AN: Well, this is the end of The Bitter Seed! I'm thrilled everyone enjoyed it, as this is my first successful story on here so far. I hope my next story (Lord of the Lies) will be just as successful, maybe even more. Alright, enjoy the epilogue and original ending! (I'm just gonna smoosh it into one chapter)

Two police officers had rescued Jack and Ralph from the piece of driftwood and Ralph now stood with his family, friends, and Tessa.

"You were so brave!" Tessa exclaimed, "Saving him like that, even after he tried to kill you!"

There were other comments, of course, but Ralph was watching Jack. The two police officers were handcuffing him, asking questions.

"I'll be right back," Ralph said, pushing his way to Jack. "What are you guys gonna do with him?" he asked the officers.

"We're gonna take him down to Bethlem Asylum," one of the officers responded, "question him and keep him there until he shows real improvement."

"Bethlem..." Ralph repeated quietly. It was one of London's fine asylums. Jack would do great there. "I'm sure you'll improve quickly," he smiled at Jack.

Jack turned to him for the first time. "Thanks," he said again.

"You already thanked me enough," Ralph laughed, "You don't need to anymore."

"No," Jack said, "I really mean thanks. You opened my eyes back there. None of this was your fault. If I had listened to you back on the island, none of this would've happened. I'm so sorry, Ralph..."

"I cannot say I accept your apology right now. You tried to kill me."

"I understand..."

"Jack, I hope someday I will be able to forgive you, and when that day comes, I hope we can keep in touch and become friends even?"

"Yes," Jack smiled now, "I would like that."

Ralph watched as Jack was taken by the officers, ready for his long journey to Bethlem.

Original Ending

Ralph acted before he thought. Using his exhausted legs, he kicked Jack off him into the river. Then, he got up and pushed Jack's head under, so he wouldn't get back up again.

There was a lot of thrashing, and Ralph had to resort to using a rock to smash Jack's head.

After a few spasms, Jack went still.

Breathing heavily, Ralph watched Jack's body being carried away by the current.

"I know you don't deserve this," he whispered, "But goodbye. When we were back on the island, in the beginning I saw you as a friend. But you are now an enemy to me. I had to do what I did to survive. Someday, I may forgive you for all you've done, but I will never forget."

Satisfied with saying what needed to be said, Ralph turned and followed the dawn light over the bridge and back to Bourton, where he'd live his life, marrying Tessa and having a family with her. He left Jack to float away as Ralph moved ahead, never turning back.