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[After all that, he's back in Mayfield. Not home, Mayfield. There was food and a comfortable bed, but still always the threat of death, brainwashing, and let's not forget the murderer who lived in the room next door to his.

This wasn't much better.

Crowe's chest still ached, since the nasty wound he received during one of this "reprogrammings" was still there. But at least now he could get it properly taken care of. Later. At some point.

The phone was ringing off the hook, leading Crowe to assume everyone had returned and was checking in. Were the people who were killed back as well? Did everyone else return with their horrible injuries, missing limbs? It takes awhile, but he finally gets to the phone. He speaks in a flat, quiet voice.]


Did everyone come back? Is... everyone alive? Please....


[Later, Crowe can be found outside. He still has to do his paper route after all. And he was positive that his coach would be back to his normal schedule now that he was back. Noticing the mail, and remembering how Mayfield works, he checks the mailbox. An envelope addressed to him is inside, containing a 3x5 photograph. He gives it a sad look, for several moments, then tucks it into his pocket.

Life in Mayfield goes on.]