The Priceless Variable

Welcome Home

Later that night, Vince called for a celebratory bonfire. Everyone gathered around at sunset.

"We've come a long way together. So many have sacrificed so much to make this place possible. Your friends and your family. So here's to the ones who couldn't be here. Here's to the friends we lost. This place is for you. It's for all of us. But, this boulder is for them. So, in your own time, in your own way, come make your peace." Vince preached, then stuck a chisel in a log of wood.

Everyone clapped and cheered for the unique idea of remembrance. Once they settled down, Vince gestured for Joel and Luke to come forward. Then, it was only the two of them were standing in front of the crowd of people.

"Good evening, everyone. We would like to do something special in honor of our new home." Luke said.

"My brother, Luke and I have enjoyed performing music for so many crowds. So, we hope you all enjoy this song that we wrote a while ago. It's entitled, Fix My Eyes." Joel said.

Everyone was standing up and clapping for the performance that Joel and Luke just gave. Mallory and Courtney stepped out of the crowd and ran down to them. Vince joined them as well.

"Thank you guys so much. That was a great way to kick off our celebration. Welcome to the Safe Haven." Vince said, raising his cup in the air.

Everyone cheered and raised their cups. Without Mallory knowing, Courtney snuck away from them. They were about to pull off the ultimate surprise. She went to the medical center to bring out their guest of honor.

In the corner of his eye, Luke saw his wife walking back. He gave his older brother a head nod. In one swift movement, Joel placed his hands over Mallory's eyes and changed her position.

"What's going on?" Mallory asked.

"We have a little surprise for you." Luke said.

Joel removed his hands from his daughter's eyes and revealed someone very special whom they thought was lost forever.

It was no other than...Newt!

Mallory screamed in excitement and gently wrapped her arms around Newt to give him a hug. She started to cry tears of joy into his chest.

The others stepped out of the crowd to join in on the reunion. They were all in a big group hug, while crying on each other's shoulders.

~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone gathered around other small bonfires. They were all enjoying some food that Frypan and the other cooks made.

"Fry, it must feel nice to be back in the kitchen again." Mallory said.

"You bet it does. I sure have missed it." Frypan answered.

"Joel, Luke, your song was awesome." Minho said.

"Thanks." Joel said.

"It felt nice to watch you both sing again." Courtney said, hugging on her husband's arm.

"Can you guys do another one?" Sonya asked.

"Oh, I don't know about that." Luke said, then took a sip of his water.

With that, all of the friends started to beg them to sing another song.

"All right. It's entitled, Control." Joel said.