Tradition
Written for the NFA weekly drabble challenge: Challenge Word: Cider. I wrote this before 11.03.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything to do with the show, except seasons 2 and 7 on DVD.


It had become a tradition: every year near Halloween, Gibbs would bring the team hot cider. Tim had always enjoyed the drink; it was different from his usual coffee. Tony had always looked at it suspiciously, but Tim suspected he enjoyed the treat. Ziva had always raised her cup to Gibbs with a simple "Toda" to show her appreciation.

But not this year.

One of the team was gone. Instead, an empty desk that served as a symbol of change, things moving on.

No one there to enjoy a hot cup of cider with Tim near Halloween.

He missed it.