[ It seems to last forever, that interval between Ben helping to break the illusion of her daughter's presence and Allison typing to him. Ben can see it written all over her face, the shock and horror and loss, and he can't help hating himself a little for breaking that illusion. As soon as he reads the words she has written, he knows that she's out of the hallucination, now. That she's okay and safe and finally, he can start to process the fact that she is actually here.

Allison is here and she can see him and hear him, and Ben flings his arms around her for another hug, this one tight and more than a touch desperate. He buries his face against her shoulder and holds her without any sign he is going to let go any time soon. Ben had never been really big on hugs, or touch in general, back when he was alive. But that was a long time ago, and he'd spent a decade and a half unable to touch anything or anyone. And he had missed his sister terribly. ]

I'm sorry, Allison. I'm sorry I had to do that.

[ Regret is thick in the words, and they come out halting, staccato. After all those years of wanting to help, and the first thing he does when he's reunited with Allison is tell her she's seeing things and make her realize her daughter isn't here... ]

I don't know how I'm back. I just... showed up here after Five tried to take us all back in time, and I was alive and looked like this. I can't explain it, but- but it's good to see you again.