The Vampire Diaries series finale recap: 'I Was Feeling Epic' 5

A farewell to a hero (with great hero hair)

As we head to the Salvatore crypt, Elena’s diary entry continues, “This life will be good and beautiful, but not without heartbreak. In death comes peace, but pain is the cost of living. Like love, it’s how we know we’re alive.” It’s a sentiment they’ve repeated throughout the series: Elena telling Stefan to feel something, anything — that our emotions are what make us human. Stefan then told her the same after Alaric died. But this time, it’s about losing Stefan.

Damon and Caroline stare at Stefan’s grave marker, which claims Stefan is “now at peace,” and Caroline believes that. “We’ll see him again,” she tells Damon, but he’s not so sure. He’s pretty sure they’ll reopen hell for Damon Salvatore. But in a truly heartwarming moment for these characters who’ve come so far — remember when Caroline was basically Damon’s puppet? — she tells him, “Don’t be so sure.” Somehow, Damon has won over Caroline Forbes, and that’s saying a lot. Between losing Liz and losing Stefan, they’ve come together, and much like Alaric said last week during the wedding, loss is what brought all these people together.

And while we’re talking about bringing people together, Caroline walks out to find Elena standing there, and finally, Damon gets his reunion, kissing Elena like he means it.

Elena then sits Caroline down to tell her what Stefan whispered in her ear: “Tell Caroline I heard her,” he told her. “And I will love her forever too.” He got her message!!! (And now I’m crying again. Just kidding. I never stopped.)

As a final goodbye, everyone pays their respects to Stefan. Caroline leaves the snow globe he gave her once upon a time on his grave, which Damon follows with his daylight ring. After all, Damon’s human now, and it’s all thanks to Stefan. Also on the grave? If you look closely, Elena left her necklace. The first real thing he did to protect her all those years ago.

As Elena’s voiceover leads into many others, she says the truest thing about losing someone, “Life goes on.”

In a final montage, we find out that Matt received a bench for his efforts as sheriff of Mystic Falls, and he’s even contemplating running for mayor. As for Tyler and Vicki, they watch Matt with pride before turning and walking off to their peace.

Bonnie is working on keeping her promise to Enzo: She’s going to live this life to the fullest, and that starts with traveling… with Enzo by her side, whether she knows it or not.

As for Ric and Caroline, they’ve opened the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted, which Damon decided was Stefan’s final wish. There, Jo looks over her daughters just as Liz looks over hers. And then there’s Jeremy Gilbert, who’s returned to teach children? That doesn’t sound like the best idea. (What does he teach? How to chop wood while in a super tight tank?)

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL. After it opened, the school received a $3 million donation from… KLAUS MIKAELSON! And with it, Caroline received a letter, which I’ve transcribed in full because I love all of you:

“I have often imagined the paths your life might take, but your chosen future is more noble than I ever fathomed. Please accept this contribution to your virtuous cause. I do look forward to thanking you in person, someday. However long it takes. Yours, Klaus.” HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES. Guys, I can’t. I CANNOT with this. And according to Ric’s voiceover, “That is the beginning of another story.” BUT IS IT A STORY THEY’RE GOING TO TELL?!