Clark . . . Is it really you or am I hallucinating again, Lois asked. No, it really is me. I really am here in true flesh and blood. Lois slowly advanced toward Clark who was still standing in the middle of the bedroom unmoving. It took Lois's warm embrace to get Clark to stop staring and reciprocate the warm embrace. They stood like this for several minutes not wanting this simple form of intimacy to end. Eventually, they opted to cuddle on the bed and talk.

I've missed you so much Lois. There has not been a day that has gone by, when I haven't thought about returning here to you. By the time I had reached and coordinates that were to be new krypton. This new world and its people destroyed themselves. Not much unlike my original home planet. For the first time in my life, I am truly alone.

Clark, you're not alone. No one is ever truly alone, you taught me that. I don't know Lois, you were not there in the void of space starring out into outer space. You could not feel the pain, or hear the screams of people long since vanished.

The war I had gone to fight I thought was going to be a physical one. Instead . . . It's one of the mental, emotional variety. I still right now at this very moment hear the voices and feel pain of a people, long since gone.

Clark I'm sorry. But you know, you're not alone. You have Perry, Jimmy not to mention everyone you work with at the planet. You also have me, and I love you. Oh Lois, I know you do. With that the two adults are lost in another intimate embrace and all is forgotten.

Daily Planet the next day

Jimmy! Yeah chief. Have you seen Lois today, I have been looking for her?

No chief, I have not seen Lois since we put the newspaper to bed last night.

Darn that girl! She is getting to be as bad as Clark. She's never around when you want to talk to her. I guess I can cut her a break. She has been through a lot the last six months, wouldn't you say, Jimmy. Yeah, I guess. If you think about chief, Lois has been through a lot.

First she loose's Superman. Then Clark takes a personal leave of absence for an indefinite amount of time. To be honest chief, I don't know how Lois has been able to function, on the day-to-day for the past six months. Jimmy, Lois is the best darned tough-as- nails reporter Metropolis and the Daily Planet has seen in over ten years. It is unlike Lois not to call in if she is not going to show for work. Jimmy, why don't you go track her down. Make sure she's OK.

Sure thing Perry.

Short time later in front of Lois's apartment

Jimmy is seen walking up to Lois's apartment. Just before he prepares to knock, Jimmy hears squeals and giggles on the other side of the door.

Jimmy Knocks . . . Lois is heard saying, Just a minute. Lois still laughing, answers the door, opening it slightly, blocking the view of Clark. Oh, hi Jimmy, Lois smiles.

Hey Lois, are you coming in to work today? Perry is looking for you. He and I were growing concerned; it's unlike you to not call if you don't intend to come to work. Oh I'm sorry. I must have forgot. Just then Lois turns her head to look at something, looking back at Jimmy smiling.

Just then Clark pops-out behind Lois smiling. Hi Jimmy!

Oh hi C. K., Jimmy says excitedly. I didn't know your back in town. Suddenly Jimmy freezes, the light bulb goes off, Oh . . . why don't I just tell Perry you're not feeling well.

That would be great, Lois said. Oh and Jimmy . . . Yes Lois? As far as Perry is concerned, Clark is not back yet. Understood. I know how to keep a secret.

Thanks Jimmy! Clark called out, as Jimmy turned to leave. Lois and I owe you one. Not a problem, see you in a few days. With that Jimmy headed back to the planet.