Page 17

We’ll Be Right Back, Folks!

“Holy mackerel!”

In a burst of Sharp Purple, Talia appears in front of an All This and More backdrop, grinning as she exclaims how she can’t wait to see what Marsh will do next.

“What a fantastic start!” she coos. “In just the first half of her season, our beloved star has gained the courage to reach for her passions at last. She’s become the talented lawyer she always dreamed of being, and chosen Ren as her ultimate dream guy! Our two lovebirds couldn’t be more adorable, and we here at RealTV couldn’t be happier that Marsh finally has found the romantic, devoted— dare we say, perfect? —partner she deserves at last. Will there be wedding bells before the season finale?”

Moms4Marsh: Yes, yes, yes! This is the greatest season of All This and More ever!

LunaMágica: More like the weirdest season ever

StrikeF0rce: Seriously! Marsh is definitely making progress, but she’s had some really strange occurrences, too

“Plus, a midseason bonus offer!” Talia continues. “We know how much you all loved our ‘Holy mackerel!’ T-shirts, so don’t miss our new ‘You gotta light it on fire’ sweaters, complete with a darling little campfire and roasting marshmallow graphic! Head to our online store to get yours now. Order before the finale for a ten percent discount!”

She flashes an especially charming smile, and holds up something soft, round, and black.

“And, an extra-special surprise—your own Pickle bunny stuffed animal!”

Monsterrific: OMG!!! I NEED ONE!!!

Nv3rGiv3Up: That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!!!

Fortunata111: I’m buying ten right now!

“Now, who’s ready for the second half of this season?” Talia cries, to a burst of ecstatic trumpets and exploding confetti animations.

JesterG: Okay, is it just me, or is it weird that Talia hasn’t mentioned Chrysalis yet?

Notamackerel: Right?! Or the briefcase that keeps appearing, or how Ren pops up in every episode, even when it makes no sense. Nothing like this happened to Talia in her season! Why is she avoiding the topic?

Fortunata111: Maybe because the anomalies aren’t a big deal?

Notamackerel: Or maybe because she’s trying to obscure them?

“Yes, it’s true that there have been some bumps along the way,” Talia acknowledges, unable to avoid the commenters any longer. “Even though Harper has really blossomed, going from aspiring musician to first violin at the prestigious Pallissard Institute of Music, we know Marsh is still trying to rebuild the close relationship they once had, and help her daughter bond with Ren as he becomes an even bigger part of their lives.”

The background behind her cuts to a dramatic still shot of Marsh, Ren, and Dylan in the theater.

“And if you’re just tuning in, in a dramatic twist, Dylan discovered during Ren’s proposal that he’s part of the show—and he didn’t take it well at all, ” Talia continues, shaking her head with disappointment at Dylan. “He left her alone and stormed off set, refusing to participate in the show any longer.” She leans in. “Will he come back to apologize to Marsh for his rude behavior? Or is this really the end of their long history together?”

TopFan01: Head to our Marsh fan page to send Dylan a thumbs-down!

Behind Talia, a montage of key scenes from the first half of the season begins to play. Talia ooh s and ahh s at each moment, even though she was present for practically all of them. She’s just as bubbly and excited as ever. Confident that everything is progressing as it should, and there’s nothing to worry about.

“Marsh has already come so far, and accomplished so much. But if anything, it’s only made her even more determined to keep working!” she declares as Ren gets down on one knee behind her in the final frame, his eyes full of hope. “After all, why settle for good enough when you can have perfect ?”

Moms4Marsh: See? Stop trying to drag the show down. Everything is fine!

TopFan01: We have to trust Talia. As she always says, it wouldn’t be a meaningful journey without a few speed bumps along the way!

YanYan242: That’s right! We’re only partway through—give Marsh time to make everything right!

Satisfied, Talia angles herself slightly to the camera, and puts her winning grin back on. The music flares, triumphant.

“Remember, you could have All This ...”