Kate's alarm quietly beeped half an hour earlier than usual. She quickly turned it off and got out of bed slowly hoping not to wake her sleeping husband. She knew all he wanted was to be supportive but there were certain things she needed to do alone, certain days that needed privacy. Memorial Day was a day of barbecues and parades for most, but for many of New York's Finest it was a day of mourning and remembrance. As Kate got ready to leave she looked at Rick one more time. Her loving, understanding husband. She hoped to be back before he even knew she was gone but she wrote him a quick note just in case.

Woke early to lay wreaths for our fallen. I love you… I'll be home ASAP -Kate

An hour later Rick found her doing just that. Kate was standing in front of the 9/11 memorial gently laying a wreath. He watched sadly as she quickly wiped away at tears. Knowing she wanted to be alone and wouldn't talk he silently laid a wreath next to hers and bowed his head in respect. They stood like that for several minutes. Respectful silence, together. Kate grazed her hand with his and he grasped it squeezing lightly. "Rest in Peace Brothers and Sisters," Kate said quietly letting a tear roll down her face, "Thank you for your service," She turned and walked away, still not uttering a word to Rick. She didn't speak until they were in the elevator up to the loft. "Sometimes I think it should be me people mourn on Memorial Day. I ask myself why I got out of the World Trade Center alive but so many didn't, how I survived a bullet to the heart, yet Roy wasn't so lucky. I wish we had no one to mourn, to memorialize. I wish Memorial Day didn't have to exist," Rick looked into her eyes and sighed. "Me too Kate, me too," he kissed her lightly and said, "I'm glad it was never you, I like waking up next to you everyday," Kate smiled and kissed him again

FIN

Happy Memorial Day!