The Future of Mobius [Jackie's Story]

Chapter 6: Always

As I walk through the halls of the compound, my mind drifts back to before this happened. The world was normal, and so were the people. Regular, normal Mobians. I'd give anything to have that time back. To have Sonic here with me, by my side. And my kids... Tris... Uriah... What if they too are now like wandering robots?
I feel a tear fighting to escape my eye. No. Don't think about it now. Not on my way to see Lilac.
I turn a corner and stand outside the door to the control room. The room where Lilac works. I knock on the door and she turns round.
"What's up?" I ask.
"We've spotted a robot with a Mobian," Lilac replies. "The only difference is the robot isn't trying to capture them." On that last word, she loads the footage she was talkin about, and I can see plain and clear she was right.
Only, I recognised that robot.
"They're spotted right outside the compound," Lilac responds. "What should we do?"
"I'm taking an approach to this," I reply. "Leave this to me. I'm going out there."

+++

On my way out, my head starts to hurt. I hold my head tightly in my hands as if the waves are striking again. But I know they're not.
All my head can remember now is the day I agreed to stay in Mobius with Sonic.
Back when we first met.
The promise we made: to never leave each other's side; to always be there for each other.
His warmth, his comfort, I need him.
Just as much as he needs me.
And then begins the flashback.

**FLASHBACK**
Sonic and I stand underneath the tallest tree in the forest. After carving our initials into a love heart on that tree, we swore we'd always be there for each other.
"You promise?" he asks me.
I nod. "I promise."
He smiles, and we embrace each other. This feels right to me. His warmth inside me, my warmth inside him. Even the tiniest of touches from him would comfort me.
I lean in closer so my head is resting on his shoulder, and I whisper, "I love you."
He smiles, as if he's about to challenge that. "Always?"
He's so sweet.
I smile back. "Always."
**END FLASHBACK*

Sometimes I still hear that whisper in my head, like I'm repeating it aloud.
That flashback was a sign. Something to remind me.
I made a promise to him I'd always be there for him. Every minute I waste doing nothing down here is another minute of leaving him to suffer alone.
What kind of wife am I to leave my husband that way?
No more holding back.
It's time to act.