Disclaimer: So not mine.


The crater of Sunnydale falls away behind them like a bad dream, and Xander drives them on into the desert in the clanking school bus. He feels like he has emerged from a great dark shadow; he sees a future on the horizon. Even his eye no longer hurts.

Hours later, they stop for gas and sandwiches at a dusty service station, and they all begin to pile off the bus, inordinately grateful for leg-stretching and food opportunities.

"Aw, crap," announces Buffy.

They all turn to look at her, questioningly.

"I think I left my wallet back at the house."