Bruce is rewarded with a bright smile, and a friendly hand to the shoulder as Clark makes for his bedroom. "You can give me the Gotham grand tour sometime," he assures, impervious to the intricacies of how Bruce might rather be doing anything else right now.

Goodbyes take place, then, when it's determined that Clark will drop Bruce off once they do a little sight seeing. Martha tells him to be careful out on those roads, and then gives Bruce a big hug when it seems like it might be welcome, her hand clapped to his back and her smile having taken on a different sort of shine, but a shine nevertheless. The way she smooths out his nice coat after is the same fluttery affection as when he'd first arrived.

She watches, hands on hips, as they go.

The truck is old but not badly kept, Clark driving as careful as he promised he would. Heading into Smallville's central business district means a ride through snowy, early morning farmland, the heater on blast, the radio off. Clark points out landmarks here and there, the properties of neighbours, or what things look like in the heart of spring.

The main own itself is as empty and cold as promised. Driving through sees a few people on their way back from church. Shop windows with Christmas displays. The gas station is open. There are buildings that were never replaced, empty lots, scars, from years ago.