The City of Ionia

"Whew!" Tim wiped his hands against his newly bought blue jeans. "Ah, man, my palms are all sweaty from that."

"Who would've guessed that arcade games were this fun! We gotta do this again someday."

We spent two hours at the arcade in the mall's basement. It was a neon themed arcade, and the staff gave us glow–in–the–dark shirts to wear. I never knew that clothes had this ability, so this was a first for me. The more games played, the more points earned to get bigger prizes. I saw a unique stuffed bear that could be transformed into a normal-sized pillow. I didn't end up raising enough funds. Instead, I opted for a half–crescent moon keychain that I wasn't going to use. The quality wasn't smooth for some reason. I wasn't sure why, but I didn't care since it was for free. Regardless, it was probably the most fun I had since being inside the walls. The competitiveness kicked in and took control of every game. Air hockey was by far my favorite. Though I accidentally hit the puck so hard that the mallet flew out of my hands. Thankfully, it didn't hit anyone.

Roger tossed his arm around Owen's neck. The height disparity made it so that Roger couldn't lean on Owen without overpowering him. "100—percent. Also, who would've guessed Jill would love arcade games?"

"Eh? I only played that racing game with the motorcycle."

"Yah, you played it like 6 times. And you didn't get first once. That's why you walked out with a keychain instead of that pillow."

I pouted. "I wanted this keychain to begin with!"

An obvious lie. And yes, I couldn't get first in the motorcycle game no matter how much I tried. Could I have gone to a different game and farmed points there? Yes. Did I care, though?

No. My stubbornness wouldn't allow me to give up on that game. Plus, it got my heart beating with adrenaline. I sat on a fake bike, and it moved side to side with the road. It made me feel like I was on a motorcycle. The only reason I stopped was because of insufficient funds. Otherwise, I would've been there till I got first.

The clouds covered the moon like a gentle quilt. The overpowered city street lights made the moon useless. The only ones looking up were those staring at the building lights. The City of Ionia had an active nightlife. People of all ages walked the streets in casual clothing, likely heading to bars and parties, or spending time at the local park. I have never experienced an active nightlife in the city yet. I didn't plan on it. Relaxing indoors while chatting with a few people was my preference for a nightlife.

I shoved my hands in my new winter jacket that Tim bought for me. I faintly saw my breath through the chilly air. The rest were wearing regular clothes. No jacket. I was used to the cold, but I didn't like it.

I yawned while checking the time on my phone. 10:31 pm. It was getting late for my liking. I wanted to crash on my bed and sleep like a hibernating animal.

"Are you guys still going to the pub?" I asked as I slipped the phone back into my back pocket.

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"Why? Are you tired or something?" Roger asked.

"N–No. I mean, maybe. I'm just curious."

"Hey, I don't know about the pub anymore, but I do want to stay out later. We'll probably wander around town."

"I see. Well, I'm gonna head back home. Stay safe."

I waved the boys goodbye and turned around. However, I felt someone's hand on my shoulder.

"Wait."

I turned around.

Owen held a small, glossy yellow bag. "Do you mind taking this with you? I don't want to accidentally lose it."

I glanced at the bag. I had no interest in it. Not the bag itself, but what was inside.

A ring for his new friend.

I reluctantly grabbed the white arching handle. "Ya," I said.

"Great. Get home safe." He turned around and threw his attention onto Roger and Tim.

I froze while watching the others drift away into the city streets. With each step, they grew more distant. I glanced down at the bag and looked up.

They were gone—must've turned the corner.

Right… they must've turned the corner. They'll come back once they're finished with whatever.

They'll come back.

Back to me.

Right?

They'll come back to me.

And we can live like we did in the outside world. All four of us together in our…

"…"

… home.

Home?

"Get home safe."

I turned around and headed towards the station. I held my head down just enough to see a few steps in front so I didn't bump into anyone. My fingers gripped the bag's handle tightly. I squeezed my palms. I pressed them harder and harder with each step.

My mind raced all over the place. The floor collapsed, and I bounced back and forth between the walls. I could fall and wish for wings.

Wish for beautiful wings to bring me back home.

But I didn't know where home was.

Where was home?

I could name many different places I've stayed and considered 'home.' At the moment, I couldn't classify Ionia as one.

The primary purpose of entering Ionia was for the boys and me to live a better life. I didn't feel the need to chase the once extravagant dream. To lay low and live an everyday life—that's all I wanted.

My vision crumbled. Everything I wished for collapsed right before my eyes. They wanted to live their own lives. They wanted to branch away.

Owen has someone he loves.

Tim desires a university degree.

Roger wants to work at a pawn shop.

Everyone figured out life. I was stuck, trying to put the pieces together. In the end, I reverted to my old self, and soon I was on a mission for Ruben. This had to be temporary, though. I didn't want to live in violence for the rest of my life.

I didn't know how else to live. I chose something that would earn more than enough money for the boys and me to live together. If I were to get all that money, then the boys wouldn't need to drift off in their own directions.

Ya… I was doing all this for them.

"I'm tired," I said with a yawn.

In the frosty weather, I walked alone without a dream. While everyone looked up at the building lights, I looked up at the lightly covered moon.

"Were you always so far away?"