Despite everything good that the two had done for her, Mari found herself constantly on the verge of either tears or just completely breaking down. She didn't know exactly where she was, despite the couple telling her, or how long until she'd be fit enough to go home. She didn't know if she'd be back in time for Christmas or not... there was only a few weeks left, but they had gone past so quickly. She wondered if Sage was aware of what had happened. Was he looking for her? Had he thought worse? And what about the rest of her family? She didn't know how Silas and Liz were doing. Finally, though, when she'd been walking around and helping out enough, the older woman offered to help her home... they could get half way and get on a cart for the rest of the journey. They weren't exactly keeping her captive, but they'd advised her against going along while her wound was still opened, but it had scabbed over quick enough. And, she was so anxious to go home, and just to fall into the arms of whoever would hold her the longest.

Sage had only slept for a few hours before he woke again with a groan. He sort of just sighed and wrapped himself around her pillow, attempting to hold back tears. He was sort of just staring at the wall, mind circling as it always did. He ended up sobbing into her pillow the same as always too, and as always he again forced himself up in the morning to splash some water on his face and go make dinner for the kids before they woke. They seemed happy enough....but Silas would ask where Mari was eventually, and what was he supposed to tell him? The boy didn't understand death. He didn't know what it meant. And honestly, sage didn't want him to. But what other reason wouldn't Mari come back to them? He didn't know. He thought that a lot....I don't know. It was aggravating, as was how much of a mess he was with handling all of this. He'd delt with grief alone before. Why couldn't he now? He didn't understand. He would've given up a long time ago....but the kids. He had to take care of the kids. Mari would want that. That was the only thought that kept him going.