[ Jim knows why Zack goes silent on him, though it doesn't make it hurt less. While he doesn't read the messages themselves, he has a general idea of what's happening, and he's braced for Zack's return.

If Zack does return. He still remembers - but that had been an accident. Zack hadn't seen that message. Not the same.

Not the same because then Zack's back and however Jim had tried to steel himself for the anger or disappointment, it never would've been enough. He wants to be the person Zack wants him to be, the person Kunsel thinks he is, the person Zell sees. He wants to do what'll make the people around him happy and safe.

But... he also wants to do what's right. What he and Zell have both agreed has to be done to protect the rest of their family.

His gaze flutters away for a moment but when he does meet Zack's eyes through the tablet, his expression is steady and determined. ]

Wasn't just his idea.

[ They're equally to blame. It's important, somehow, that Zack know that. ]

Tell me - tell me, honestly, you wouldn't do the same thing if you had a chance to keep me out of trouble right after I died. Tell me that, Zack.