There and Back Again Ch. 031-032

"I...think I probably was supposed to, really. Being anchored here might have been what saved me, even. I don't know for sure, but it was like I got stuck between the two places. I don't know. I'd rather not do it again, I can tell you that."

He studied my face as I spoke. "I get the impression that given the choice, you'd stay there. You'd never come back." I nodded, somewhat sheepishly. "Is it really that much better there?"

"It's...different, I guess. Some things are definitely worse – no showers, no toilets, no toilet paper...but there's also magic and dragons and a family. I'm important, there."

"You're important here!"

"No, I'm really not. Let me demonstrate. How many visitors have I had here?" He shook his head, unsure. "I'd wager it's none. I bet you've never walked in on anyone sitting with me. I don't have any friends, here. There, well...there were eight people gathered around me trying to take care of me when I was burned. And not because it was their job, but because they care about me. I have a brother! Here the only people who'd notice if I died are you and a guardian whose paycheque would stop coming. Where would you rather be?"

"And if it isn't real?"

"Then I guess I'm the happiest delusional patient in the psych ward."

He laughed then, and looked ten years younger.

"Listen. I know this is a pain in the ass for you. I just want you to know I'm grateful for your help, and if something happens, it's because of what happened to me over there. It isn't your fault."

He smiled, squeezed my hand, and took his leave as I was getting dizzy. "Say hi to your brother for me."