Jim was standing there alone, waiting for him.
“Hey,” Nathan said, not sure how else to begin.
But Jim didn’t look as upset anymore. His expression was somber, but not angry or accusing, since he had watched all of those heartfelt scenes as well. “Do you ever...think Mom and Dad knew it would turn out like this someday?” Jim asked. “You...being the only thing holding me together?”
Nathan stared for a moment, not sure how to respond. Then he knew exactly what to say. “Dude, I’m pretty sure it’s been the other way around just as often.”
Jim smiled.
Nathan smiled back.
Truce.
“Hey...where’s Sasha?” Nathan questioned. “Did he go on without us?”
Jim frowned as he turned to stare up the staircase. Nathan turned to look as well. There was enough light pouring in from the risen sun now that they could make out more Gaelic carved into an overhang of wall at the top of the stairs.