Nicholas, eyes still closed, held Mattie's hand tightly. When he looked over at her, he could see the tears spilling out of her eyes. Though he felt like crying himself, he didn't. They sat in silence. Then, Nicholas said softly, "No. You stayed with me. I'm gonna stay right here. I'm strong enough now. It's going away..."

---

Jacob, for the third time, pulled his revolver out of its holder, mentally sighing. Was he ever going to shoot someone? It didn't seem like it. He put the barrel to Darrin's right temple, though his finger off the trigger. He asked, "You sure about this, kid? Any last words?"