Ford Falcon XAGTHO Phase IV

at least it used to be. the house is in bad shape since the last time i was here. her lawn is overgrown, her white paint is tarnished with dirt and grime, and the mailbox has fallen over.

she looks neglected. is that how she feels too?

she had no reaction when i showed up. when i entered the yard, nothing. i was trying to be cautious, but i stooped at the entrance of the porch and reached down to gently rest my hand upon one of the stairs. still, no sound.

having cleared my head before coming here, i could easily sense that i had to play this carefully. the house may be quiet but i knew she was watching me closely. its like a pressing weight.

"im sorry i left," i said, speaking sincerely to the plank of wood under my palm, "you were right. there was nothing out there for me."

the door ahead of me creaks open with hesitation. i smile as i look up at dark sliver revealing the house's interior.

"right! yeah, you want me to come back inside, but-"

the door goes silent, unmoving. i also go silent, regretting the 'but' word immensely. my nerves make me chuckle. "uh, heh, dont worry. i just want us to have an understanding about whats happening next, is that okay?"

the house shut her front door, soundless. then the shutters on the top floor windows flew open and slammed shut hard on their panes. two for yes, one for no. the shutters answered: BANG.

"no?" i questioned, standing up to watch the windows, "fine, you dont have to agree before hearing what i have to say first - i get it. allow me to explain then?"

BANG BANG.

"thanks."

i took a deep breath. here we go...

"i know how badly you want to keep me here, okay? if i walk through your door right now theres a high chance that door wont be there when i look back. you'll get rid of it, change your entire structure just to keep me in, isnt that right?"

BANG BANG.

"right. but i take issue with this, because habit is still out there somewhere and he will come back. you know that, dont you?"

...BANG BANG.

"when he comes back, he will try to kill me. if im dead he's free to torment you again. i dont blame you for wanting to lock me up where he cant get me, but in return i cant do anything about habit either."

the house is silent, listening...thinking. i made my way up onto the porch, stopping just short of the front door. determination in my eyes, i spoke to the glass panes - to the house and my own reflection. "i am going to kill habit. and when i do...ill come back to you. i promise. will you help me?"

and the door opened immediately, the shutters swiveled shut without another sound.

im home.

Andrew: no but-

Tobey: no buts. Say it. You are Spider-Man.

Andrew: I am Spider-Man.

Tobey: *shooting him a look*

Andrew: *rolling his eyes* I am an amazing Spider-Man.

Tobey: the.

Andrew: right. I am the amazing Spider-Man.

Dead or Alive 6

“I’m sorry. We had our orders and we played our roles.” “It wasn’t real.“