Chapter 1
"Hunter, what is in your mouth? Hunter! Come here!" Sookie yelled while running after her 3 1/2-year-old son, leaving a very amused Amelia at the kitchen table. Amelia is Sookie's closest friend and has played a major role, along with Gran, in Sookie's recovery over the loss of Eric. His case was still unsolved and had grown cold. "Hunter, come back here! I am not playing Hunter, take it out right this minute and give it here!" By this time, Sookie was panting. The seriousness in her tone changed and soon stopped Hunter in his tracks. He slowly turned and walked over to his mother, popped the small item out of mouth and quietly placed it the palm of his mother's hand. Just as she was going to correct Hunter on his behavior, a small gasp slipped from her lips instead. Tears began to fall freely as she screamed, "Where did you get this Hunter? Answer me!" Hunter was so shocked and frightened that he couldn't speak, as his mother had never used that tone before. It was filled with darkness and pain, her voice being almost unrecognizable. It was enough for Amelia to jump up and grab Hunter, taking him to his room to console. Sookie was sobbing at this point and lazily slumped down in the chair beside her. Hunter knew his mother suffered from what only he could describe as sadness. He just didn't understand what caused it. He would sometimes wake up hearing her cry in the middle of the night and would, with the help of strategically placed night lights, go to her room and lie with her in the bed. He one time asked if she had a boo-boo and if she needed a band-aid. Sookie just laughed and they stayed up talking most of the night about how his friend at school said his mom knew how to make real Crabby patties and how his didn't. He was already very charming. Sookie knew he was going to be a heartbreaker. He reminded her of Eric more and more each day.
Sookie was still in a daze. She once again braved another glance at the small item lying in her hand. As she sat there, tears continued to stream done her face; she silently whispered, "I remember, Eric. I remember."
TBC
A/N: Thank you all so much for your support and reviews! I apologize for the shortness of this chapter; I am experiencing computer problems and had to post this right away. I promise it will be longer next time.
CN