Kim Keeler watched her eldest daughter, Payson, sleep. She had never seen her daughter so… defeated. They had just returned from a weekend in California. Payson, being Payson, insisted on seeing another doctor there. She sighed; she had gotten her hopes up for even a glimmer of a chance for Payson to do gymnastics again. She should have known better, all she did was cause her daughter to lose what little hope she had left. She left Payson to her dreams and went to the kitchen. Her husband looked at her, mug of coffee in his hands. After he finished it, he was going back to Minnesota. She wanted him to stay, but he had work in the morning.
"Honey," his voice pulled her from her thoughts. "I was thinking, Payson being here will only remind her of what she will never do again."
She knew this was coming. They had discussed it a few times before, but had still not decided. "I don't know, I mean sending her away? Is this really the right thing?"
"Maybe it's time for her to do what we always wanted, to be a normal teenager. One that goes to school, has friends she doesn't compete with, boyfriends, and shops."
"I don't know Mark. I think she might just get worse, like it'll be reality hitting her."
"Like what just happened isn't?" he snapped. "Sorry, but, I think it might be best."
"I'll call my sister and see if she's willing. If she is, then I'll tell Payson in the morning."
Mark stood and put his now empty mug in the sink. He then kissed his wife and left for a long night driving the road to Minnesota. Kim picked up the phone and hesitantly dialed her younger sister's phone number. After five rings a tired 'hello?' reached her ears.
"Hi Sam, its Kim. Did I wake you?" Kim Carter-Keeler asked her younger sister.
"No, I just got in. So, what's up? Its been what? Five? Six years since we last talked?"
"I think that's about right. After all, Becca was just a baby then. Actually I was wondering if you would do me a favor."
"Depends on what it is."
Kim explained the entire situation to Sam, about Payson's career to the accident to just that weekend. It all spilled out, she told Sam that Mark and her had thought it would be best. "So, will you do it?"
"Yeah, I'd love to have some company here and my friend Janet's daughter is just a little younger, they'll get along, I think. Though, I have to warn you, I'm gone on missions from time to time. She could stay with Janet on those times. So when does she come?"
a/n This is a plot bunny that's been stuck in my head for weeks. hope you like it!
