A/N:

This one is tiny but pivotal. I apologize for brevity.

FADE

Days turn into weeks. Tom gets angular, thin, and it's only a matter of waiting.


Harlee sits by the mirror, staring, not seeing, stray button returned to black dress on her lap.

Cristina walks in, quietly folds her arms around her mother and presses her cheek against Harley's warm cheek.

"Mom, I'm sorry. It's time. "

"I know, baby." Deep breath.

Softly, the door closes. Harlee gathers her now-long hair into a bun and picks up a pin. She swears when it lances her finger.


The service over, she lifts her eyes from the ground and stares at him across the fresh soil. He holds her damp gaze for as long as she needs him to and then it's all over.


The office on Sunday is quiet and gray. He is walking in circles, unable to break the monotony. Another week passes. The phone rings. Christina is frantic.

"It's mom. Can you come? Please?". Sobs on the line. "I don't know what to do. Woz is asking..."

The gravelly voice interrupts.

"Stahl, get your ass over here."


Woz has two glasses of scotch all the while looking at Stahl as if considering dinner. Then, as if changing his mind, he pulls out an envelope.