They all returned the bow, smiling at him warmly. Moving together they all gathered around him. The child was the first to arrive, still carrying the puppy. She held out her free arm, signaling that she wanted to be picked up. When he did, she squeeled and clamped her arms around his neck tightly, nearly dropping the puppy. She kissed him on the cheek and grinned before squirming to get down. Love was the next to approach him. She stepped closer and hugged him tightly, cupping her hand on the back of his head, threading her fingers through his hair just as Beth always did. When she stepped free, her eyes were shining with unshed tears.<br/><br/>Instinct was next, offering him a smile, a brief hug, then stepping aside to allow Reason to step closer. The man placed a hand on Jim's shoulder, beaming happily.<br/><br/>"We are forever endebted to you, my friend... You have our everlasting devotion. Should you ever desire a visit, you need only wait for your wife to sleep, then speak to me directly, and so long as I am able, I will call you here. Be well and safe, Jim... and know that you are loved. Go in peace."<br/><br/>With that, he rested a palm against Jim's forehead and sent him back into his own mind. It would feel exactly like falling asleep again, except that when he woke, he would be back within his own body and mind.