An intervention, that's what it was called. Shawn remembered them through a haze of sketchy memories. Kevin tried. Rebecca tried. Hunter tried. God, had Hunter tried. In the end it was Cameron who had been the catalyst for leading him to Christ, for turning him from the path to death, showing him life.
And God, how abundant was that life now that the blinkers were off. Now that he allowed himself to feel. Pain no longer dulled, the world was sharper, the colours brighter but the joy, the joy that followed the sorrow was so much sweeter. The way his heart filled with love, his chest lighter, the weight from his shoulders alleviated as Christ took that burden upon Himself, swapped it for the lightest yoke.
It was freedom, like flying.
No drugs required.
Just the love of life.
The gratitude for a second chance.
The gratefulness of being rescued.