I wrote this at the request of one Orangebird124. She provided the main ideas she wanted me to use, but (if you're reading this) you may notice some minor changes that I felt made the story more cohesive. I hope you like it! Enjoy!

"All right, everyone, great job today!" Joy cheered as the screen before the emotions darkened. "We've got a lot of memories to sort today, what with meeting those teens in the park..."

"Don't forget auditioning for the school play," Disgust added, polishing a green memory from that part of the day. "Did you hear some of those kids sing?!"

Fear, as he stomped on the button to trigger the vacuum tube, put his own two cents in. "I'm just glad we made it out of there alive, without dying of stage fright. Sadness, you have Dream Duty tonight, right?"

Sadness sighed as she slowly nodded. Secretly, she was looking forward to the job. Sure, it was sad that the writers couldn't get more creative, but the teardrop had always embraced Dream Duty as a chance to connect with her girl without restraints from the other emotions. This wasn't as much of a problem now that she was a crucial part of Riley's life. Still, it was always nice to have some time to herself.

"See you in the AM, Sadness!" Joy called out as she and the other emotions piled onto the elevator. "Remember, call us if you need anything!"

"I will, thanks," Sadness replied as the usual rainbow-colored membrane opened to reveal a peaceful scene of Riley picnicking with her parents in Golden Gate Park. Sadness knew that the memory to inspire this one had been made a few days ago. She couldn't help wondering how Dream Productions would alter it.

She didn't have to wait long to find out.

Onscreen, as soon as Mom pulled out the cookies, fog began to roll in. The thick grey cloud forced everything in its path to disappear - including Riley's parents. Riley raced out into the fog, calling for Mom and Dad as she went. It was in vain, and Riley soon found herself completely alone in the fog.

Sadness couldn't take it. Just the very thought of being left alone, with no one to comfort her... A single tear dripped down her cheek, swiftly followed by another. Before long, the screen had blurred into a swirling mass of colors, and Sadness had completely broken down in a complete sobbing mess. The floor around the console quickly became a puddle, and still Sadness cried. Her heart felt torn in two by the dream. She didn't want to watch Riley go through this torture...

The sound of Riley's cries suddenly stopped. Sadness looked up, still teary-eyed, to see a dark screen. Next to her at the console stood Anger, wires in hand. Sadness didn't say anything, but Anger seemed a little uncomfortable. Scratching the back of his head, he muttered, "I... uh... forgot my newspaper and... well... saw you up here, so... yeah."

Sadness could not believe it. Anger had helped her through this difficult moment of her life. Her mended heart swelled with gratefulness. She wrapped Anger in a warm embrace, whispering, "Thank you."

Anger started, "Get your arms off..." He paused as Sadness hugged him tighter, then wrapped his own stubby arms around her in return. "I got you, kid," he muttered under his breath. "I got you."

For once, Sadness felt at peace. She knew, somehow, that Anger would always be right there for her.

They stayed there for the rest of the night.