Circumstances drive our choices, he thought. Fate molds character
like soft clay beneath a potter's hands. Fear & loneliness give rise
to imagined grievances & unfortunate decisions. He knew better
than anyone that people were imperfect beings, who often acted
selfishly & thoughtlessly, made frequent mistakes, & inadvertently
hurt those they professed to love. But in the end it was their capacity
to forgive that allowed them to unburden their souls & soar with
angels. Scully was right, he thought. There is no perfect happiness.
But there is forgiveness. & it is enough.

aka “Jake” (Abaddon’s Reign)