The Guardian's Return by Old Pumpkin

George said, "I know what happened. I also feel terrible for Jeremy's loss, but I know you never wanted it to happen.

"He sacrificed himself for Hill City, and I'm sure he wouldn't want to see you like that-broken and devastated. If you feel guilty about it, the least you can do is keep this city safe. Besides..."

George then moved to the side, allowing Stephen to look at Rachel, Nolan, Austin, the doctors, and the nurses.

"You have them. These people care about you. You're never alone."

As soon as his words settled in, Simon walked in.

Stephen started weeping when he saw the people around him.

"You're up?" Simon said excitedly, "I have good news for you. I've got a lot of letters for you, and one of them is from Snow."

Stephen's eyes widened. "Where is it?"

George shifted uncomfortably, while the light in Rachel's eyes dimmed. She could not understand why she, coming from a well-respected and prominent background, was not enough for Stephen. Why was Snow, just an ordinary woman, so special?

Austin's idea. Originally, they had only planned to show him one letter, but Simon took a step further and got more. If Stephen knew people were supporting him, it might help boost his spirits

writing on the letter, his body started

it tight in his arms and asked,

on it, but I'm sure she's watching you from somewhere. And if

was like life had been breathed back into

let out a quiet sigh of relief. It had been a gamble, using so many little lies

he noticed Rachel's face had turned paled,

Compared to

He might have cured Stephen, but the process exacerbated Rachel's condition. As a

back, and everyone was thrilled. Simon

to be

then struck

you been holding up in

smile on his face. "It's okay.

sorry for everything that happened,"

You