Jacqueline Druga - Healing

“ Well, keep the talk at the shop and don’t get these boys started. It’ll get them started on their back and forth and it drives me nuts.”

What Mick wouldn’t give for one more moment of Chris and Dustin fighting, Dylan being the catalyst, and Dustin standing up for Mick then tearing him down. All that was gone and life was far from done changing for Chris.

“Mick’s back!” Tigger exclaimed.

“Hey, Mick!” Chris rushed to him. “Did you get the germ? Are we good now?”

Mick sniffed.

“Oh, no, you didn’t,” Chris said.

“No, no we got it. We’re good.” Mick winked.

“We waited up for you to eat,” Chris informed him. “I made sliced beef in a can. Not that your eggs weren’t all that good, they were, you know, but I wanted sliced beef in a can.”

Tigger argued. “Maybe Mick hates sliced beef in a can.”

“Oh, Mick eats everything. He don’t hate sliced beef in a can. Do you, Mick?”

Mick’s heart thumped in his chest so hard he swore he heard it. “I eat everything.”

“You okay, Mick?” Chris asked.

“I’m just tired from the trip and want to spend some time with you guys before tomorrow.”

“That the big day?” Chris asked, enthused. “Are you gonna go get your mom?”

“I am.” Mick nodded, then exhaled. “Let’s eat, I’m hungry.”

Chris jumped excitedly. “You’re gonna eat my cooking now. Hope you don’t get sick. Come on, it’s in the cafeteria.” He grabbed Tigger’s hand and they ran by Mick.

Hope you don’t get sick. Chris’ words echoed in Mick’s thoughts. His entire being sank but he had to keep his spirits up, he didn’t want anything to distract from every second he had left with the boys.

Mick planned on taking in every second, holding them, appreciating them and making just one more memory.

This night was the last night Mick would have with his sons and the last night, unknowingly, they would have with him.

He was going to make the best of it.

Chris and Tigger:

It’s a difficult task. Many soldiers and men and women who have sacrificed for our country have written a letter like this. This is by far the hardest letter I will ever write. It is my hope that you never have to read this. But if you do, if you get this letter, then I am no longer with you. It breaks my heart to even think about never seeing you two grow up, be men, fall in love, have children. My entire life has been spent loving you with every breath of life I take.

All I ever wanted to was to be there for you. I will always be there, watching, but not the way I want, you want or any of us need. It is the best I can do.

I am so very proud of you both. The greatest gift was the day each of you were born. My flesh and blood or not, you boys, all three of you, never will be less than my own sons.

My life has been complete. Please know that everything I have done, especially the past few months, has been for you boys. I did it without regrets.

It kills me to know that you will feel any more pain. It was not my intention, because God knows you boys have had enough pain for a lifetime.

You deserve a good life. A safe life, and one that is open to many opportunities. The world has changed since the days when I changed your diapers, took you to school, talked about space travel and wrestling. The days of dreaming of great things are not over, they are just different. Remember that.

Both of you boys are destined for greatness. You are remarkable young men and I know the path you choose will be good and honorable. You have it in your hearts to make this world what it needs to be, make it a better place.

This world is a new place and has changed. Please promise me it will not change you.

With all of my heart I love you. I love you more than I could write on this paper.

Be strong. Be brave. Live life for every single second. It’s too short.

Again, I am proud and I love you.

October 19th

Damon, NY

Forty men left at dawn. Two hundred and ten lined the streets of Damon. Every vehicle was utilized. They were determined to defeat the rebels and exterminate the threat of the virus.

Even Doc was suited up to go, he had to. They didn’t doubt that there would be injuries. They expected them. The midnight scouts estimated over a hundred rebel soldiers. The plan was simple. Outnumber them, outgun them, and outsmart them with minimal casualties. Take prisoners if need be. Life was too scarce to lose any more. There was only one life that wasn’t sacred and that was the life of Shane ‘Ace’ Drummond. For him there was no mercy, but that mercy had to be given if Mick didn’t locate the virus.

“Mick,” Briggs walked by him. “We’re ready.”

Mick nodded. He stood with the boys.

“You’re scared, aren’t you Mick?” Chris asked. “It’s okay. Maybe scared isn’t a good word.”

“Yeah, I’m scared,” Mick told him honestly. “Scared can be a good thing. We’re going into battle, there’s always a risk. You know that right?”

“Yeah,” Chris waved his hand dismissively, “but it’s you. You’re the mighty Mick Owens. I’m not worried. And just to show you how much I have faith in you…” He reached into his pocket and handed Mick the coin. “I didn’t give it to you when you went for the virus. Didn’t want a virus attached to it. But this is for you.”

Mick’s hand closed around the coin. “Oh, God. Chris.”

“What?”

Mick shook his head. “This means a lot. And just in case… you know…” Mick hugged Chris into him. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Mick.”

Mick looked down to Tigger. “I know you hate it, but can I lift you up, one more time for a good hug?”

Tigger raised his arms. “I’m sure it’s not gonna be the last.” He wrapped his arms tight around Mick’s neck.

“I love you, Tig. Be good.” Mick closed his eyes, one arm holding tight to Tigger, the other wrapped around Chris. He didn’t want to let go. He didn’t want to walk away. But his internal clock was ticking. “I… I gotta go boys.” He tried hard to keep his emotions in check. “I’m sorry.”

“Why you apologizing, Mick?” Chris asked. “Gosh, don’t do that. We understand. We’ll see ya soon.”

Mick kissed his sons one last time.

Just as he turned, Chris called out. “Hey, Mick?”

Mick looked over his shoulder.

“Remember, you got this. You’re our hero, you know.”

Every muscle in Mick’s face tensed up and his throat closed. That was it. The last he’d hear Chris’ voice, the last he’d see his boys. He lifted his hand in acknowledgment and turned around.

His guts swirled with an echoing, screaming pounding to get out with every step he took. His eyes welled and glossed with tears and his face grew red and hot. Mick was in agony. He said his last goodbye.

He wanted to look back one more time but he didn’t. He couldn’t. He just kept walking.

Las Vegas, NV

“I can’t thank you enough,” Matt told Lexi after stepping from his mother’s room. “She is doing great. Both of you, I thank you.”

Bill looked to Lexi then to Matt. “We need to talk, Matt.”

A look of worry immediately crossed his face. “You’re leaving. That’s what it is, isn’t it? Is there anything I can do to get you to stay?”

Lexi said, “I have no plans to leave. We have too many that are ill. But Matt, is there anything we can do to get you to leave?”

He produced a half smile. “Why would I leave?”