“Cruel Summer” [Buffyverse drabble]

[aadler]

Cruel Summer
Copyright November 2025

Setting: Buffy, Season 3
Spoiler(s): “Anne” (Buffy S3-01)

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It’s not always the same dream, but it always goes the same way.

They’re together. They’re in love. It falls apart. He’s dead.

She killed him.

She lies in the cheap room, the raucous traffic noises never disturbing her slumber. No, that would be an easy escape.

… She fled her home, her friends, her calling, because she knew what they would offer. Support. Sympathy. What they would think was understanding.

Forgiveness.

She doesn’t want that, couldn’t bear it, can’t even stand to think of it.

She saved the world, and for that there can be no forgiveness.

Ever.


– end –
 

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And there you are. Don’t hesitate to offer commentary.