Ghosts in the Wasteland

The Parade is bleak, grey. Lonely. I thought the Parade would be exciting, fun. But, no. It absolutely sucks shit.
Which is why I always looked forward to a new arrival, a visitor. A visitor like Poison. I was sitting near Mother War- Or, Mama War, as I like to call her- when I heard Poison call out at the edge of the crowd.
"Kaotic?" She hadn't seen me yet. I looked everywhich way, until I finally saw her.
To make it easier for her to find me, I yelled. "Poison!" I didn't even bother to wait for her to see me before I scrambled to my feet, running up to her. As soon as I was within touching distance of her, she gathered me into a hug. God, it felt good. But she was so warm, compared to me.
"How's the Parade treating you?"
"Better," what a lie. "But I still hate it. How's life?"
It was then, that I saw how tired she looked. "Exhausting." There were shadows under her eyes, almost like bruises, and something in her voice made me even more concerned for her wellbeing than I had been in the first place.
"I'm sorry.. I hope it gets better." I really did.
"Yeah.." A distracted tone flitted across her voice. She handed me a slightly crumpled note.
"What's this?"
"It's from Dahvie.."
My lips twisted in regret, biting back a frown. "Oh." I unfolded the note, and started to read it. I didn't even process the beginning, before I got to the main message.
.. And I don't want you to hate me for this, but I tried to commit. Poison tried too.
It felt like I was sinking into the ground, as I clutched the words like a lifeline.
I just miss you so much, and I couldn't bear not giving you a real goodbye. So, I guess this is it. A goodbye.
I barely noticed Poison crouch down next to me, wrapping her arms around me. "You okay?"
I didn't voice my answer, opting for a nod, not trusting my own voice. I didn't finish reading the note, knowing I wouldn't be able to keep my damn emotions in check.
I saw Poison glance at the note, and I pocketed it. "Why're you guys getting so worked up?" My voice had a small tremble to it. "You don't have to kill yourselves."
"We miss you, Kay..." Poison's voice was soft when she answered. She scuffed the dusty ground with her foot. "I miss you almost as much as Dahvie."
"I miss you guys too, but you can't just go and hurt yourselves." I took on a determined tone. "I want you guys to either forget about me, or stop fucking mourning, soon. Please."
She laughed quietly. "I feel the same way about myself, but we can't do that.."
"I can't stand knowing you're all in pain, because of me. I can't stand it."
Something in my voice must've gotten throught to her, because when Poison finally spoke, her voice was in a whisper. "I'm sorry."
I scrubbed at my cheek, guilt trying to worm its way into my core. I pulled her in for a hug. "Don't be." She didn't say anything; hugging me back, hard. "Can you tell Vita her son said hi? And," I couldn't help the bitter note that crept into my tone. "Tell Dahvie that mom and dad say hi? I don't know where Alex wandered off to, but she wanted me to say hello to you."
Poison nodded. "So, Vita's kid, your parents..." She must've picked up on the bitterness, "What's wrong?"
I contemplated telling her. Telling her how rude, how horrible they were, when I had seen them. What they had said. I shook my head. "Nothing."
She turned our hug into something gentle, loving. "Okay, Kay. I'm here for you." I nodded, closing my eyes. Poison started to rub my back, in a soothing way. "Is there anything you want to tell Dahvie?"
Oh, did I have something to tell him. I opened my eyes, pulling out of our hug to look at her. "Tell him, if he ever tries to kill himself again, I will find a way to personally kick his ass. But, I love him, and miss him."
"Alrighty."
"Thanks.." A thought popped in my head. "And can you tell Party I miss him?" I was almost surprised that I actually did miss him. But, then again, he was a great friend to have around. "And Cy?"
"Of course."
"Awesome.. And again, thank you. I know how much it hurts you to get here. It means a lot."
She shrugged. "Pain means nothing to me.."
I almost rose an eyebrow. Almost. "Still.."
Poison hugged me, again. "Anything for my big sister."
"Well, just remember: you have your limits, little sister." I hugged her back, tight.
She shook her head, a twinkle in her eyes. "I'm super mamma medic bear, remember?"
"Super mamma medic bear, yes," I laughed. "But you're also little, and sister-ly."
A giggle bubbled up out of her. "And you're still ticklish!" She tickled me, but it was brief, ending as soon as it started. I could see her image fading. She yelled, as a last ditch effort. "I love you!"
"Hey--" I laughed a little, hugging her again, quickly, before she disappeared. "Love you too!"
Finally, she vanished. And I was left, sitting on the grey dirt that coated the landscape of the Parade, hugging a long gone image that floated away in the breeze.