Joy helps the three children she rescued put on the jetpacks Justin, Madelyn, and Charlie had left behind. Only Charlie’s jetpack fits the girl perfectly. The other two are too big for the children, and Joy shows them how to hold on while flying. 

“I’m sorry it’s not perfect,” she says. “It’s what we have.” 

Master Mind eyes them warily. His weapon is still on his arm. He has not returned it to the inside of his exoskeleton. 

“Yeah, you’re good,” Joy goes one by one. “You’re good. You’re okay. Okay!” 

“Okay!” One of the boys says. 

Joy suddenly grabs his arm. “I’m sorry!” 

The boy looks at her surprised, not understanding. Master Mind’s arm moves up a bit, but he is still not raising his gun. 

“I’m sorry,” Joy says. “I’m really really really sorry your friend died! Really! I didn’t mean that to happen! I feel so bad! Master Mind was just trying to save my life! I’m sorry!” 

She’s crying and she seems to can’t stop. 

She moves on to the girl. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry he died. I’m sorry your other friend died falling, too! I should have told you it’s dangerous! I’m sorry!” 

The girl pats Joy’s arm, but unemotionally. She clearly wants Joy to stop and let go. 

Joy moves on to the last of them, grabbing the boy’s arm. “I’m so so so so so sorry! I didn’t want that to happen! He wouldn’t listen! And Master Mind wouldn’t listen! I’m so so so so sorry!” 

The boy points at the buttons on his jetpack, then up. “Yes, yes,” Joy nods. “That’s how it works. I’m sorry.” 

“Joy, Joy, step away from them! Let them go!” I say.

She steps back. 

The boy she steps away from presses the button and holds tight. He flies up. He’s a little wobbly in the beginning, but is quickly able to maneuver it and stay in one place. He calls out instructions to the other two, and they quickly join him. 

They fly upwards and away together, their machine guns still hanging in a strap around each of their necks. 

“I’m sorry!” Joy calls after them. “I’m sorry!” 

Very quickly they’re far too high to hear. They seem to disappear on a surface of a Shroom where I can’t see, and, I guess, they go in. 

Joy looks at me and starts crying. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” 

I hold her and hug her. She is falling a part. I feel awkward with this. Suzy’s so much better at this. We have to go to Suzy. 

(To be continued…) 

—Told by Grampa Walt