Title: Constant Reminders

Author: Battus philenor

Disclaimer: I am merely a freakishly addicted viewer who has no rights to anything CSI related.

His weathered face, normally as crinkled as his old leather gloves, looks softer now somehow. Resting there, propped up nicely on the fluffy crème colored satin which surrounds him, his new eternally cozy cocoon.

A daughter holding her aged mother, both weeping for the man who's gone, who's left them. The elder watching him still, as if he might sit up; another of his practical jokes, and grin at her through those false teeth, too big for his mouth.

Her long silver hair is pinned in a bun on top of her head, the way he liked it for over 60 years. Her frame so small in her daughter's arms, the only arms which will surround her now until her day comes too. No more comfort from any man, that died with him three days ago.

Sara stands by the window, wrapped in the arms of her lover. Leaning back into his broad chest as his arms surround her protectively, they watch her mother comfort her grandmother. Watching the scene before them, Sara sees now why it's so common that no more than six months lapses between the passing of elderly spouses.

The devastation that's left is all encompassing. She thinks of her grandmother and a lifetime of love, commitment and understanding lost, leaving nothing in its place. The barrage of daily reminders; constant in their attack, decades of secrets, stories and inside jokes gone, with him.

She knows there will be no more subtle looks with some silent meaning passing between knowing eyes. Gone are the games of footsy played over morning coffee, as days were planned together. Long walks while holding hands down tree-lined streets will be buried with him today.

And as the new lovers take in the scene, Sara wonders if it's worth it in the end. To have so much taken; leaving such emptiness, to have to live without everything suddenly, when it took so long to get. Arms tighten around her and a breath is felt on her neck as words leave his lips.

"Look at how much she loves him, Sara. Look at the generations of family here, all products of their love. They were lucky enough to have had each other for so many years, and while it may not seem like enough years right now, they were very lucky to have had that."

Pausing only to turn her around, Grissom grasps her hands in his as he looks into her eyes and continues. "We won't have that luxury, Sara. I'm too old and I've wasted too much time refusing my love for you. But I swear I will cherish you every bit as much as he cherished her."

Leaning into him she wraps her arms around his neck, taking comfort in his strength as her tears run down, soaking into his shirt.

And as the tears finally slow and she finds her voice, she whispers in his ear, "I needed that reminder, Grissom. I love you."

End

Battus philenor