Joy: Before you all leave… there's something I want to say.
Ruby (yawning): Make it quick, I'm sleepy…
Joy: Now that Roy's birthday is over… Fiona… (he looks down, slipping his hand into his pocket, hesitating)
Jack: What's up, bro?
Joy: How about… we listen to my first song again and wrap up the party? (He loses his courage for a moment as Fiona looks at him)
Ruby: Now that's something I can wait for. But if I fall asleep, don't wake me up. (She yawns and slouches back into the chair)
Joy: Okay, so... (He picks up his guitar. As he strums and sings "Fallen in Love," his confidence builds. Just as the song seems to end, he adds new lines:)
"Fallen in love with you,
Yes, I've fallen in love with you,
I don't know how… I don't know how…
But I did. Oh oh oh—Fiona… oh oh Fiona~"
(Fiona looks shocked. Joy finishes the last note, then suddenly kneels down and pulls out a ring from his pocket.)
Fiona: Joy? (confused)
Joy: I may not be perfect for you, but you're the most perfect person I've ever met—after my mom. You're kind, you have a beautiful heart, you care about everyone... I couldn't help falling for you. I've loved you secretly since high school. And today, I finally found the courage to tell you. Fiona… I like you. So much.
(He's almost out of breath.)
Fiona: You?… (whispers) But… how? (completely stunned)
Jack: Just say yes.
19 Century: Yes, please!
Ruby: I'm asleep… good night. (already passed out on the sofa)
Fiona: (She looks at all of them, then back at Joy) I want to ask you just one thing. (seriously)
Joy: What?! Did I mess something up? I swear I didn't ruin Roy's birthday—it's past 2am now…
Fiona: (cuts him off with a smile) How will you treat me—like a princess or a queen?
Joy: I'll treat you like my mom. With the same love, respect, care, and everything I have.
(He beams, full of excitement.)
19 Century: Bro, we all know how well you treat girls. You treated your mom like a goddess!
(Everyone giggles.)
Jack: You both are really lucky.
(Ruby snores quietly on the sofa.)
---
Narration:
No matter what Fiona says—yes or no—none of them will ever forget the people they lost during the apocalypse. Their parents, their partners, their best friends like Roy… The trauma may never fully leave them. But one day—after days, months, or even years—they will learn to move on.
---
Author's Note:
I hope this story gave you chills, entertained you, took you on an emotional rollercoaster, and more than anything—helped you connect with these characters. Thank you so much for reading.