Yup, it's another fic written in response to "No Such Luck." However, after seeing so many response fics to this episode where someone dies, gets hurt or both, I decided to go the kinder and gentler route. No one dies, and no one gets hurt. So, here's my contribution. Enjoy.

I don't know what's worth fighting for or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate and say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way
I know it's not all right
So I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit tonight
-Linkin Park

The squirrel costume tumbled into the back of the garbage truck as Lincoln and his parents watched the scene unfold. Once the refuse was collected, the garbageman activated the truck's massive compressor as parents and child watched the costume get crushed and pulled back into the truck's belly. After two weeks of humiliation, it was finally over. As they watched the truck head down Franklin Avenue, Lincoln was taken by surprise as Lynn Sr. and Rita spun him around and pulled him into a massive hug, tears falling from their eyes as apology after apology filled Lincoln's ears. He was quick to return the hug and assure them with a sympathetic "Mom, dad, it's okay. It's okay."

"It's not okay, son," Lynn Sr. replied. "We should've known better!"

"We're your parents," Rita sobbed. "There's no excuse for what we did! None!"

"So you're saying I'm not bad luck after all?"

Lynn Sr. looked Lincoln in the eyes and declared, "You're not bad luck, son. You never were, and never will be, bad luck. You and your sisters are the best thing that ever happened to us, and we will do anything to make this up to you."

Lincoln's response was an incredulous, "Well, you can start by buying me some new furniture."

"Of course, honey," Rita replied. "In fact, let's go do that right now." At her urging, the trio hopped into Vanzilla and drove to a local bedroom store, Bill's Beds and Bunks. As he browsed through the various options of beds and dressers, the thought of deliberately choosing the most expensive ones crossed Lincoln's mind more than once. However, cooler heads prevailed and Lincoln chose a simple frame with a decorative headboard and footboard, a SleepWell mattress, a pair of pillows and a sturdy wooden chest of drawers. Everything fit into Vanzilla with no problems, and once the trio arrived home, Lynn Sr. and Rita began moving the furniture into Lincoln's bedroom. They visibly and audibly strained in picking up the chest of drawers, and Lincoln was quick to ask, "Hey, you guys need help with that? I can get Luna or-"

"No, son," Lynn Sr. responded in between grunts of effort. "This...is our penance."

"Yeah," Rita added. "We can...handle this. Just...give us a few minutes."

"Okay, if you insist." Lincoln left them to their work as he turned on the TV and switched it to the latest episode of ARGGH! Before the episode could get underway, however, Lynn jumped onto the couch, landing with an audible whump! She grinned and said, "Hey, bro! Mind if I watch with you?"

Lincoln said nothing and stared straight ahead as he got up off the couch and went into the kitchen. A confused stare appeared on the jock's face as she asked, "What? Are you still mad about before?" After a few seconds, she shrugged it off and switched the channel to a Detroit Tigers game. "Let's go, Verlander! Kick some butt!" Meanwhile in the kitchen, Lincoln was preparing a peanut butter and sauerkraut sandwich for himself when Lori and Leni came into the room. When they caught sight of Lincoln, the duo motioned for him to come over to them. He did so, and before he knew it two pairs of arms threw themselves around him and hugged him tight as Lori exclaimed, "We are literally so sorry, Lincoln. For everything."

"Yeah," Leni said. "We totes have no excuse for what we did."

"Hey, I'm sorry for breaking your sand wedge," Lincoln answered as he returned the embrace. "I should never have let that rumor get so out of hand."

"If there's anything we can do to make this up to you, please let us know," Lori said.

"This is fine, sis," Lincoln said with a smile. "This is fine."

"Are you sure, Linky?"

"Of course, Leni. I'm just happy to have you guys back." His sisters smiled as they broke their embrace, with Leni asking, "Anybody want a smoothie?" Lincoln and Lori responded with a collective "That sounds great!" However, unbeknownst to them, Lynn stood in the hallway watching the entire scene unfold. A heavy feeling formed in her chest as she watched the trio laughing and carrying on, sharing the smoothie that Leni had made. All she could think was, He forgave them...of course he did. She let out a heavy sigh and returned to the couch, still cheering the Tigers on, but now with a marked lack of enthusiasm.

"You got him, Justin. Woo hoo."