“You are not the worst.”
“I am! Like, what have I beendoingthis past year? I thought I made progress on myself. Ithought…”
I thought that my cryptid boyfriend was madly in love with me—not planning on breaking up with me via a beautiful cursive letter.
“One year of your life versus the last twenty-two. Give yourself a little more credit, kiddo.” He gives me a gentle smile. “You need another slice?”
“I need a distraction.”
“Well, I am taking my wares to a big festival this weekend. It’s going to be a long drive, but if you want to be my helper…”
“I’ll go!” I shout, not even hesitating to hear more. Anywhere is better than here, and honestly, the more I think about seeing Mom, the more I regret coming here. After spending the holidays together, I think she likes Moth more than she likes me, and leaving before her flight home is in my bestinterest.
“West Virginia, herewe come.”
24.
Okay, so when Uncle Doug said “West Virginia,” I was worried there would be small reminders of Moth in whatever town we ended up in. I just didn’t realize that there would be a whole damn festival. I really need to work on being less impulsive. At least I managed to get a decent nap on the long drive here. Honestly, I feel a little bad for Uncle Doug. He invited me along for company, and I’ve been either sleeping or buried in my phone during drive. Rosie has sent me a million messages. My eyes heavy, I struggleto reply:
[ROSIE: So, uh, you okay?]
[HEATHER: Notreally??]
[ROSIE: I’m so so so sorry about my brother. I really had no idea he was going todo that.]
[HEATHER: …What did hetell you?]
[ROSIE *istyping*]
[…and deleting…and typing andtyping…]
[HEATHER: That I fully hulked out on him?]
[ROSIE: Basically?? Honestly, well done. I am so so sorry Heather. I told him to leave you alone. Are youalright?]
[HEATHER: LOL nope! Cliff Notes version? Moth and I are done. Driving up to WV to help my uncle vend at what I just found out is the Mothman Festival sooo hahaha FML.]
[ROSIE:Oh boy… ]
[HEATHER: Water the plants for a few more days?]
[ROSIE: Ofcourse!! ]
The phone slips from my hands as I pass out for the rest of the drive. When I wake up, my back is sore from how long I’ve been hiding my wings, and we’re surrounded by cars and people walking around in a mix of regular clothes andcostumes.
So, this is the fabled MothmanFestival.
The town is cute and, though crowded with people, has a small cozy feeling underneath. I do my best to help my uncle set up his booth but can’t help but be drawn to the sights around us. When Moth was sent through the portal, this was the first place in the mortal realm he stumbled into. It makes me want to explore every corner.
As we walk through Point Pleasant, I’m in shock at just how many people are obsessed with Moth. I knew there was a fascination with Mothman, but I didn’t realize there was this much love. Not to mention a whole museum, giftshop, and over a dozen enthusiastic cosplayers—and a surprising number of Ghostbusters.
A crowd gathers around the infamous statue to take pictures. Moth is way better looking in his monster-form—taller too—but it doesn’t stop me from staring at hislikeness.
“Ah, the shiny hiney,” Uncle Doug says with a laugh, pointing to the statue’s exposed butt. Oh, wow, there’s actually a line of people waiting to touch it. If only they knew the real thing was even moreglorious.
And it used to be mine.
Uncle Doug’s wares are a mix of steampunk clock sculptures and edgy goth paintings of skulls and classic monsters. The clocks stand out in the lineup of adorable cryptid crafts and nerdy merchandise. I cringe at the sight of a fewMothman is My Boyfriendt-shirts, though let’s be real, a few weeks ago I would have absolutely bought one just to embarrass Moth. I can’t imagine the look onhis face…
