People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates. ~Thomas Szasz, "Personal Conduct," The Second Sin, 1973

Like No Other

One

Parker Booth sighed as he looked at the sight before him. Every year, she would faithfully do the same routine, every year since his father had been lost. He watched silently in the distance as a lone cricket chirped in the distance. The night air was warm, but a quiet coolness filled the emptiness that loomed around.

He took a step and didn't know if he should approach. Parker knew this was her time, time that was precious to her. He dropped his head and said a little prayer before deciding to proceed.

Temperance Brennan sat alone on the bench with two cups of coffee. She held one, while the other sat on the bench next to her. Looking out over the reflecting pool, she silently sat, waiting.

Five years, she thought as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Seeley Booth had extended his time overseas by another year. He training missions were going well and they had seemed to be making real progress over there. The news was a bit devastating to Brennan, but she knew in her heart that her partner knew he was doing the right thing.

They had kept in touch for the year they were apart and even a little after Brennan had gotten back. She took an extended leave of absence and chose to go out on some more digs, but they managed to send letters and e-mails to each other.

Then one day everything changed.

They had received the news that Booth had been captured. After months of stressing and worrying, they finally gave up all hope. The Army declared him MIA and sent a letter of regret.

That was the last letter she received.

Every year since then, Brennan had come to their spot, in honor of her partner.

She heard someone approach and for a moment, she was hopeful.

She stood and involuntarily quivered as the figure approached. Her mouth went dry, as she barely squeaked out one word.

"Booth?"

The figure stepped out of the shadows and in the little light there was. He smiled and stopped his approach.

"Close, but no cig-" Parker was interrupted by a bone crushing hug. He brought his arms up around the trembling woman's back and squeezed her tight. He felt her tears bleed through the front of his shirt as she sobbed.

Brennan froze and pulled back with a bit of mixed emotion on her face. "Parker Booth, what are you doing here?"