So I'm not exactly keen on letting it do what it wants to."

"Do you think it's evil?"

“Not really. I think it's more Like I'm handling a nuclear bomb with an attitude problem."

“I thought you said it didn't have a personality?"

"I don't think of it like that. It's like it's complimenting the personality of whoever’s wearing it.”

“You.”

“Huh?”

“It's complimenting your personality, Greg. You're the only one we know who's actually been able to put that thing on and get that kind of a reaction. All it did for me was transport us here, then it went dead.

Freddie, it burned alive. You're the only one it's actually allowed to use it."

“I guess." He frowned.

“Why do you want to go through all this? It's not an easy thing to talk about. I don't understand so much of it, and what I do understand isn't exactly easy to put into words.”

“I get that. I do. I just wanted to know a Little more about it because

I wanted to know if you knew what it was that's making me feel Like this?"

“I don't. I don't have a clue. I'm sorry. When I brought you back, all

I had to do was will you alive and the ring did the rest. I can't explain it. I don't even think my mind could properly absorb what was going on at the time. All I knew was that I wanted you back, that it wasn't too late, and if I held on and wanted it enough then you'd come back to me. So I held and I wanted.” He shrugged.

“I'm grateful." Those words were almost like magic, and tears began to make her eyes glisten. "I didn't tell you before, but thank you. I didn't want to go."

“I didn't want you to leave." He felt his own throat begin to tighten.

They both remained silent for a moment, and steeled themselves to regain their composure. Whilst they did, she turned her hand over to clasp his and they both squeezed tightly. It was the first time that either of them had actually acknowledged just how thankful they were, and that emotional tide threatened to spill over. With a little sniff,

Janette wiped a hand over her eyes and then continued in a slightly shaky voice.

"So, there wasn't anything else you can remember." It was a statement rather than a question, since she trusted him at his word. "Damn it!