Author's Note: I had this written days ago and planned to put it up yesterday, Sept 11th. I know that this is small and insignificant compared to what is unfolding around my country right now, but I thought that perhaps some of you would be seeking some break from all of the television broadcasts that have been going on for almost 48 hours now. I pray that all the writers and readers on this site are safe and that their families are safe as well. You are all in my prayers. God Bless America.

-Bella

Epilogue

As I look back on that time, I am reminded of how much we can change as individuals. It has been five years since I left, and not once have I regretted the decision I made. I thought that the separation from my family would be too much for me, but I am happy to say that I can't imagine myself living Aboveground now. Time stands still here, never aging anything, never performing its terrible dance on those we love. Time is not regarded with the same hatred here. Day becomes night, season's change, but most things remain constant. Now I know why Jareth loves it here so much. It can teach you how strong you can be, as well as the beauty of your surroundings. Even though I can now go through the Labyrinth walking backwards and blind folded, it still never ceases to amaze me.

Jareth has taught me as well. He has shown me love through respect, tenderness, romance, passion, a touch, a single word even, as opposed to the angry shouts, physical and mental abuse and forcefulness that I thought were to be my experience in love. In return for the love that he has shown me, I have given him that which was so cruelly taken away from us all those years ago: a son. An heir so like him in every way that even when he was an infant I caught him smirking at me.

Life has taught me many things. Most of them I learned the hard way and had to accept and put to rest in the back of my mind. But, the one that I am reminded of every day is that we all deserve to love someone and have them return that love, free of conditions or restrictions. For without love, we are pitiful creatures indeed.