"I can try," Ray replied with a nonchalant shrug. It seemed that he was still able to lie with his body, because he didn't feel so confident inside. He turned away, starting along the path.

He wasn't sure if he was surprised by the Stephen revelation, but like Asher had said, there was no point worrying about people who were no longer there. It might have been a different story if he were though.

"Everybody makes mistakes." That was what he'd been planning to say anyway. What actually came out was: "I'd try almost anything for you."

The dirt on the path was met with saucer eyes, but Ray walked steadfastly on.