As James requested, Smee had placed the Odd Sisters’ iron clock on the center of the table, so James could keep track of how long the sleeping draft would be effective. Everything was going according to plan, except for the mermaids. James regretted having paid them a visit, but had at last managed to banish the terrible images they had conjured in his mind. He was feeling like himself again, brave and capable of pulling just about anything off, no matter how dangerous, just like he had with the Kraken, and with the Flying Dutchman. He laughed when he saw Peter Pan flying above the mermaids, doing summersaults in the air, and making them swoon. But he couldn’t help but feel jealous of his old friend Peter, who always found it easy to make friends. It was a talent James wished he possessed, especially now that he was in Never Land.

Just then Peter landed on the deck right next to James. He took a look around, and seemed happy with what he saw.

“Hello, pirate!” Peter was eyeing him up and down. “I like your coat. It suits you perfectly.”

“Welcome, Peter, I’m so happy you decided to come. Where are the other Lost Boys and Tinker Bell? Smee has made quite the feast for all of you.”

“Are you happy, James? I’ve been talking with the mermaids. They say you aren’t happy.” Peter was scanning James and the ship suspiciously.

“You know how the mermaids can be. They were just teasing, I’m sure, and I’m afraid I let them get to me. It was such a long journey here, after all.” James smiled at Peter. Some of James’s memories of Peter and his time in Never Land as a boy were shrouded as if by a thick mist. Now that he was home again it seemed some of the memories were coming back to him more vividly. One of the things he remembered was feeling at home in Never Land, and he was so happy he was back.

“You look quite at home, pirate,” said Peter, smiling. “You seem truly happy to be here, happier to be here than any adult I’ve met, anyway.” And then, putting his fingers in his mouth, he whistled loudly and yelled, “Come on, Lost Boys, it isn’t a trap!” and within moments the Lost Boys joined James and Peter on the deck of the ship. James was so happy to be surrounded by his old friends, his heart burst with joy at the sound of their laughter, and the looks of excitement on their faces. This was how he expected to feel the day he arrived. This is why he spent his life trying to find Never Land again, to be with his friends.