"It was a beautiful life, and I am thankful, even if I will-" Peter's voice shook, and Susan felt a little more ice creep down her spine, "will never return, never. . ."

"Then I am happy for you and your courage in that conviction." Susan said softly, and Peter tensed, jaw clenching.

"I haven't forgotten that tone of yours, you know." Peter said sharply, and Susan's lips pursed. "You-"

"I can hardly claim to be grateful for having my life torn away," Susan said, voice hard, "and being thrust into one that I had long learned to abandon."