“For the betterment…”

~^~

“Jesus." I heard him say softly.

“Well, I mean it's Becky, but I guess I can work with Jesus if you want."

Not a moment passed by when I felt strong arms embrace me.

"I thought you were.” He choked within his sentence filled with joy and sadness and a somewhat bitter longing. “But. you're here, you're okay."

Returning his hug, I felt so many emotions swarm within my soul, I missed you, James. I was looking for you. You said you'd come back two years ago and-"

"I did Becky, believe me, I did. My heart broke when I saw you in the hospital in that state I just didn't know what to do. I felt like I failed you, I disappointed you and Mare. I didn't get to you in time."

"James," I said faintly, "Marc-"

"I know, but I keep telling myself that he's in a better place."

In that second the back door near us bolted open and an awestruck Moe stood with his face paled as he saw James who released me slowly and faced him with kind eyes, "Jamie?"

My voice dripping with agony brought his attention