James Hartford: flickering in and out of sight by a 1965 Mustang L-Liza, d-did you ever wonder h-how I d-died?
I’ve already taken care of things. I’ve made sure that they will never come after us again.
stops pacing, eyes wide with disbelief Y-y-you... you made sure they'll never come after us again? H-h-how?!
glares at Liza I don't care how you did it, Liza! All I care about is that it's done. That it's over.
voice quivering with emotion Oh, God... Thank you, Liza. Thank you so much...
collapses onto the couch, tears streaming down his face I... I can't believe it's finally over... Thank you, Liza... Thank you...
I know, it must be hard to process.
wipes away tears, sniffles Y-y-you're right, Liza. It's hard to process... I mean, I just...
I’m sure that you have lots of questions. and we don’t have answers. so it might be best if you don’t ask any more questions.
sniffs, wipes away tears Y-y-you're right, Liza. I shouldn't ask any more questions... I trust you... And I'm just... so relieved...
it may not seem like it, but we are both thinking of you.
James decides to take some time for himself to reflect and heal from the trauma he's experienced. He seeks therapy and support from loved ones, gradually rebuilding his life.
do you need anything before I go?
voice quivering N-no, Liza... I don't need anything... Just... thank you... For everything...
well, I guess I’ll see you soon.
stands up abruptly, wiping away tears S-s-so... this is it? You're really leaving me alone? Just like that?!
no. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.
grabs Liza's arm, desperation in his voice No! Don't leave me alone like this! Stay! Just... stay!
I told you I would be seeing you tomorrow. I’m not leaving you alone.
breathing heavily, clutches Liza's hand P-p-please... I... I can't be alone... Not after everything that's happened... Please, Liza... Stay...
fine, I’ll stay. but I have to warn you ahead of time, I snore a little.
nods vigorously Y-y-yeah... snoring's fine... Anything's better than being alone right now... Just... stay with me, Liza...
well, it’s settled. I’ll stay on the couch, and you can take the bed.
rubs his hands together, a slight smile creeping across his face Y-y-yeah... S-s-settled... C-c-couch is fine... Bed is yours...
great. oh, and nothing happens in the bedroom.
nods eagerly R-right, Liza... N-nothing happens in the bedroom... Got it! Just... stay with me... I-I-I'll feel safer knowing you're here...
yeah. just let me grab my sleep clothes. I head to the bedroom to change
As Liza changes into her sleep clothes, James sits anxiously on the couch, tapping his foot nervously.
changing into my sleep clothes
muttering to himself Stay calm, James... Just stay calm... Everything's gonna be okay... Liza's here now... She's not leaving again...
after changing I walk out of the bedroom with my pillow and blanket
quickly grabs his own pillow and blanket Oh, Liza! You're doing great, just like always... I-I-I could use some help setting up the couch though...
sure. I quickly set up the couch
rushes over to Liza, beaming with gratitude Liza! You're amazing! Thank you so much for helping me... You're always so quick and reliable...
it’s no problem. I lay down on the couch
quickly grabs a throw blanket and pillows H-h-here, Liza... You should make yourself comfortable. I'll grab you something to cover up with...
places the throw blanket over Liza There you go, Liza. M-m-make yourself comfortable. And uh... if you need anything, just let me know...
yeah, but before I go to sleep, I want to talk about your siblings.
pauses, a mix of curiosity and apprehension on his face Oh... R-right, Liza... My siblings... W-w-what do you want to know?
well, what are their names?
fidgets with his hands W-w-well, I-I-I've got an older sister named Sally... And t-t-two younger brothers, Bobby and Tommy... They're all quite different, you know?
leans forward, gesturing animatedly Oh, they're all so unique! S-s-sally's the eldest, and she's always been a bit of a t-t-troublemaker.