Helen sighed as she sat at her desk. Nothing was getting done today. Slowly she was learning to live without Ashley. She had the good days and the bad days. She looked over at John as he sat on her couch, drinking and staring at a photo album. Helen gave up trying to work and moved onto the couch next to John. He smiled as he made room for her.
"When was this picture taken?" John asked, pointing to a picture of a very young Ashley
"She was about nine in that picture" Helen replied "She had a fever that day and I kept her home from school with me. She laid on that couch most of day reading a book. A week before she had insisted that it was time to put the quilt in the picture away. That she was far too big for a baby blanket. The moment she sat down that day she asked for her quilt"
"She was a beautiful girl"
"The most beautiful. She grew up so fast"
"I never asked why"
"Why what?"
"Why did you carry her to term and have Ashley. You hated me. I never understood why you would keep my child"
"Do you remember how we were back then? Before you went mad?"
"Completely in love. Happy"
"She was the best of us She was innocent. I loved you John. God I loved you with every cell in my body. Maybe I still do. I never hated you. I tried. I got mad at you, but I never hated you. I had Ashley because she was created with love. Because I lost you, I had her. She was my savior. She saved me"
"I am sorry for all the pain I have caused"
"It's in the past John. You are forgiven." Helen paused "Ashley had your eyes. I knew the second she was born that she was going to have your eyes. I always did love your eyes"
John smiled and gently closed the photo album. He softly kissed Helen's cheek before standing up and offering her a hand. She stood up and laughed softly as John pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight.
"The world will not fall apart if you let go for awhile and just let yourself feel" John said softly
"I still feel her" Helen whispered "I can still feel her in my heart. I don't feel she is gone"
"If she is still out there somewhere I will find her. I promise you that. And until I do I will hunt down every one of her captors"
"John, please. Stop hunting. I want them dead as bad as you, but do not let this drive you mad again. I can't loose you too"
"Helen…"
"Promise me you'll stop"
"I swear"
Helen smiled and gently pulled out of his arms. She turned out the lights and smiled as they sat down on the sofa in front of the fire. That is where Will found them in the morning, still holding onto each other, peacefully asleep.