The children had all become adults, and Charlie and Liberty’s time was coming to an end.
“I’m so proud of you, son,” Charlie said hugging Zachary. Zachary had started a career in business but hated the starched collar and drab grey suit he had to wear. He could barely stand the paperwork, but had eventually gained a promotion to Assistant Manager.
“I know you don’t like your job right now, son,” Charlie said. “But I know you’ll eventually figure out what you really want to do. It’s funny. When you were a little boy, you always said you wanted to become a comedian like me.” Charlie chuckled. “Kids.” Charlie was one promotion away from making it to the top and regretted that he would probably not make it.
“Maybe I do want to be a comedian,” Zachary mused. “To tell you the truth, I was hoping this job would attract women...but I’m not happy…”
“Make people laugh, son” Charlie said with a hand on his shoulder.
Liberty was also encouraging.
“You’ve grown up so much like your father,” she said giving her son a squeeze.
“I completed my Aspiration,” Zachary told her proudly. “I’ll still keep collecting things, but it’s time for a new challenge.”
“What’s next?” Liberty asked.
“I want to be a comedian like Dad,” Zachary said proudly.
“Do what makes you happy, son,” Liberty said giving him another hug.
“You’re not going out in that outfit young lady!” Charlie said firmly. Kendall had grown into a very attractive but evil young lady, disappointing her parents with her mischief and her choice of career.
“I’m 23, Dad,” Kendall said rolling her eyes. “I can dress however I want.” Charlie sighed. His daughter was fully grown now, and he knew he couldn’t tell her what to wear.
“You look very attractive,” Charlie said resignedly.
“Thanks, Gramps.” Kendall said rudely. You look very…” Kendall smirked and walked away.
Caroline had grown up well. She and Liberty were very close since they both loved to read. Caroline had also developed a passion for fitness.
“I’ve gotten a job as an astronaut!” Caroline told Liberty excitedly.
“Are you sure that’s what you want, Caroline? That was my path, but this is your life.” Liberty said putting her hand on her daughter’s arm.
“I want to do this, Mom,” Caroline said.
“You have something I don’t Caroline,” Liberty said stroking Caroline’s red hair. “You’re very athletic. I spent most of my time playing chess. Maybe with your athleticism and logic skill, you can make it farther than I ever did. If that’s what you really want.”
“I’m going to finish what you started, Mom,” Caroline said hugging her mother and best friend of the last 20 or so years.
Liberty’s time came shortly after her conversation with Caroline. She collapsed right next to her beloved rocket ship. Zachary ran out of the house in his pajamas to plead with the grim reaper. Somehow, he managed to move him, and the grim reaper granted her more time.
Charlie died only a few weeks later, next to his microphone. Caroline tried to plead with the grim reaper, but she had no such luck. The reaper had done his good deed for the year and left her father to his death. He died with a smile on his face and laughter in his heart, but the family grieved him bitterly.
Liberty was devastated by the death of her husband and wished that she had gone first. Sometimes, she saw Charlie’s ghost at night and spoke to him.
“Why did you have to go first?” she asked sadly caressing his ghostly cheek. “You were so close to becoming the best comedian...Your career was so promising. You had so much more to live for than I.”
“Don’t say that, Liberty,” Charlie’s ghost said gently. “You may have not gotten very far into your career, but you raised three beautiful children and were the love of my life.” A single tear rolled down Liberty’s cheek. His words were a great comfort to her, and she looked back on her life with more appreciation than before.
Liberty spent her last days grieving the death of her husband, but speaking with him had changed the way she felt about her accomplishments. Liberty died peacefully, ready to be with her husband.
One evening Zachary, Caroline, and Kendall heard a voice coming from the golden statue of the knight. “The legacy continues…” It hissed.
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