Note from Destiny: Don't let this prologue fool you. This story is specifically designed to make you cry. All of you reading this. If I find out there was one dry eye, I'll just come back with more vengeance and create an even sadder story. Such are my ways. Perhaps you think this is...rude, I shall say, of me? These are cartoon characters. Perhaps you will find solace in this as you continue, though this first chapter is so ridiculously sweet it may test your gag reflex. Kindly review.

The waves crashed against the beach, bowling the little boy over. He fell into soft sand, and allowed the waves to wash over him, then, as they returned to the ocean, take him with them. He laughed and smiled. There was nothing to worry about, after all. His mother and father were on the beach as well, keeping a close eye on them.

"Matt!" His mother called, "Matt, be careful out there, all right?"

"Yeah," His father called teasingly, "Don't want to let the sharks get to you!"

"It's ok, Daddy! It's all right, Mommy!" Matt called back to his parents, making his way awkwardly through the waves, trying hard not to stumble. "I have you to protect me! You'll never let anything get me, right?"

"Of course not, love.." His mother smiled, her green eyes lighting up. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, warming him. "We'll always keep you safe, I promise."

"Thank you, Mommy." Matt smiled. At eight years old, he couldn't understand everything, but as far as he could tell, whatever his parents said, they meant. They would protect him from anything.

His father took him from his mother, and tossed him easily onto his shoulders. "C'mon, kiddo, let's get home before it's dark."

The sun was setting in a pink and orange painted sky, the sun going down in a red brilliance, nearly even with the horizon. Then, it sunk below for some sleep, but Matt smiled anyways. He knew the sun would wake up before he did the next morning.

"Buckled up?" His mother asked, as she took her own advice, then adjusted her seat.

"Check!" Matt bounced in his chair, ready for his father's usual saying. "Say it Daddy, say it!"

His father checked the rearview mirror, using it to look at his son. "All right...turbines to speed and -"

"Blast off!" Matt concluded, clapping his hands jovially. His father had been doing this for him for as far back as he could remember.

"Jimmy, we better get going." His mother addressed his father. "It's almost past Matt's bedtime already."

"Yeah, you're right, Cindy." His dad answered. "Let's get goin, sport."

By the time they pulled up to the house, Matt's eyes were closed tightly in sleep. His father took him out of the car, and cradled him in his arms. "He's getting big.."

"Yes," His mother agreed, opening the door to their house. "But Jimmy..would you promise me something?"

"Anything, Cindy."

"Stay the way you are..be a good father to him."

"Of course, Cindy." He kissed her on the cheek before ascending the stairs. He set Matt into his bed, and tucked him in, then placed his favorite teddy bear beside him. "I promise.."