In the last three years… and even the fifteen before that… Max could rarely remember seeing Michael relaxed.

Something had changed in Michael, Max knew. He just wasn't sure what it was yet.

Well, I've got plenty oj time to figure it out, Max thought.

It took a moment for him to realize how important that notion was. In the past, he had jumped on every mystery or question as if his life and the lives of the others had depended on it. Quite often their lives had depended on those answers. Depended on Max acting quickly. On doing the right thing, making the right move.

Not anymore.

Now they had time.

Max and Liz had time to sort themselves out. Max had time to figure out what was happening with Michael. Isabel had time to come to terms with losing Jesse.

Time and open road.

Max smiled to himself and realized that his own smile was relaxed as well.

2

It took a moment for Liz to realize where she was. She looked around as the room seemed to take form, to solidify.

She was standing alone in the band room. Waiting. For Max.

She was excited. Nervous but excited.

Max was going to meet her. It was a secret meeting, and the thought thrilled her for a second. Guilt rose up. Kyle couldn't know. He wouldn't understand.

She didn't understand yet, herself, but she was sure that Max would explain it to her. He would explain what he had done to her. How he had saved her. How he had mag- ically healed the gunshot wound in her stomach.

How he had brought her back to life.

Liz realized she should be afraid of Max, but she wasn't because she loved him and he loved her.

No.

Not yet. That would come later.