The apparition faded, slowly, like dissipating fog.

Without the force of the fight to hold him up anymore, he sank to his knees, pressing his now-clean hands to his face. His body shook with silent sobbing, and it felt like each one pulled a little more energy from him.

It was cathartic, in a way. Restful. Darkness wrapped itself around him like a soft, heavy blanket, pulling him towards silence.

He let it come.