“…and you whispered, ‘If I k//l you, will anyone care?’”Silence. Heavy. D3@dly. Unforgiving. Shadie didn’t respond. For once in her life — the woman with a comeback for everything — she stood completely, utterly speechless. Shadow waited, but she didn’t make a sound. Not a joke. Not a whisper. Then, from the doorway behind them— “…M-Mommy…?” Both siblings froze. Cream stood there, shaking so badly she could barely stay upright. Tears already wet on her cheeks. Cheese hiding behind her head like the world itself was dangerous. Shadie didn’t move. Didn’t blink. Cream swallowed, voice trembling painfully. “I-I heard you… I heard everything…” Shadie’s fingers twitched — the only sign she’d even registered Cream’s voice. Cream stepped forward, terrified but desperate. “Mommy… you were s-so scary… and mean… and you hurt Uncle Shadow… and—and—” Her voice cracked into a sob. “Was that really you?! Was that really my mom?!” Shadie inhaled sharply— but nothing came out. No answer. No explanation. Just silence. That silence made Cream’s fear spike. “You’re not saying anything…” Cream whispered, breath hitching. “T-That’s worse…” Shadow stepped toward her gently. “Cream—” The moment Cream’s frightened voice rose, the others came running. Rouge turned the corner first, eyes wide. Will skidded in behind her. Silver stumbled in, panicked. But Cream didn’t look at any of them. Her eyes stayed locked on Shadie. And Shadie… still didn’t speak. Cream’s voice finally broke entirely.
“M-Mommy… are you still… you?” Shadie opened her mouth— —but nothing. Not a sound. Her throat closed. Her chest tightened. Words refused to come. Cream stumbled back a step, horrified. “I-I don’t know who you are…” And before anyone could stop her— Cream turned —eyes full of terror— voice cracking into a scream— “Cheese, let’s go!” — and ran. She sprinted down the hallway sobbing, too fast for anyone to grab her. Cheese followed, crying. Everyone stood frozen. Rouge’s hand flew to her mouth. Silver whispered, “Cream…” Will’s ears lowered, tail drooping. Shadow put a hand on Shadie’s shoulder. “Shadie—” Shadie jerked away sharply. Still silent. Her expression stayed blank — not cold, not angry — just… hollow. She slowly walked past everyone without a single word. No sigh. No explanation. No emotion on her face at all. Just quiet steps. She didn’t run after Cream. She didn’t call her name. She simply left the room. Shadow watched her go, his chest tightening. Will whispered, voice breaking a little: “…She didn’t say anything…” Rouge looked down the hallway where both Shadie and Cream had vanished. And whispered the truth everyone was thinking: “She doesn’t know what to say.”
