Chapter 6 (part 2): The First Steps

Jack was standing there, just like Sue had told him, holding on to her. He knew that he was on unstable ground, but with her there, it was no longer a danger. He stood still and silent, content in the peace that her presence, if only her hands, brought him. He knew that he could stand here forever as long as she was with him. Suddenly he heard another vague whisper on the wind. It took him a moment to realize that it was Bobby. He couldn't hear what he said, but he could hear Sue's responses.

First she said, "…not your fault." Bobby's response was angry, he could tell that. Sue then told him, "…the best you could." Bobby's response was sharp and Jack realized that he was blaming himself for this. "Jack once told me, "…not personally responsible… thing that happens…, good or bad."" Sue was telling him. "I think…to you now too." Jack remembered telling Sue that she wasn't personally responsible for every little thing that happens in the world, good or bad. Tell that to Bobby? Jack asked himself, more of a rhetorical question. You bet I would. "No change..." Sue said, evidently in response to something that Bobby said and he couldn't hear. Jack felt Bobby take a hold of his shoulder then. He looked over and saw another ghost hand, this one definitely Bobby's on his shoulder. He wished he could tell them that he heard them and not to worry.

"Come on mate, you can't stay here forever." Bobby told him, another whisper in his ear. It was the push he needed. Suddenly he discovered that he could move. Slowly he took one step forward, and then another. Eight steps later he was too tired to go on. Vaguely he heard someone talking about his blood pressure rising, but it didn't make any sense so he didn't pay attention. He could feel Bobby's strength and wished he could use it. He was now on safer ground and the wind seemed to have lessened some, but he still had a long way to go. Eventually Bobby's hand left his shoulder, and once again it was just him and Sue. Somehow it seemed darker, and Jack decided that it was night. That fact also brought the realization that he wasn't tired, and so, throughout the night, he took a few more steps forward. It was a hard grueling journey, but he was getting somewhere.