He was sitting at his desk, staring blankly at the paperwork in front of him. He just couldn't seem to concentrate. As stable as he tried to be for his team, he just couldn't find it in his heart to care anymore.
"Don't give up Gibbs. They need you." he heard behind him. Turning in his chair, he found himself, looking at her.
"Kate?"
"In the flesh. Well, almost."
"What are you doing here?"
"Just checking in on my family. Making sure everyone's okay."
"But we're not okay. No without you. Everything's different. Harder."
"It doesn't have to be."
"I miss you," Gibbs whispered, trying to hide the tears.
"I know. I miss you too. No more tears, ok? I'm still here."
"How do I know that?"
"You're not that much of a hard ass, Gibbs. You know you believe in stuff like that, even if you don't admit it."
Gibbs shrugged. "I guess so."
Kate smiled. "I have a message for you. He says, 'I promise.'"
As Gibbs looked at her with years in his eyes, she faded.
"Thank you junior," he whispered. "So long, Kate," he said as the tears began to flow.