JR SWAT 4: JunIor AdVocates

Final: Aftermath

Later that night, Kay's home...

"Mom, that meatloaf was really really good!" Sammy said, after swallowing a big gulp of lemonade.

"Yeah, mom! It was good!" Lil Victoria added, still munching on her plate.

Annie smiled, then took a look around the table. It was the first time in as many weeks since the entire family sat down for dinner, including her husband. If it wasn't homework, it was appointments, practices, rehearsals, overtime at work...something always got in the way! But not tonight! Tonight she wanted to cook a wholesome meal and have everybody sit down at the dinner table. She succeeded!

"I'm glad you liked it!" she responded to the two youngest. She turned to Deacon, who sat at the other end of the table, "How about you? Did you like it?"

He hadn't spoken much. Right after he got home, he sat down and led their prayers before digging in. Now, he swallowed half of the contents in his mouth and responded, "Absolutely!"

"Or is it because you were starving?" she asked with a quick smirk.

"Probably!" he said, before showing a smile.

Giggles.

Chatter continued as the ladies volunteered to do the dishes, while the boys cleaned up the dinning room and fixed up the living room. Placemats, handkerchiefs, toys, blankets, cushions and others were scattered around in the busy rooms. So, Deacon and his boys got to work.

After a couple of minutes, the rooms were starting to look great. Deacon dismissed the boys, so they could get ready for bed. He finished tidying up the living room, while Sammy ran out excited.

"Easy, Sammy! You just ate a ton!" Deacon called. He shook his head, wearing a big a smile.

After grabbing a cushion that was on the floor and placing it on the couch, he straightened up. He looked up and noticed Matthew hadn't left for his room. Instead, he had grabbed a wipe and began cleaning the top of the dinning table in silence. The quiet teenager straightened one of the chairs in place and picked up a small piece of napkin from the floor.

"Hey!" Deacon called, getting the teen's attention. The older officer nodded and said "Thank you"

"You're welcome" he said, then turned and began wiping the top of the counter by the wall. Deacon observed him in silence.

He went to the pantry and retrieved the broom and dustpan. The young man began sweeping the floor in silence, while his father frowned. He was so concentrated on his son, he hardly noticed his daughters had retrieved for the night, and the lights from the kitchen turned off. Annie left the kitchen towards the living room and stopped. She frowned when she saw Deacon standing, unmoved.

Deacon turned to her and quietly pointed to the dinning room, where his son was quietly sweeping. Silence.

"Talk to him" he read off her lips, though no sound came out.

Deacon nodded and watched as she went down the hall towards their room.

Deep breath. The older officer placed both hands inside of his jeans' pockets and headed towards the entrance of the dinning room. He leaned one shoulder on the opening, watching the teenager closely.

Matthew felt the stare on him and raised his eyes. He frowned surprised, "Dad? Why haven't you gone to bed already?"

"I could ask you the same thing." he answered, taking a few steps into the room.

Sigh.

"I'm not sleepy." he responded, shaking his head slowly, returning to his task of sweeping.

"Son" Deacon called, approaching him, "is there something on your mind?"