Chapter 62: Customer Service Included
The motel's cheap blinds couldn't block out the rising sun, and golden light cut through the room's dimness like a knife.
Edward sat up in bed, yawned, and felt his joints pop with satisfaction.
Last night's "workout" hadn't even made him break a sweat.
Alan was already awake, standing by the window watching the sparse traffic and occasional pedestrians on the street below.
She seemed fascinated by this small town that had just dodged a nightmare.
"You up?" Alan didn't turn around, her voice calm.
"Yeah, slept great." Edward stood and stretched. "Let's go check out Springwood now that it's not a death trap."
After a quick shower, they left the motel.
The morning air had a crisp edge to it, and the sunlight felt warm on their skin.
Shops along the street were gradually opening, and the smell of coffee and frying bacon drifted from diners. Everything seemed peaceful and normal—a stark contrast to the tension at the police station and the carnage in that cell last night.
"Everyone here looks so... ordinary," Edward said, walking leisurely with his hands in his jacket pockets.
"Ordinary people hide the deepest fears," Alan said, glancing at her reflection in a shop window. "Like a calm lake—always hiding currents underneath."
They wandered aimlessly, passing through the park where elderly folks were doing tai chi and kids were laughing on the playground.
Then a familiar figure appeared up ahead. Nancy. She wore a white sundress with a thick bandage wrapped around her left hand, sitting alone on a park bench, quietly watching the empty swings.
The terror and determination from that night were gone from her face, replaced by a calm sense of relief—like someone who'd survived a storm.
"Hey," Edward walked up first.
Nancy looked up, and when she saw Edward and Alan, a genuine smile lit up her face.
She stood, looking a bit shy but mostly grateful. "Morning, Edward, Alan. I... I was actually trying to figure out how to find you guys. Thank you. Seriously."
"Don't mention it," Edward shrugged, nodding at her bandaged hand. "How's that healing up?"
"Doctor said it's just superficial damage, nothing major. Should be fine in a week or so," Nancy flexed her fingers carefully. "Compared to that, you saved all our lives. I... I don't even know what to say."
"Then don't say anything," Edward smiled. "We were planning to explore the town anyway. Want to be our tour guide? Consider it payment."
The suggestion surprised Nancy, but she nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! I'd love to!"
With a local guide, their aimless wandering became purposeful. Nancy led them through Elm Street, pointing out the cookie-cutter houses and sharing stories about the neighborhood.
When they passed Tina's house, her mood dipped briefly, but she recovered quickly. She also showed them Springwood High School, which sat empty—only the wind whistling across the football field.
She shared memories of her friends, sadness in her voice but no despair.
Freddy's death had freed her from endless terror and given her the courage to face these painful memories.
Before they knew it, evening had arrived.
The setting sun painted the entire town in warm orange and gold. They stopped outside a corner grocery store with a "Closed for Renovations" sign on the door and huge plate-glass windows that clearly reflected all three of them.
"Thanks, Nancy," Edward said. "You were a great tour guide today."
"I should be thanking you," Nancy said earnestly. "If it wasn't for you guys, I can't even imagine what would've happened."
"It won't happen again," Edward pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. A phone number was written on it in neat handwriting.
"But just in case that crispy asshole crawls back out of hell, or you run into other shit that science can't explain—call this number. Consider it our extended warranty coverage."
Nancy took the note, staring at the numbers like they were a lifeline. She nodded firmly. "Okay. I will."
"Well then, we should bounce," Edward said, turning toward the large plate-glass window.
Alan walked over beside him, smiling and waving at Nancy like she was saying goodbye.
Nancy looked confused. Where were they going? There was no car here. As she was processing this, what happened next completely shattered her understanding of reality again.
Edward and Alan walked straight toward the mirror-like glass window.
Without hesitation, their bodies seemed to melt into water, passing through the solid glass and vanishing behind the reflective surface.
Not a single ripple appeared on the glass, which still perfectly reflected the street outside and Nancy's stunned expression.
Nancy instinctively reached out and touched the cold glass.
Solid. Completely solid.
She stood there frozen for a long moment before slowly exhaling, a relieved smile crossing her face.
She carefully folded the note with the phone number, tucked it in her pocket close to her heart, then turned and walked toward home through the golden evening light.
SPRINGWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT - INCIDENT REPORT
Case #: 85-0347
Date: [REDACTED]
Reporting Officer: Lt. Donald Thompson
Incident Type: Resolved
Location: Cell Block C-3
Status: Case Closed - No Further Action Required
Summary: Following consultation with outside specialists, the ongoing disturbances on Elm Street have been permanently resolved. All evidence has been secured. No further incidents anticipated.
Evidence: One (1) damaged leather glove with metal attachments - catalogued and stored in evidence locker.
Consultant Fee: Approved at maximum authorized level.
Additional Notes: Specialists' contact information on file for future consultation if needed. Recommend extreme discretion regarding case details.
Authorized By: Lt. D. Thompson
Witness Signatures: [REDACTED]
In the mirror world between reflections, Edward and Alan walked through corridors of silver light.
"So where to next?" Alan asked.
"Wherever the nightmares are," Edward replied with a grin. "America's got plenty to choose from."
And with that, they disappeared into the glass, leaving Springwood to its hard-won peace.
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