It was exactly twenty-two years since their neurotic whitelighter had sacrificed himself for Wyatt, and their child that had been born that day. Several days of mourning had followed, for despite everything, during the past few weeks with him, they had come to care for the boy from the future. In fact, this unique bond that had been forged eventually prompted Piper to name her baby boy Christopher Perry Halliwell after their fallen friend. They never figured that they'd ever see him again.
Chris grew up quickly, faster than they remembered with Wyatt. He was smart, wanting to go into medical school when he was older. When he got an internship in Europe when he was sixteen, he leapt at the chance, even though it meant he wouldn't be able to see his family in a long time. The internship was for a magical hospital, one that specialized in taking care of those wounded from demon attacks. However, their on-call business meant that he would be helping out around the clock, with no time to get away. Not even vacations. However, this was a dream come true, and his family insisted he go.
His internship ended when he turned twenty-two, and he was flying back just in time to celebrate his first birthday in six years with his family. Piper Halliwell couldn't be more excited, as she patiently waited for her beloved son to appear. Her eyes scanned the scene eagerly, darting from face to face. Only then did she see that oh so familiar mop of brown hair that ended just past his ears. Only then did she see the high-cheekbones and pale skin that perfectly accentuated his emerald green eyes. But it wasn't her Chris.
Piper's hand flew to her mouth, stifling her small gasp. Then, her lips curved into a smile. Maybe it wasn't the Chris she had been waiting for, but Chris Perry would do just fine until Chris Halliwell arrived. Broadly grinning, Piper made her way over to the bench on which he sat, clearing her throat to make him jump up to his feet. "Do my eyes decieve me?" she chuckled.
Chris turned around, confused at first, but then his eyes lit up in excitement. Was it possible he remembered their time together from the former version of him? "Oh god, I have missed you!" he exclaimed, wrapping her in a tight hug and raising her from her feet.
"Woah, Chris!" she cried out, laughing as he finally set her down.
"Sorry, it's been so long." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly in such a movement that was so Chris Perry that it made tears well up in the corner of her eyes.
"So, you remember us?" Piper assumed, taking a step back to look him over. He was Chris Perry, yet in a way, not. Gone were his neurotic tendencies and his glares. Gone were the suspicious glances and the devil-may-care smirks. Only a shell of happiness remained.
"Of course I remember you! It hasn't been that long!" Chris shook his head in amusement, placing his hands in his pocket.
"Twenty-two years is pretty long, Chris Perry! " Piper scolded gently, "In fact, I'm here picking up my son. Named him after you of course. You deserved it, really. After all, you made the ultimate sacrifice so my little Chris Halliwell and Wyatt could live…" she trailed off after seeing the confused gaze he had on his features, and realized she had been rambling. "Sorry, it's just...you look so different…" Piper murmured.
Chris narrowed his eyes, flinching away from her. "Mom…" he whispered, "What are you talking about?"
It was those words that caused Piper's heart to break into two pieces.