Many years later
Lisa looked out across the city. Sunlight shone brightly on the tall glass buildings, making them sparkle like gemstones. It was hard to believe how different this city was. Chicago had once been a crumbling wasteland. Now it was one of the largest and safest cities in the world for humans and Forma alike. The land had once been covered with ruin and destruction. Now everything was bright and busy and full of life. The door opened and Lisa turned to see Sally and Riley enter.
"Hello!" Riley said, setting down a bunch of flowers on the table. "Brought you these!" Lisa smiled.
"I see you've already visited the gardens. Did you like them?"
"Yes, I don't think I've ever seen so many flowers in one place," Sally whispered. "I'm really glad I finally got to see them. You weren't lying when you told us how stunning they were."
"Remind me, when will you be leaving?" Lisa asked.
"Once I get my arm fixed," said Sally. She frowned down at the mechanical arm. "I don't know what I did to make it glitch out. This model just hasn't been working well for me." It was a little strange. Sally's arms seemed to break down quite often. But the communication device that had been installed in her mouth seemed to work perfectly without a single hitch.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"How long will you be in Mexico?" Riley asked her sister.
"Not long. I just want to see what it feels like being back there after all this time. But I won't be gone too long. Don't worry. My home will always be right here," Sally beamed at Lisa. Lisa pulled them into a tight hug. Pride filled her. They had grown and changed so much. It warmed her heart to see the joy on their faces. The city had changed. The world had changed. Her girls had changed. But they were still her girls, and Lisa knew that they always would be. "I'm going to visit Jorden once again before I leave. I'll tell him you said hi," said Sally cheerfully.
"Great. What other plans do you have for today, Riley?" Lisa asked. Riley shrugged.
"I just want to rest and hang out. It's been a busy week for me. All these meetings and interviews are getting to me I fear," she said. Lisa laughed. She could understand that.
"I can stick around for a little bit too," Sally said quickly.
"Have you girls had dinner yet?" No sooner had the words left Lisa's mouth than the girls were sprinting to the table. They laughed and squealed like they were little girls once again. Lisa listened to their happy, familiar voices. The world had changed. The city had changed. She had changed. Her girls had changed. But at the end of the day, they were still her girls. Lisa knew that so long as she had them with her, she would be at home. This was where she belonged.
THE END