I came back for you, Bash, she said. Maybe not for all the right reasons, but I did, as soon as I knew you were still alive. A breeze whipped at her hair. But you dont know how much it broke my heart when I saw you lying there in that basement. You didnt even realize I was there.

Didnt I? He chuckled. Well, Ive been away from the old place for a while. He shook his head as they walked on. But I figured it was time to come and pay you a visit, in view of the way things are shaping up for the future. He glanced at her with a grin. The things Ive seen, baby, you just wouldnt believe.

She began to have the uncanny sense that this was not, in fact, a dream after all.

Ive missed you so badly, she said, a lump forming in her throat. Ive been so alone all these years since I returned so alone you cant even imagine.

Im always with you, baby, he said, coming to a sudden halt. She did too, and he reached out with one hand to brush the hair away from her face. Im here right now, arent I?

I know you are, she said, looking up at him. She realized she was crying. Just not the way I need you to be.

His expression grew troubled, and he touched the side of his head with trembling fingers. Its like having to share a house with an unwanted guest. Do you understand? I used to hide away where it couldnt find me, deep inside. But nowadays I cant even come and visit that house too often, except for when I get to sneak in and say hello, like now.

Are you talking about the Wanderer? she asked, with a horrible chill. Her dream muscles were rigid with despair. Ill find someone who can fix you, I swear I will.

He brought his hand back down and folded it around one of hers. You dont understand, he said, shaking his head. Theres nobody that can fix me. I know that.

His smile faded, his gaze becoming blank and vacant even as the intelligence faded from his eyes. She thought of candles guttering out in an abandoned house.

Wait! she cried, grabbing hold of him. Stay with me. Please.

Ill be there when you really need me, baby, she heard him say, as if from the far side of the universe. You just take care of yourself until then.

She woke with a start, to find Luiz unbuckling her restraints.

Time for you to take your pee, he said. We brought you something to eat as well. He waved a hand at some food on a cardboard tray set next to her couch. The two bead-zombies had been given their guns back, and had them pointing at her.