John walked into the hospital room and toward the beds that were pushed together side by side. Jude and Connor lay in them. They had both been treated for their minor injuries and for shock. John sat down on Jude's bed.

"How you guys doing?" he asked.

"We're good," said Jude.

"How's my dad?" asked Connor.

"He'll be fine. The doctor said none of his injuries were life threatening. He's resting now."

Connor nodded.

"Thanks for taking care of him. And us," he said.

"You guys don't have to thank me," John said. "I was protecting two of the most important people in my life. I would've done anything to make sure the two of you didn't get hurt."

"Are you OK?" Jude asked.

John took one of Jude's hands in his own. "I will be now," he said. "Now that Loomis is gone, I don't have to live in fear anymore." He motioned for Connor to grab onto his and Jude's hands. When all three of them were holding hands, John said, "I'm letting go of you two. I promise. As long as I live, I will fight to protect you, my brothers."

John slept in the room with Jude and Connor that night. Jude had scooted closer to Connor to let John sleep on one side of his bed. Around 1 a.m., Jude and Connor woke to John tossing and turning in his sleep. He was sweating profusely — it was clear he was having a nightmare.

"No! Don't do it! Please!" he murmured, getting louder with each word he spoke. Jude shifted closer to him, gently placing one of his hands on John's arm. John woke with a start. He turned and looked at Jude, a few tears streaming down his face.

"Another nightmare?" Jude asked softly.

John nodded. "I don't know why I'm having one about him now. He's dead."

Jude grabbed his hand again. "It's OK to still be worried, John. You spent a long time fighting him, and trying to stay safe. It'll take some time."

"But we'll be here for you all the way," Connor added.

Jude nodded again. "We're not going anywhere, John. We'll stay with you and be with you whenever you need us to."

John nodded and sighed. "I'm so lucky to have both of you," he said, lying back down on the pillow. "Thank you."

As John fell asleep, Jude kept a hold of his hand. Connor held onto his other hand as all three of them drifted asleep, never letting go.