13They arranged to meet by the lake, where Jed had rescued Jon from the icy depths all that time ago. Coming round the corner, it seemed like a very different place, the frost having retreated, snowdrops sprouting. Elderly couples drifted by, mothers pushed prams. Spring was in the air, lightening everyone's mood.
All except for Jed.
“Jed!”
He looked up and saw Jon Kepowski, waving furiously. He appeared healthier, less gaunt. His eyes still burned with the same intensity Jed had first noticed in the hospital. Strangely hypnotic, those eyes drew him in, causing Jed's heart to beat faster, bringing such a rush of emotion he struggled to stop himself from flinging his arms around him.
But as they drew closer, Jed noticed the same ghastly grey pallor and suddenly he was in anguish.
“God,
