Martin stood on his sons balcony looking out over the cool night of Seattle, sirens rang, distant cars used their horns far to often, the bright buzz of the city seemed to make a noise itself.
He thought back to all the many times where he'd have been out there, inforcing the law and keeping the peace. It all seemed like a life time ago. He'd just moved in with his son, Frasier, and didn't really know what to do with himself. Ever since his wife an his sons mother had died he'd been at a loose end, he had no one to keep him company and he felt alone. He had Eddie though, probably the only constant in his ever changing surroundings, his little dog had got him through a lot of the bad in his life although, as a dog, he'd never know it. He was old but not too old, he still had a lot of life, a lot of living to do and he fully well intended not to let anything get in his way.
As he thought about his life his mind went to his two sons, Frasier and Niles, he loved them dearly as any father would and although he didn't say it often, well ever really, he hoped they knew.
He was ready to start a new chapter of his life, the closeness he had with his sons had been virtually none existent for years and he wanted to change that, and living with Frasier would no doubt help.
The cold was starting to seep in through his old soccer jacket, he zipped it up, not really being ready to go back inside yet. He often thought whether he might be intruding on Frasiers life, Frasier being the host of a successful radio show and leading quite the life. The last thing he wanted to do was to be a bother even if he was a bit demanding at times it was only because he wanted a little bit of the boss role to make him feel important.
Frasier came out from his bedroom and walked the small hall to the main living area, he saw his father outside and decided to go and see him, he open the balcony doors and stepped out. He walked towards his father.
''Are you okay dad?''.
''Yeah, I'm fine, just thinking about things'' he said not taking his eyes of the horizon.
''Well dinner will be ready soon, I'd hate for you to miss it''. Frasier put his hand on his fathers shoulder.
''You're a good son, Frasier'' Martin lifted his hand from his cane and rested it on Frasier hand. ''I don't know what I'd do without you''.
''Oh I'm sure you'd manage, but thank you''.
''No, thank you, I love you son'' he turned to face his son and smiled.
''I love you too dad''
They both turned to look out over the balcony.
''Come on,
let's go get something to eat'' Martin said feeling a happiness he'd not felt in a while.