Niles could just let it go. All of it. Pretend like it never happened. But that memory, no matter what barriers he tried to throw between him and it, tore through him like a hellbug.

He kept trying to push Gabe off his lap, the now empty glass falling from his fingers. "Get off," he said, his voice frantic. "We're gonna go," he insisted. "To the NeedWant. You promised."

Amanda.

He'd nearly forgotten about her. She'd be there. To greet him with a smile and a drink. Her soft hand on his, asking if he was okay. Everything would be okay, she'd tell him. The thought alone stopped the monster in his head, if just for a moment. It gave him clarity and just enough room to breathe. She'd make everything okay. He just needed to see her.