Back in his room, he can't deny the relief. It's one thing to face what's going to happen, and accept it - and another to look it in the actual eye, and imagine the pain. He's already trying to stop himself wondering what did that to his back. The easy bet would be falling off a building, and the cape failing. He'll have to be vigilant on maintenance and testing.

But for now, he just looks at the ghost. He can't say 'thank you'. He's not grateful for this. But he's not irritated about it anymore, either.

'I guess I won't see you next year.'

He shrugs, and turns away from it.

'Goodbye.'