~God Rest, My Son~

Disclaimer: Belongs to NBC, WB, and JW Productions.

AN: the sad sequel to Godspeed, My Son.

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Six months had not been long enough.  He didn't have the time to do what he wanted.  He didn't have enough time.  That thought keeps attacking your brain.

He didn't have enough time.

Enough time to work.

Enough time to make a difference.

Enough time to live.

Just not enough time.

Your assistant cried when she handed you the fax.  You cried when you passed it on to the President.  He just cried.

Standing here so many scenes float through your mind.  Meeting with Josh, bouncing on the balls of his feet, telling you what a great writer the young man next you was.  Laughing when your ex-wife told you he had been hitting on her.  Trying to drive that wedge between your daughter and him, not because he didn't like the idea, but because you want to see if he would fight for it.  Talking in your office about his brilliant mind and peace in the Middle East.  Watching him walk from the West Wing for the last time as he headed off to work for that elusive peace.

He had not found peace for the region.

He had found the stark reality of violence, once again.

He had found himself in a market with a suicide bomber.

You pray he found peace for his soul.

You made sure he was buried with honors.  The President delivered the heartfelt eulogy that Toby had cried over as he wrote.  Josh and Donna clung to each other as CJ wept on Toby's shoulder and Will sat ashen faced next to them.

When the casket is finally lowered you are able to say the words that seemed stuck in your throat.

"God rest, my son."