2025 Chapter Denouement

In the far distance of the meadow, a giant strides over the horizon towards the cave. Thousands of boxes, linked together and articulating comprise the monster, now rapidly approaching, shaking the ground with each stride. Bits of dust fall from the ceiling of the cave. The woman in the meadow turns and sees the giant thing and screams.

Veronique observes the woman, and realizes her realm and the meadow are one, the giant is coming to destroy Veronique. She is stricken with terror and screams. Joe laughs maniacally, as if possessed.

The meadow. Joe is standing on tip toe, reaching into a pulsing pink blob of light. He gently extracts a beautiful child from the light, 3 or so years old, wearing the robes of Veronique. The cloth clings to child's body, glistening with liquid. The woman in the meadow is lying back in the ground, fearful yet fascinated. The child is alert and silent. Holding the child with one arm, Joe reaches to the woman with his other hand and helps her to her feet, handing her the child. She wraps it in her shawl.

J

"Her name is Veronique."

Woman

"Ok."

Standing perfectly still, the box monster looks on, massive legs planted astride the little tableau. Joe looks up.

J

"Let's go"

The giant She Box bends and extends and arm, and Joe climbs into her hand. She straightens and strides off, palm out and extended. Over the surface of the boxes words form.

"and they lived happily ever after."

Joe's coat billows in the wind.

End