Chapter 40

Clark would never forgive me.

He had counted on me to hold Gabe back. But how do you stop the wind from blowing? The rain from falling? A Dreamtime seed from blooming?

Blinded by love, he had underestimated his son and the need consuming Gabe from within.

Gomi knew better and probably suspected some of the mystical. So he'd quietly done his best to prepare, not only securing state of the art equipment, but ultimately focusing on what mattered most: endurance.

The day I left Oz, he hugged me, flashing his dazzling smile. I guess he respected the fact I was stepping back, allowing Gabe to live his life no matter what the price.

"This is ultimate love, Porzia," he whispered in my hair. "The unconditional, selfless kind. The one that means you love somebody to the point of allowing them a chance to their fate-if that's what they need to do."

*

I will not talk about saying good-bye to Gabe at the airport.