Depressed Family Guy

3: Guilt

There is no warning for this chapter. Unless you consider a crossover a warning. ❤

October 29th; 11pm.

Fog rolls through the streets of Quoahog as Peter, Chris and Brian drive away from the house without a thought of where to go. They drive for an hour out of town into the city of Springfield, the fog slowly lifting.

"Hey dad. Isn't this where Bart lives?" Chris asked as they passed the welcome sign. Peter nods as he pulls into Kwik-E-Mart and enters the building. The chime of the store door rings.

"Welcome to Kwik-E-Mart! My name is Apu! How may I assist you this eveni- Peter? Is that you!?" Apu calls out from behind the counter. He walks out and greets Peter and the others.

"It's been too long, how are you guys? And..." Apu looks around, "Where's the others? Lois and the other two kids?" Peter hangs his head.

"They...stayed home." Brian comments as he looks at Apu with weary eyes. Apu looks at Peter and realizes their situation.

"Well, you guys are more than welcome to anything in the store. On the house!" Apu exclaims as he walks back to the counter. "Let me know if you gentleman need anything!" Peter grabs a drink for the road as they all get back into the car and head further into Springfield. Ten minutes later, Peter sees the flashing lights of Moe's Tavern and pulls over.

"Dad..." Chris questions, "What are we doing here?"

"I just wanna stop by and say hi. I mean since we're in Springfield, why not say hi to Moe?" Peter said as he gets out of the car and heads into the building. The roar of drunken blabbering and smell of alcohol fumes the air as Peter opens the door. Moe, cleaning out a glass yells from over the counter.

"Peter! What a surprise! Come, have a seat!"

"Hey, Moe...just a beer." Peter sighs as he sits and hangs his head.

"Martini for me." Brian comments, sitting next to Peter.

"I'll take whatever." Chris says as he plops onto the chair next to Brian. Moe nods as he gets their drinks and changes the TV above the counter for Chris and Brian. The roar of babble seems to decimate as the door opens and a stranger sits next to Peter. Moe grabs a beer and sits it in front of them. Peter keeps his head lowered to avoid any confrontation.

"Thanks Moe." The stranger says and takes a chug. They look over at Peter stunned.

"Peter! Oh my God you're here!" Peter turns to see Homer sitting next to him reaching out for a fist bump. Peter looks at Homer and hangs his head.

"Homer, can I ask a favor?" Peter asked.

"Sure, what's up?" Homer asked with enthusiasm. Peter glances at him without moving his head.

"Could we stay with you? Just for a little while? Lois kicked us out and we have nowhere to go." Peter cried as he chugged his beer. Homer placed his hand on Peter's shoulder and looked at the three of them.

"Of course! You're always welcome at our place, Peter!" Homer stated. "How about another round before we hit the road, Moe!" Moe nods as he hands the four their drinks.

"So..." Homer questions, "What happened? How did yall end up in Springfield?" Peter explains the situation as Brian and Chris watch Itchy and Scratchy. Chris chugs his drink and quickly wipes a tear away.

"Well, let's go then." Chris exclaimed as he jumps up from his chair. Brian eyes a flyer hanging on the wall behind Chris.

"Hey guys, look." Brian grabs the flyer and reads, "A Halloween Fun Fair...In Quoahog! I didn't know they advertised for Quoahog events in Springfield?" Homer jumps in excitement.

"We're going there if you guys wanna come along with us! It'll be fun! Maggie's been wanting to ride the Spooky Carousel by herself for the first time!" Peter looks at Brian and Chris.

"If you guys want to go then I'll go too." Peter states as he lays the flyer on the bar. Brian and Chris nod and Peter turns to Homer.

"OK, Homer. We can go." Peter sighs as Homer chugs the rest of his beer.

"Alright! Well, let's go to my house and get you guys set for the night." Homer says as they exit the bar. Peter follows Homer as they drive to his house, Marge greeting them at the door with open arms.

"Homie explained everything. You'll be just fine here okay?" Marge stated reassuringly. Bart and Lisa come down the stairs and greet them.

"Chris, you're bunking with me!" Bart says as he drags Chris up to his room

"Haha, okay!" Chris laughs as he follows Bart. Lisa makes beds in the living room for Peter on the couch and on the floor for Brian.

"I brought down some of my pillows and blankets for you guys." Lisa yawns, " I'll see you guys in the morning!" Lisa trudges up the stairs as Marge and Homer follow.

"Goodnight you guys." Homer says as he turns out the light. Peter and Brian lay in darkness with the beams of the streetlight peeking through the curtain. Peter quietly sobs and falls asleep. Brian stares at the dark ceiling above him, thoughts pacing through his mind.

What have I done?
What have I done to this family?
It's all gone...ruined.
Can I fix it? Can anyone fix it?
Why can't I be at home with Stewie.
My drinking was never a problem before. Why is it one now?
God please help me...

Brian sits in silence, wondering what he could have done to keep the family together.