𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄 ; spencer reid ²

epilogue

❝Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday.❞

A.A. MILNE

✩

the end, but not really

WHEN YOU ENTER THE HOUSE ON 1214 WESTVIEW DRIVE, YOU WILL FIND IT IMMENSELY APPEALING AND COZY. No matter the season or time of day, there is something baking, there is laughter, and everyone who leaves the house declares it not only a house, but a home.

 Photos line the front hall, in frames of every size and shape, and in chronological order, at Dr. Reid's behest. One of a little girl with pigtails, in between her brother and sister, muddy and grinning toothily. Next to it, a little boy wearing glasses far too big for him, reading a book in the grass.

There are photos of Dr. Reid's graduation from college–both of them–and Mrs. Reid's graduation from the FBI Academy, and both will laugh and point out how young they looked each time they pass these photos.

Photos of their families are sprinkled throughout: young Dr. Reid with his mother Diana, Mrs. Reid's sister Clara, and her late father and brother. It is wise not to ask why Dr. Reid's father and Mrs. Reid's mother are not there. There is a reason, and they will tell you someday.

Their friends are on the walls, too: Jennifer Jareau and Will LaMontagne, at their wedding; Derek Morgan, smiling next to Mrs. Reid, who's holding his son; David Rossi and Penelope Garcia, each pressing a goofy kiss to Dr. Reid's cheek, and Emily Prentiss laughing in the background; and Aaron Hotchner, walking Mrs. Reid down the aisle at her wedding.

Mrs. Reid will never admit it, but this is her favorite photo on the wall.

Although, whenever she rearranges the side table, she always pauses to smile at the photos posed there. A little boy, two years old, sandy-haired and hazel-eyed, grinning as he opens a birthday gift. A little girl, the same age, pushing her braids out of her eyes and reaching for her favorite stuffed tiger.

And always in the center, their most recent family photo. This year they took it at an apple orchard, right when the leaves were changing from green to red. They're all kneeling on a blanket, wearing white sweaters–Mrs. Reid wanted flannel, but Dr. Reid insisted on sweaters, and it was a whole argument–and smiling widely, even though they were all very cold.

The description on the back of the photo is in Mrs. Reid's handwriting, just like most of the other photos on the wall: Left to right: Hazel, Iris, Jason, and Spencer. A chilly fall day, and Mom has to admit to Dad that his idea for sweaters was better! But only if he bought her apple cider :)

When you enter the house on 1214 Westview Drive, you will be greeted with open arms and joyful smiles, because almost everyone is welcome. Mrs. Reid will insist that you call her Fin, Dr. Reid will offer you a cup of coffee, and when they're not working on their homework or playing in the backyard, Iris and Jason will run past you, laughing and promising their parents they won't break anything.