"Philip!" John shouted. A youthful grin broke out, and to Alexander's unspeakable delight, his oldest son appeared out of the mist. John stepped aside as father and son clung to each other for what seemed an eternity.
"Philip, I'm so sorry," Alexander sobbed. "It's all my fault that you got here before me. I would have given anything to trade places with you. Your mother - "
"I know, Pop," Philip said. "I hated watching the two of you from up here, Mom not talking to you because of me."
"Don't you dare blame yourself," Alexander said forcefully. "Your mother was absolutely right to be angry at me. I didn't deserve her forgiveness, and I wouldn't have blamed her if she decided to file for divorce. I set a terrible example for you and your brothers."
"No you didn't," Philip said. "You're a great man, Pop. Sure you made mistakes, but it's not your fault that I died. I guess we were just too alike."
Alexander smiled weakly. "Before you were born, your mother said if you had a fraction of my mind, it would be enough," he said. "I didn't mean to give you so much."
"Hey, I'm my own man," Philip said coolly. He jumped up, suddenly remembering something. "And guess what! I met my grandparents! Come on, they've been waiting to see you."