See, I was busy myself. Here.
They still remember how he went and got a duo popsicle. The ones you split between you and someone else. Guy wonders if that ice cream man is still working now. Maybe not.
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
Not your favorite flavor, but it'll do.
Guy Nameless Rabbit
I wasn't going to say no either way. Can we sit down?
Laurel Seasoned Bounty Hunter
Of course. You must be tired.
They don't remember much of the conversation that happened afterwards, when the two sat on a bench and talked throughout the sunny day. Now...
Now he's gone, and they'll never get those memories back.
They open their eyes, and Styx is in front, waving his foot. Tilting his head, the starling sighs.
Styx Mundane Writer
Buddy. You're doing it again.
Guy Nameless Rabbit
I know, I just...
Styx Mundane Writer
You need more time. That's fine! Just wanted to check.
Guy Nameless Rabbit
...Thank you.
They'll never see him again.
When Guy places their hand on the arm of where they're sitting, they realize something, and blurt it out.
Guy Nameless Rabbit
...This was the same bench.
Styx Mundane Writer
Huh?
Guy Nameless Rabbit
I-It's nothing, sorry. Please leave me be for a bit.
Styx doesn't question it, but the rabbit needed many answers.
Maybe somehow, they were led here for a reason.
Whether it was a subconscious decision or not, they ended up in the same spot Laurel once was.
They slump back into the seat, trying not to think about it too hard.
But as the rabbit takes in the changing season, they notice a stark difference.
There were only clouds above their head, and a loneliness that will never leave their heart.