Different from how they were. Whether good or bad or just the way nature intended, Neil cannot argue against that observation. Men change as they live. The only true stagnation is death.

And this time, just once, he laughs. Gives a breathy chuckle.

"We both agreed I fucked up, right?" Referring to earlier, when Alex carried him down the basement stairs. "You said something right after. Like how I choose to move after is all that matters."

He inhales sharply. Regret, weighted and snaring, colors his voice. "Can you tell me how to go back?" asks Neil. "Can you tell me how I can stop myself from walking toward that pier?"