At 2:30 in the morning, Brian shot up out of bed he looked over and saw his wife was sleeping. He got out of bed and went across the hall Xander was sound asleep in his crib.
Janet rolled over in bed she reached for Brian but found his side of the bed empty. She sat up and looked around the darkroom Brian wasn't there.
Janet got out of bed; she found Brian sitting at the kitchen table alone.
Janet: Babe, it's late, are you ok?
Brian: Yeah, I couldn't sleep.
Janet: Do you want to talk about it?
Brian: It's late, go back to sleep.
Janet: Hey, no talk to me what's going on?
Brian: It's been a year since Mike died, and I almost died.
Janet: Aww babe, I'm sorry.
Brian: It's ok, I know you don't like to think about that day because you were so scared when you got that phone call.
Janet: I was scared, but I also know how hard this is for you, so whatever you need me to do, let me know.
Brian: Can I have a minute alone.
Janet: Of course I'll be in the bedroom if you need me.
Brian: Thanks.
Brian sat there for a while before going back to bed. When he climbed in, he wrapped his arms around his wife and just held her close.
When they woke up again, it was 9 in the morning Janet got up first; she went to get Xander while Brian went to shower.
Janet started on breakfast, she put Xander in his high chair and gave him some cheerios to keep him busy. Brian came into the kitchen and sat at the table.
Janet noticed that her husband was zoned out, so she picked Xander up of his chair, kissed his head, and placed him in Brian's arms.
Janet: Xander, daddy needs a hug can you hug daddy?
Xander looked at his dad before he paced his head on his shoulder.
Brian: How do you always know what I need.
Janet: I'm your wife, it's my job. I was thinking; I could ask Gabby to come over so Xander and Miguel can have a play date.
Brian: That is a great idea.
Later in the day, Brian had to go to work, so Janet invited Gabby and Miguel over.
Gabby: Thank you so much for having us over.
Janet: Anytime.
Gabby: Look at them; they are having so much fun.
Janet watched has Miguel handed a toy to Xander, then Miguel leaned over and hugged him. Janet got the whole thing on video, so she sent it to Brian.
Janet: Miguel is so sweet with him.
Gabby: I had to remind him on the way over that Xander is smaller, so he has to be careful.Janet: Xander may be small, but he's tough, like his dad.
Gabby: He's tough like his mom.
Janet just smiled at Gabby and continued to watch the boys play.
Janet: Miguel is getting so big.
Gabby: I know I can't believe how fast he is growing.
The boys continued to play for a while before they put them down for a nap. Janet and Gabby sat at the kitchen table, drinking tea.
Gabby: I know why you asked me over today, Janet, and I'm thankful that you did because if I was; home, I would be sitting there crying.
Janet: Brian was struggling this morning, so I thought you could use the company, plus the boys haven't had a play date in a while.
Brian and David were driving around in the squad car, waiting for their next call.
David: I know this is a hard day for you, so if you need to talk, I'm here for you.
Brian: Thanks, that means a lot.
Brian told stories about Mike to David; It was; nice; to be able to laugh instead of cry.
When Brian got home, he told Janet about his day. She was glad that he spent the day laughing and remembering his friend. Janet told Brian how much fun she had with Gabby and the boys.
It had been a year since one of the worst days of their life, but they seemed to be moving forward and healing from everything that had happened. It was great; that everyone was finally moving forward.
