I Think I'm in Trouble {Reimagined}

CIV.

The sound of M14 rifles shot through the cemetery, echoing of the headstones: the first one causing the singer to jump even though she had been prepared for it, but when the last of three shots were fired, it was a relief because it really just meant, it was over.

"Let me help you," Robert mentioned to his ex-wife since she was beginning to stand so soon.

The placement that day had been very different; Robert and herself were next to one another with the kids on either side of them while her parents were in the row behind them along with Jessica on Christopher's lap, Lori and Sharon---Damon, Kristen and Lindsey were in the back with the rest of the other families who were incoming since they also had services for their lost family members. 

"It was really nice... Maybe better that it was just us for this type of thing," Robert explained, helping his ex-wife stand and get her footing.

She nodded.

With Lily in his arms, Lindsey made his way over to them.

"I'll take my sister," Shannon commented as she guided her little brother through.

"Thanks," he sighed and helped Stevie with her shawl before settling a hand to her waist in order to help her walk through the grass.

"I'm gonna walk with Kristen," Robert mentioned.

"I would like to talk to her," Stevie commented. 

"Mrs. Walker..."

It had surely been a while since anybody had called her that, she almost didn't respond, but it was natural to.

"Yes?" she turned slowly, eyes not falling on anything but the mid air.

Damon made his way from where he was to acknowledge the man who had called out to his girlfriend's mother.

"I'm General Carter," he extended his hand.

She didn't react.

Before Lindsey or herself could speak up, Damon was there to cut off the greeting.

"General?" he saluted him easily before sticking his free hand in his pocket. 

"Aldaine, I'm glad to see you," he smiled softly, patting his shoulder before settling his hands behind his back. "I was just wanting to give my condolences once more. I know this was a difficult time, not only due to the loss, but due to Mrs. Walker's hospital stay..."

"I appreciate it, but you can call me Stevie..." she claimed. 

It didn't take the general long after to realize she was, in fact, blind. 

"Of course," he nodded. "Is Mr. Walker or Ms. Messner around?"

"Lindsey?" Stevie turned her head a little toward him in question.

"They might be headed to their cars. Kristen's been under the weather since she found out about all of this," he explained.

"I understand," he nodded. "He expressed how excited he was about having a child," his tone grew softer, though he remained a certain amount of stern.

Stevie's heart ached.

"Ms. Stevie," he leaned in and picked up her hand from her side. "I hope you begin to feel better. If not, it's an order..." he smiled softly.

"Believe me, I'm trying..." her response wasn't as playful as it could have been but she was really living in her own strange world.

He paid her tone no attention for the simple fact that laying her son to rest had made it a hard day.