Once Upon a Time

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters you are about to meet.

Author's note: If you have never seen Once Upon a Time prepare to be confused. If you are a Once Upon A Time fan, prepare to be confused. And the transitions may be a little weird, but that's because I'm doing it Once Upon a Time style, because it's cool. And it's a crossover with the Lord of the Rings, Frozen, and Tangled. There might be more in the future, but I don't know what yet and it may not be really that epic as the ones already listed.

Previously on Once Upon a Time…

Henry noticed that Frankenstein wasn't in the original Once Upon a Time storybook. He wondered if other stories besides theirs have been pulled into this world.

Belle still doesn't remember who she is. No matter hard Rumplestiltskin tries, Belle just gets more and more frustrated, she even throws and breaks a tea cup. Red Riding Hood tries to reassure that there is no magic, but it just makes Belle more frustrated.

More people are still trying to find their families and friends in Story Brooke, with the help from Red Riding Hood.

Pinocchio was injured by Bellfire's fiancée. He ran out to warn Emma that she's dangerous. But he was turned into wood. The Blue Fairy brought him back to life, turning him back into a little boy. Emma asked if he remembered what he was going to say, but the little boy just shook his head and said no.

There's a conspiracy going on here.

Episode 1

In a Hole in the Ground

Before the Curse

Samwise Gamgee was working in the garden of Bag End, as always. His curled hair started to dampen from sweat. He wiped his brow and looked over at his Master, Frodo Baggins. The Master of Bag End had a hoe in his hands and he was chopping at the soil with much intensity. Usually, Frodo would be in the study, working on his book, pausing here and there to stare off into space. But today, as he tried to write, he felt incredibly restless. He went outside to offer help to his gardener, which is an unusual thing for a master to do. But Frodo was not like everyone else, and he knew it. He needed to get out, he needed to work.

Sam continued planting the new flowers he purchased. He knew Frodo liked the color green, so he bought violet flowers to compliment the green house of Bag End. He looked up at his Master as he continued to slice at the soil. Suddenly Frodo paused, glancing down at the soil. Frodo had spotted a spider. A hot, angry fire boiled inside him. Hastily, he thrust the hoe into the ground, chopping the spider in half. He breathed heavily, trying to calm himself. Sam didn't like to see his friend lose his temper. He shook his head and resumed planting.

"I think that's good for today boys!" Sam's wife, Rosie called out to them from the house with a one year old child in her arms. "Dinner's almost ready, and I expect your friends will be here soon."

"Yes'm!" Sam called to her. Sure enough, Merry was already on his way up the road on his pony. By the gate, he dismounted and tied his horse to the gate. The wind started to blow. Frodo wiped his brow and set the hoe down. He walked over and greeted his cousin.

"Pippin's late again, I imagine." Frodo said.

"He's always late." Merry replied. "That's one thing that probably won't change about him."

"Hello, Merry, sir," Sam came over and nodded his head in respect. "Master of the Brandyhall."

"Please," Merry dipped his head in return. "Just call me Merry. We're friends, aren't we?"

Sam's face turned pink. "I suppose so,"

"Ah, here's Pippin now," Frodo said, seeing his younger cousin coming up the road. Pippin waved up at his friends and hurried over to join them, tying his pony to the gate as well. "Windy today," He said.

"Yes," Frodo nodded. "It certainly is,"

"Do you think it'll rain?" Pippin wondered.

"Not too hard I hope," Merry said, looking up at the sky. "Just enough to clear the air, I do have to walk home, you know."

"A little rain won't kill you." Frodo reassured. "Didn't you bring your pony?"

"Oh, yes, I forgot about him." Merry said, with a smug smile. "I'll still have to walk from your door, all the way to the gate." He sighed and leaned his head back. The hobbits laughed. Suddenly the wind began to blow harder. Rosie chased Elanor out with her baby still in one arm.

"Uncle Pip! Uncle Merry!" The four-year-old cheered, her curly, golden locks waving in the wind.

The hobbits had one last moment of joy before Frodo finally looked out at the Shire. Something didn't feel right…

The clouds were a light shade of gray, as if it was to rain, and the wind was blowing hard. But where was the rain? And why was the wind blowing so hard?

He looked out on the horizon. Between the grass and the sky was lined a dark line… a misty violet… and it was getting closer. Before he knew it, a black and violet smoke had covered the land, heading straight for the hobbits. Frodo wasn't the only one who noticed it. He, Sam, and Merry were looking out at the Shire in shock. Eventually, Pippin turned and noticed too, along with Rosie and Elanor.

"What is that?" Sam asked.

Frodo was quiet for a long time. He watched as the ponies reared and panicked, as the mist grew closer.

"Magic," He whispered. "Merry, Pippin! Free the ponies!" His two cousins looked at him in fear, but they rushed and untied their ponies from the gate. The wind was howling so loud, Frodo had to yell. "Inside! Sam, get them inside, now!"

Sam scooped up a crying Elanor in his arms. He and Rosie rushed inside, each carrying a crying child. Merry and Pippin followed Frodo inside the hobbit hole. Sam and his family were waiting inside the dining room. The group of hobbits huddled, with Rosie and the children in the middle. Frodo could sense each hobbit breathing heavily.

"Don't worry," He said. "We'll get through this!"

A small hand reached out and grasped his hand. Frodo looked down at Elanor. She gave him a hopeful smile and closed her eyes, her grip on his hand tightened.

Frodo took a deep breath and closed his eyes as well.

That was all he remembered.

Story Brook

Emma Swan was sitting at the counter, drinking her morning cup of coffee. Mary Margret was fixing her hair in the mirror. David was sitting next to Emma, reading the newspaper, and as usual, the Magic Mirror reported more family members finding each other.

"The mail's on the counter." David said.

"Thanks," Mary Margret replied. She walked around the counter and began to go through the mail. Henry, carrying a stack of books, rushed down the stairs.

"Found a new place yet?" Emma asked both the two people who she learned to be her parents, which was still an odd thing to her.

"No," David replied. "Still looking," He flipped to the section where the houses were on sale.

Henry got up on a chair and set the stack of books on the counter with a loud thump.

"Hey, kiddo, what's up?" Emma asked.

"Nothing, but look at all these books!" Henry said. Henry was now eleven, and he was the usual, business type of person, and always getting to the point.

"Yeah, so?" Emma asked, raising an eyebrow.

Henry showed her the Once Upon a Time book and flipped through the pages. "Dr. Whale is Frankenstein, right?"

"Yes…" Emma replied.

"But he isn't in this book; he's in a different book. And the Mad Hatter and Korra are from this world, but we didn't know the rest of their whereabouts because they were in Wonderland, which is a different book." Henry said.

"How did the Mad Hatter end up here?" Emma asked.

"Because, my mom thought the Mad Hatter and Dr. Whale deserved punishment, they were also involved with magic!" Henry continued.

"Okay," Emma nodded, trying to follow Henry. Mary Margret opened a letter addressed to her. She read it and then sighed, lowering it with a worried look on her face. She folded it back up and slipped it back into the envelope. Henry started to go through his stack of books, showing each one to his birth mother and grandparents.

"Look, the Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Hobbit, The Princess Bride, Narnia-"

"Mary Margret," Emma interrupted, looking up at the woman still going through the letters. "I didn't know you liked the classics." Mary Margret smiled.

"Harry Potter's a classic?" David asked, quite surprised.

"Of course it is!" Mary Margret said, looking quite offended. "How can you say it isn't?"

"What else, Henry?" Emma asked, turning back to her son.

"The Lord of the Rings," Henry placed the book onto the counter.

"Now that's a classic," David said. Mary Margret nodded in agreement.

"But what if characters in these books got sucked into this world too?" Henry asked.

Mary Margret's apartment went silent for a long while. Finally, David spoke up.

"If that were true," He chuckled. "Then I really need to meet Aragorn."

"I'd meet Legolas!" Henry joined in.

"Emma," Mary Margret said. "You have mail, it's says it's from Nathan Bearer…"

"I don't know anyone named Nathan Bearer…" Emma said.

"Maybe he needs help." Mary Margret said.

"We already have enough problems of our own!" Emma sighed. "August was going to warn us about something, but now he doesn't remember."

"It's okay, Emma," Mary Margret placed a hand on her arm. "Things will work out. We will work them out."

Emma sighed. "I know," She opened the letter. "In the mean time, let's see what this guy needs." She read the letter.

Dear Emma Swan,

I hear you have done extraordinary things in the past. I hear you are good at finding people, and that's a gift. Ever since the curse has been broken, I've been looking for my friends and kin for a while, but it looks like I'll need help from an expert. My home address is on the envelope, but I think we'd better meet at Granny's Inn, this Saturday at 10:00. I understand though if you have a lot on your plate. Queer things have been stirring up in Story Brook.

Hoping you and your loved ones are well, and with all due respect,

Nathan Bearer

"Wow, his hand-writing is exquisite." Mary Margret said, peeking over at the letter.

"Well, I have nothing to do today," Emma said. "And I don't have a villain to catch, so I might as well be off."

"But it says Saturday," Mary Margret said as Emma stood up to leave. "At ten…that's tomorrow!"

"This can't wait," Emma said. "I don't want to wait that long! And what if Henry's right? This guy could be Harry Potter."

Mary Margret sighed. "Good luck," She said. Emma nodded and left. Now that summer was here she didn't need a jacket.

"Come on Henry," Mary Margret said. "Let's go to school."

"See you later," David called after them, as his wife rushed Henry out of the door.

During the Curse

Nathan Bearer woke up to the annoying beeping of his alarm. He rubbed his eyes and then reached over to turn it off. He sighed as he sat up, feeling his aching shoulder. He started his daily morning routine with a cup of tea and the newspaper. He read an article about a man being arrested for drunk driving, and his son going missing.

After breakfast, Nathan walked out of his large house and to the mailbox like he did every morning. He looked into the mailbox and pulled out nothing but junk mail. He sighed as he skimmed the advertisements. The Mayor was strolling down the sidewalk. She looked at Nathan in surprise, and approached him.

"Good morning, Madame Mayor," Nathan said politely. "What brings you here?"

"Uh, nothing," She quickly shook her head and became pleasant. "Who are you?"

"Nathan Bearer, miss." He replied.

"Oh," The Mayor smiled. "Has anyone ever told you, you look just like-"

"Elijah Wood," Nathan finished her sentence. "Yes, I get that quite often."

"What do you do for a living?" She asked.

"I'm an accountant." He replied. "Have been for as long as I can remember, what brings you around here? I don't recall I've ever seen you before."

"I don't walk this way very often," The Mayor admitted. "It's just that I always walk the same direction."

"Ah, a change of pace," Nathan said. "Never killed anyone,"

"Yes," The Mayor said slowly. "Well, it was nice to meet you, Mr. Bearer." She began to walk away.

"You too," Nathan replied. He went inside his house. Once inside, he closed the green door behind him, and then looked over at the wall. He spotted a spider crawling its way upward. He hastily swapped at it, almost yelling. He stood there, breathing so heavily it sounded like growling. He looked at the spider's guts splattered on the wall. He tossed the junk mail into the trash can and went to get a Kleenex.

Story Brook

Emma finally found the house of Nathan Bearer. She pulled her yellow VW, which she just called Buggy by the sidewalk. She spotted a man coming out to get his mail. His house was nice and big. The exterior was white with green accents. It felt like Emma was looking right at Green Gables from one of her favorite children's books, Anne of Green Gables. The door was even painted green to match the house. She quickly got out of the car as the man walked back up to the house and sorted through the mail.

"Excuse me sir," Emma called after him, running to catch up. The man turned around and Emma gasped in surprise. She was quiet for a long time. The man looked at her with curiosity, yet patience. He was a little shorter than the average man, but he was a little taller than Emma. His blue eyes however, were unmistakable.

"Elijah Wood?! What are you doing in Story Brook?!" She demanded.

"No," The man replied, chuckling at her. "I'm not-"

"I didn't know you were British either!" Emma said, staring at him with surprised eyes.

"No, I'm not Elijah Wood." The man reassured.

"Are you sure?" Emma said.

"Yes," The man said. "I'm Nathan Bearer."

"Nathan," Emma could feel her face turn warm. "I'm sorry,"

"It's all right," Nathan reassured. "And, you are…?"

"Emma Swan,"

Nathan's eyes widened in surprise. He stood closer to Emma and whispered. "What are you doing here?"

"I got your letter this morning," Emma replied quietly.

"Our meeting was tomorrow."

"Well, things change." Emma said. "My son told me something interesting this morning, so for all I know, you could be Count Olaf."

"Who?" Nathan raised his voice slightly.

"Nothing," Emma said. "He's from another book."

"Ah, yes," Nathan said. "All right then, come inside."

The two walked into the house. It was neat and well kept. He led her into the kitchen and offered her some tea, but she turned it down politely.

"So," Emma said, sitting down at the island. "Who are you?"

"Frodo Baggins," Nathan replied, and finally Emma knew the right name to call him. He turned to her and bowed. "At your service,"

"My service?" Emma raised her eyebrows.

"It's an expression." Frodo said, as he continued to make himself some tea. "And I know about the Dark Curse. It brought me and my friends here."

"And you're trying to find them?" Emma guessed.

"Yes," Frodo said. "The first thing I want to know…" Frodo paused, changing the course of his sentence. "I mean, there is a friend who is especially dear to me."

"The guy who plants flowers?" Emma asked.

"Samwise Gamgee is his real name." Frodo said. "And I fear that he has been separated from his wife and children." He poured the hot water into a cup and placed the bag in it. For a moment he stood there in silence, bobbing the bag up and down.

"You just want to make sure they're together." Emma said.

"You know," Frodo said, as if Emma hadn't said anything. "The last thing I saw before I was cast into this new life, was Elanor's face, smiling up at me…smiling… It gave me hope. What I wouldn't give to see that face again, smiling, and running into her father's arms." He closed his eyes for a long moment.

"I can help," Emma reassured. "Tell me more about Sam?"

During the Curse after Emma's Arrival

Samuel Halfwise looked out the window. He watched his boss as he argued with Mr. Gold as usual. He shook his head and continued to keep working. He took care and fed the flowers. Everyone noticed how skilled he was, somehow keeping the flowers alive. He just liked taking care of flowers. It was the one thing he was good at. He looked back out when he heard the flower truck start. His boss was yelling and jumping in front of the truck, not so willing to give it up that easily. Mr. Gold walked away.

"Come on Gold, its Valentine's Day!" He shouted. "People won't stand for this!" He called after Mr. Gold as the truck pulled away. Samuel saw Mr. Gold talking to the Mayor across the street.

The boss came in, throwing his arms up in frustration.

"I can't believe this!" He grumbled.

"Maybe you should spend your money wisely next time," Samuel said. "Learn how to save, and that truck still would've been yours."

"You know nothing of the matter!" His boss turned and pointed at him. "Another word like that and you're fired."

Samuel rolled his eyes and went back to tending the flowers. Almost every day, his boss would threaten to have him fired, but he never did. He knew the plants would die without Samuel.

The boss walked over to the front counter. The Mayor walked in, looking quite frustrated.

"Madame Mayor," Samuel nodded in respect. She looked at him in surprise and then nodded, but didn't smile.

"Good day," She said slowly. She looked up at the boss and continued. "Excuse me, your employee works hard, I think you should let him have the rest of the day off."

"Why?" The boss raised an eyebrow and looked at her curiously.

"Because," The Mayor said. "It's about your business."

The boss nodded and looked over at Samuel. "You heard her, beat it!"

Samuel stood up, grabbed his coat and left. He was happy to be out for a while. He secretly hoped that they would close the flower shop down, but at the same time he knew the flowers would die without him. He walked down the street, not sure what he was going to do for the rest of the day. He looked over at Granny's Inn and started to crave pancakes.

Story Brook

Emma pulled Buggy by the sidewalk. Frodo got out of the car and looked around. He noticed the building Emma parked by.

"The Flower Shop!" Frodo said. "Of course, where else?"

"Well," Emma said. "He does like flowers. Mmm, smell that."

Frodo was quiet for a moment. "Smells good."

"You didn't even smell it!" Emma said.

"Yes, I did." Frodo said. "It smells good…it smells like my feelings, let's go." He walked to the door and went inside. Emma shook her head and followed him. The bell jingled as they walked inside. For a moment it seemed there was no one in the shop. The flowers were wilting slowly.

"Hello," Emma called out. "Is anyone here?"

"Sam," Frodo called. "Are you here?"

"Who's there?" A voice called out.

"Sam?" Frodo asked. "Is that you?"

"No," An over-weight man came out from a back room and stood behind the counter. "I'm Maurice; I owned the shop during the curse. What can I do for you?" The man seemed solemn, as if he had lost something.

"I'm looking for an old friend of mine." Frodo said. "I'm not sure what his cursed name was, but his real name is Samwise Gamgee. Does he work for you?"

"I'm not sure," Maurice admitted. "The only fellow who worked for me was a Samuel Halfwise. Not sure what story he's from."

"Samuel," Frodo repeated. "It's long for Sam… and Halfwise…" He stayed silent for a long time. "Samwise means Half-wise in an old hobbit language, I believe…" He put his fists to his head in frustration. "I wish I had my books!"

"Does he still work here?" Emma said. "Samuel Halfwise, I mean?"

"No, he took off." Maurice replied. Frodo put his fists down and looked at him in surprise. "After the curse broke he just left, quit his job."

"Why?" Emma asked.

"Sam wouldn't leave the flowers like this." Frodo reasoned, gesturing to the darkening flowers.

"He said there was something he had to do," Maurice said. "He said something about…the most important flower of all…"

"Rose…" Frodo said. "Of course, he's looking for Rosie!"

"Did he tell you where he was going?" Emma asked.

"No," Maurice said.

"Do you know where he lives?" Frodo asked eagerly.

"Yes," Maurice said and recited the address.

"Nearby a river." Frodo said. "Thank you, what can I do for you?" Maurice looked at Frodo in surprise.

"There's nothing," Maurice said. "Just, make sure he doesn't come back here."

"Thank you," Emma said. She and Frodo both left the shop and got into Emma's car.

"You know," Emma said, looking at Frodo curiously. "I thought hobbits were supposed to be three feet tall…"

"There are no hobbits in this world," Frodo said. "In this world, I'm just as human as you are."

Emma started the car. Frodo looked out the window at the Flower Shop as they pulled away.

"I don't think he realizes what he's lost." Frodo said.

"A lot of things." Emma replied. "I'm guessing what you're referring to is a loyal servant."

"No," Frodo said. "A loyal friend,"

During the curse after Emma's arrival

Samuel went into the shop, surprised it was unlocked. He wondered if his boss was back yet.

"Boss," He called out. "Boss, where are you?"

"Samuel?" The boss asked, coming out from the back room to stand behind the counter. "What are you doing here?"

"I was just going to water the flowers." Samuel said. "What are you doing here? It's getting late…"

"I know," The boss said. "I was just getting some things…" He trailed off.

"What things?" Samuel asked.

"I-uh…It's none of your business."

"Are they closing the shop down?"

"No, thank heaven no!" The boss said. "In fact, I found a way to make the company more money-"

"You stole something, didn't you?" Samuel said.

"Even if I did, I could give you a raise, and the business would still be here, and the flowers-"

"If I was running this company, I wouldn't be doing bad things for it!" Samuel shouted.

"Who do you think you are, my boss?" The boss demanded.

"I'm trying to be your friend!" Samuel shouted again, face turning red. But then he lowered his voice. "I'm trying to help you…" He walked away, going into the back room and closing the door. He paced, smelling the fertilizer and looking at his gardening tools. Suddenly, he heard yelling, a gunshot, and loud, thumping noises.

He slowly peeked out of the door. He couldn't see much behind the counter, but he could hear Mr. Gold's voice.

"Stand up!" He snapped. The boss stood, his breathing sounded funny, and his hands were tied together. "Walk out, and if you try to run, I'll kill you!" The boss walked outside, Mr. Gold following him and pointing a gun in his back. Sam covered his mouth to keep from gasping. He had to do something… What should he do? What should he do? He had to go after them. He had to stop Mr. Gold! He walked out and almost left the shop, but stopped in his tracks. Was he crazy? He couldn't just rush off and get himself shot! He decided to call Sheriff Swan; she'd know what to do.

Story Brook

"Let's see," Frodo said. "Well, here is his house…" His stomach dropped at the sight of Sam's house. It looked old and slightly rotten. The paint on the house was peeling off. He and Emma stepped out of the car and walked up to the door.

"Well, this is it," Emma said. "Better hope he's with his family."

"Yeah," Frodo said. He knocked on the door.

"Well," Emma said. "This is it; you must be so excited to see your friend."

"I am," Frodo said.

"You don't look excited," Emma mused.

"I am," Frodo insisted. No one answered the door.

"Give them a minute," Emma said. "I'm sure he's… doing stuff…"

"Why isn't he answering?" Frodo asked his blue eyes full of worry.

"Just give him a minute," Emma said. "I'm sure he's-"

"Shush!" Frodo turned to her, his eyes widened in fear. "Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Emma demanded.

"Someone's calling for help…" Frodo said. "It's coming from the river!"

"I don't hear anything…" Emma said.

"Follow me!" Frodo said, before taking off around Sam's yard.

"Wait, Frodo, come back!" Emma shouted after him. Nearby Sam's yard was Toll Bridge, the deeper end. Someone was drowning in the river.

"Help!" He called out weakly, before his head went underwater.

"Sam!" Frodo cried and jumped in after him.

"Frodo, what are you doing?!" Emma shouted. Frodo dived in and disappeared. "Frodo?" Emma called helplessly. "Frodo!" After a moment she readied herself to swim, annoyed that she had to save two people. Suddenly, Frodo's head appeared, in his arms he carried an unconscious Samwise Gamgee. He dragged him to the shore and laid him on his back.

"Come on Sam," He begged. "Don't do this, don't do this to me." He laid his head on his friend's chest, searching for a heartbeat.

"I'll call David," Emma said, beginning to dial her cell phone. Frodo started to press down on Sam's chest, count as he went. When David picked up, Emma explained the situation. Suddenly, Sam spat out some water and coughed. He opened his eyes and looked up at his friend.

"Mr. Frodo," He sighed. "I found you."

Frodo laughed. "Yes you did, Sam." Emma rolled her eyes. Sam did not find you, stupid hobbit. She almost said that out loud, but instead she kept silent, not wanting to ruin the moment.

"David's on his way with an ambulance." She explained.

"Okay," Frodo nodded at her. "Come on, Sam, let's get you to the hospital.

One month ago

"Boss!" Sam called out. "Hey, boss!"

"Samuel," Maurice came from behind the back room. "Sorry, I'm still looking for my daughter." He replied.

"It's all right," Sam said. "So am I."

"So," Maurice said, changing the subject. "What can I do for you?" He asked.

"I came here to quit," Sam said.

"Quit your job, are you mad?" Maurice demanded.

"Listen; there are more important things than my job." Sam said. I have to find my friends and family…"

"But the flowers will die without you," Maurice said.

"There are more important flowers." Sam said. "The most important flower of all," He looked over at the roses. Immediately he thought of Rosie, but he also knew there was someone else he had to find first, and make sure he was okay.

Finally, Sam squared his shoulders and left, despite Maurice's protests. Sam had a promise to keep.

Story Brook

Sam was lying in the hospital bed, reading the Magic Mirror. Frodo walked in and smiled.

"Are you feeling all right?" He asked.

"Yep," Sam said. "Dr. Whale says he just wants me to stay over-night, see how I'm feeling tomorrow, and then I can go."

"That's good news." Frodo said. "So, where will you go?"

"Dunno," Sam replied. "Back to my house, I suppose."

Frodo sighed. "I… don't think that's a good idea."

Sam looked at him curiously.

"How did you fall in the river, Sam?" He asked.

"I…already told you and Miss Swan I fell in…" Sam said.

"The truth Sam," Frodo insisted. "Come on, you can tell me. I'm your friend!"

"I was pushed," Sam said, defeated.

"Who pushed you?" Frodo demanded.

"I don't know," Sam said. "I didn't see him."

"I don't think it's safe to be living out there by yourself." Frodo said. "Come back to my home. You can work for me again. It's bigger and safer, and we can find Rosie and your children."

"What about your family?" Sam asked.

"You are my family." Frodo said. "You are my friend." The two friends embraced. After the tender moment ended, Frodo broke the silence. "What were you doing by the river, anyway?"

"I was looking for you," Sam replied.

"Me?" Frodo asked. "I thought you were looking for Rosie."

"I was," Sam said. "But I made a promise, Mr. Frodo…a promise. Gandalf said it loud and clear: "Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee!" And…I don't mean to."

"Sam," A tear fell from Frodo's eye, and he embraced his friend once more.

"Don't worry, Mr. Frodo." Sam said. "You said so yourself: We'll get through this."

Frodo smiled and closed his eyes. Things were finally getting better.