Harmony in Emergencies

13

"Dad, why don't you want your award," Tuck asked startling Ben. Once he was notified of the impending award he felt immense guilt and that he didn't feel like he deserved it. He even tried to tell Chief Ross he basically didn't want the award because he failed his job that day. He lost someone after promising to rescue him. It wasn't right that his station had save after save on numerous calls and yet he was the one getting awarded to medal. He didn't want everyone going on about how much of a hero he was when he didn't feel like a hero.

He looked at his son and sighed "Everyone says I should be honored but I don't feel honored"

"That guy in the hospital. You saved him"

"But I didn't save the guy who I left to die at the top of the stairs"

"Dad it was a rough call and you did what you had to do" Tuck gave him a sympathetic look

"Yeah and while his friend doesn't see it you made a big sacrifice to save him. You fell through a roof. You could have just got out and saved yourself but you tried to save them too Dad" Joey nodded "We're proud of you"

"Thanks, boys, I just wish I could have saved them both" He rubbed his face "I know I saved one guy and I managed to come to my family at the end of the day and that should be a win"

"Not should be a win, it is a win" Tuck corrected him

"You are just like your mother" Ben lightly chuckled

"What about his mother" She walked in carrying Pru

"We're telling Dad he should accept his award" Joey looked at her

"Ben you're still on this whole you don't deserve it crusade," She asked

"Because I don't" He sighed

"Benjamin Warren, after all you've done for that station you think you don't deserve recognition"

"A man died Miranda"

"Compared to how many you have saved" She quickly responded

"The PRT" Tuck nodded "You did that"

"You fighting for the PRT inspired Crisis One and the clinic" Miranda added " I don't care how much you say you don't want the award and you don't deserve the award. You're accepting the award" She sat Pru down and poured herself some coffee " Now quit moping and let's get these kids to school"

"We're going back to school," Tuck asked

"A few guys down at SPD know what we're going through and they heard about me falling through a roof and being awarded this medal so they offered to monitor you guys at school" Ben nodded

"Awesome police escort" Tuck laughed

"Glad you can see the awesomeness in this" Miranda shook her head sipping her coffee

"Gotta take the wins Mom" Joey shrugged

"Come on" Ben stood up "Don't want to be late"

He kissed his wife on the cheek and grabbed his keys. Joey and Tuck hugged her as they left with him.

Miranda finished her coffee and packed up Pru to leave shortly after. Their lives were starting to feel somewhat normal. She dropped Pru off hesitantly and headed to work.

"So will you accept the award" Tuck asked as Ben drove them to school

"Your mother just told me I would and you know your mother"

"But you really do deserve it" Joey added " You rescued me"

"I appreciate you guys telling me all the reasons I should accept it" He smiled " I just don't feel it" He pulled in front of their school where he was greeted by the officer