I wavered on my feet, form flickering, eyes closing and opening, my whole soul fluttering. I heard Jason growl at Mack, Look what you’ve done! and Mack’s wordless snarl of a reply before they continued their battle. A sudden gush of warmth in the cold, I felt arms wrap around my suddenly human body. “Carlie? Carlie, come on… I know you’re in there. Goddamnit, Mack, this is all your fault…” It was Tim, I realized, who was holding me so gently to his chest as he skirted the fight and walked back inside. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Mack doesn’t realize— and neither did Jason… God, I hope you’re gonna be alright.”

He climbed the stairs, carrying me easily. But we did not go into Mack’s room— no, we went into Jason’s. I made a pitiful sound, a gentle whimper, and Tim replied with his own. “I’m sorry… It’s just, it’s for your own good. Jase, he’s done this before. You’ll be okay, I swear…” He set me gently on Jason’s bed and rested a hand on my head, before he left. My eyes closed as the door shut.