When I open my eyes again, I'm lying in my bed.

I bolt upright, catching the smell of something on fire.

Then I realize it's not burning, it's cooking.

I jump out of bed, throw open my door, and nearly fall down the stairs racing to the kitchen.

My mom is standing at the stove.

She's dressed.

She's washed.

She's cooking.

"Hi, sweetheart." She gives me a smile that the aching in my chest says I've missed so much. "I thought I'd make some pancakes and bacon. I hope I didn't wake you up."

"No, it's fine." Damn, I'm gonna cry. "I'm good. Great, even."

She lifts the pancake that was cooking in the pan and drops it on a plate already piled high. She comes toward me and pulls me into a hug.

"I'm sorry, Tyler. I haven't been here for you as much as I should. I hope you can forgive me."

"It's fine, Mom. It's all gonna be fine."

She kisses me on my forehead and goes back to the stove.

"I'll be right back, ok Mom? There's just something I want to check."

"Sure, sweetheart. Just don't be too long, pancakes are always better hot."

I jog up the stairs into my room. I hit the mouse, bringing my screen to life.

Formating of drive C failed.

I click ok to clear the message and my home screen comes back up. The Revelations icon still sits prominently displayed on my desktop. My mail icon shows I have a new message in my Shamshiel account.

Turns out you might be an ok guy. You'll find the mod attached. My tag is Tabbris. See you soon, T.

I download the attachment and install it in the Revelations root folder.

Yes, Tabbris, you'll see me soon. After all, I have a whole new way to play waiting for me.