“The longer I’m here, the more I remember where I came from.” Jo picked at her thumbnail as she stared at her almost-husband. “I used to watch you. Like in a dream, where everything is warm and happy. I think I was at peace.” Jo braced herself for what came next. “And … I think I need to go back there.”

Alaric’s face fell, just as she imagined it would. It hurt more than she imagined.

“I’m dying here,” she explained softly. “Peace is where I belong … waiting for you.”

“We just got you back,” Alaric argued. “You’re not going anywhere, alright? We’re going to figure this out.” 

He went to step around Jo, but she cut him off, switching tactics. She narrowed her eyes and leaned in closer. “What do you think happens the next time a monster takes over my brain? Hmm?” She crossed her arms. “I already tried to kill one of our daughters. What if I actually succeed in killing the next one? Caroline’s blood can only sustain me for so long. You’re just delaying the inevitable.”

Alaric avoided eye contact and stood there silently. Jo had a feeling he knew she was right and just didn’t want to say it. When he finally spoke, it was to say, “We’re not losing you again.”

“Oh, Ric …” Jo set her hand on the side of his face. “You never lost me in the first place. I’m still here. I can see it in their faces, in their laughs, in their hearts. Caroline is a wonderful mother, and you did perfectly with them.”She smiled softly. “None of you need me any closer than I already was.”