#Also sorry it's more Conk content I'll change it up soon

[theonetruegnome]

Small epilogue-y thing

It's been another 4 days and I feel extremely guilty again. The ADHDemon has not left me yet... But anyway, I felt like the Chamomile story needed an epilogue, so here it is! Also, don't be mad, but I lightened Cham's font so it'd be more distinguishable from the rest of them. Sorry!

It was nighttime at the Featherby's house, and as usual, Conk and his mother were putting his little sister to bed with a story.

'...So there stands the pecking-bird in his corner, never moving.' Recited Mrs Featherby, 'But they do say that every now and again the kind-hearted clockwork mouse takes out his key and puts it into the pecking bird. Then for a little time the bird comes to life again - But he isn't allowed to keep the key for long! No, the other toys don't trust him anymore, and I don't blame them, do you?'

Chamomile lazily shook her head No and snuggled herself down deeper under the covers. Conk started forward but his Mum got there first. She gently lifted up her topmost blanket and wrapped it around Cham's small exposed shoulders. She looked so peaceful and calm, wrapped in soft linen and hugging her favourite stuffed platypus, Edward.

The two turned to leave the room, taking extra care to muffle their footfalls so the young chick wasn't woken. Cham didn't stir, even when the door gently closed with a soft *click!*

'Whew! Getting out of the room's always the hardest part. Thanks again for helping out Conk, she always likes having you around.'

She puts an arm around his shoulders and pulls him close to her side.

'No p-p- *Yawn* Problem Mom. I always love putting her to bed with you.'

Mrs Featherby frowns down at her son for a second. 'Bedtime for you as well I think Little Sloth...' 'Mom, I'm not tired! Can I please stay up a bit longer?' 'Hmmm... Tell you what; We'll go to the living room and watch one episode of something. If you stay awake throughout the whole thing, you can stay up another hour. That alright with you?' 'Yeah, sure, whatever...'

The two walked to the living room and sat down, She in her armchair near the window, Conk next to his father. Mr Featherby smiled as his son sat down and patted his thighs. Conk put his head in his lap and stretched himself out on the sofa. The screen shifted between colour pictures and complete blackness as they flicked through the Channels. Conk's mind wandered. He wasn't a bad person, by any means. He was kind, calm, he always had a pen... But scenes from the day's events kept playing over and over in his mind...

'That ok with you bud?' 'Huh?' 'We're going to watch Big bang theory. You fine with that?' 'Oh, yeah, that's fine.'

The episode came on and Conk almost immediately let his mind wander. Cham loved him so much, and that was the best thing about his life. But... the way she ran over to Leah and cuddled her at once, just a few hours ago... Was she happy with him? Things kept swirling around his head; him walking home alone. saddling the others with Cham. Not being the one to tuck her in earlier...

Mr Featherby straightens up, pushing his son into a sitting position. 'Alright, Conk, what's up?' 'Wha? What do you mean?' 'Sheldon just fell down the stairs, that kinda thing always makes you laugh!' He shrugs, 'I guess I just didn't find it that funny.' Mr featherby grabs both of Conk's shoulders and looks his son straight in the eyes. 'You're lying. I can always tell when you're lying. Conk, if you're upset about something, just tell us. Please?' Conk inflates his chest, puffing himself up. He then sighs and hangs his head. 'I just feel useless as a brother. I really don't do much to help Cham...'

'Awww, Conk, you're not useless at all! Cham loves you!' 'But earlier she was so happy with the others; And as soon as I left, she wrapped herself around Leah's leg.' 'Cham does that with everyone, she just loves everyone. But you are, and always will be, her favourite person.' 'But I don't do anything to help her. Earlier I left her with my friends so I could go home and take a nap!' 'Buddy, you were exhausted. You looked like you were about to fall asleep on your feet. How could you have helped her in that condition?' 'I guess I couldn't really-' 'And you already do so many great things that are really useful! You help us take her places, look after her when we can't, let her cry on your shoulder hen she's upset and you always, without fail, tell her a story, every night.'

The conversation is interrupted by soft rustling and tiny footfalls from behind them. All three turn and see Chamomile standing there, looking at them all while squeezing Edward tightly to her chest. She's got tears in her eyes and looks terrified.

'Cham! Why are you up? What's wrong?' '*Sniff* I had a bad dweam. D-Daddy said he didn' want me anymore *Sniff* an'- an' he threw me out int-into the road *Sniff* an' a big truck came an'-' 'Oh, Chicklet, I'd never do that. You're my beautiful baby girl, I wouldn't ever want to throw you into the road.'

Mrs Featherby gets up, but Conk has reached Cham first. He bends down and lets Chamomile wrap an arm around his neck. He then straightens up and supports her with his arms.

'It was only a nightmare Cham, it can't hurt you. I know it was scary, but it's over now, you're safe and we wouldn't let anything bad happen to you. Do you wanna stay up a bit with us? Or shall we take you back to bed and I'll tell you a story?' '...Story...'

---

'-But if you think this cured Mrs Pepperpot of reading her fortune in a coffee cup you are very much mistaken. The only thing is, she does take more care not to pick up the wrong cup and read her husband's fortune instead of her own.' Conk finished reading the story and looked up. He had gotten Chamomile back into bed, tucked her in nice and cosy and settled her down. She looked much calmer now, but still on edge, like she was fighting off drowsiness. 'Time to go to sleep now Chicklet.' 'I can't. I'm too scawed of having another bad dream.' 'I promise you won't. These things never come in twos.' 'Pwease stay with me Conkie?' 'Of course. I'll stay here all night. If you have another bad dream, just cuddle up to me, I'll make it better.' 'Okie... I love you Conkie.' 'I love you too Cham. Now it's time to sleep. *Yawn* Go- *Ah* Go to... *Yawn* sleep...'

Before they went to bed, Mr and Mrs Featherby peeped in to check up on Cham. They saw her snoozing with a smile on her face. Next to her, slumped in his chair, was Conk. He looked peaceful, and his expression was a similar one of contentment. Silently, Mrs featherby entered, wrapped a blanket around her son's shoulders, and kissed him on the forehead. She left soundlessly and closed the door with a smart *Click!*