That night, Joel had a strange dream.

He was outside, at some kind of barbecue, a beer in his hand. All around were people he knew: Marlene, Robert, the two-timing dealer who'd been whacked after he stole Tess's guns, guys he'd killed over the years in turf wars between rival smugglers, and neighbors he remembered from back home in Texas. Before the world had gone to shit.

Just then, he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Tommy.

"Joel, you better have some actual shit to drink and not this piss water.", he said half-drunk, his empty beer bottle twirling in his hand. "When you got back from the service, I made sure to have only the best at your party, and I expect the same at mine."

Joel didn't know what to say. He and Tommy had both served, but neither had thrown the other a party when they returned. Money was too tight.

"Tommy, what the fuck is going on?"

Tommy laughed. "I thought you'd remember, Joel. This is MY party, and I want you to put a fucking smile on your face."

Just then, a woman's voice called out. "Joel, Bill's almost finished with the ribs."

Joel knew that voice. He turned around to see Tess, standing there without any dirt on her face, her hair in a green bandana, wearing faded jeans and a pink tank top.

And she had a ring on her finger. A diamond ring. Joel held up his own hand. He had one as well.

Tommy walked off as Tess approached her husband. "Joel, I need you to snap out of whatever funk you're in and help me set the table."

"I'll help."

A girl of about 14 or 15 came running up in a beige "Savage Starlight" shirt. And it wasn't Sarah.

"Ellie, help your father set the table. I'll get the salad out of the fridge."

Just then, Joel opened his eyes. He was in the same bed he'd been in last night, in the same rotten house. He was awake.

Tess and Ellie were already packing up their things when he came down.

"How you'd sleep, Papa Bear?"

"Not funny, Tess. We need to refuel and keep moving."

"How far to Tommy's?"

"Another day or two. I just hope you're ready to be disappointed. My brother and I are not on speaking terms."

"Are things really that bad, Joel?"

"They are, Ellie. And I'd rather not make them any worse."