August 2006

A few days after Schemer's conversation with Billy, Schemer realized that they were upon the two-year anniversary of Stacy's death. Schemer felt more at peace than he had in months, and while he didn't want to say that he came to terms with it, he could say that he could see a future again.

Billy pulled him from his office. "Come with me." He said gruffly.

Slightly concerned, Schemer followed him into a decrepit old storage shed at the very back of the property.

"What's going on back here?" Schemer asked.

"Kara was looking for an old part, and thought we might have something in here. She found something else instead. Open the door." Billy suggested.

Cautiously, Schemer pushed the door open with some struggle. The hinges were rusted from exposure to the elements but it gave way with an eventual creak. He shaded his eyes to better see inside the room and jerked his head up in shock when they came into focus.

All of his machines stood there in pristine condition. He felt a rush of nostalgia and choked up.

"Thank you Billy." Was all he could manage to say.