Weeks passed since he exposed his secret. Leaving was inevitable, but he never expected his family to reject him so harshly. Polly wanted to kept in touch, but Tommy wouldn't let letters fly in case they were intercepted. Sabini had succeeded his fascist goal; he broke up a family. Thomas Shelby had never felt so alone, even with Grace and Polly on his side. He returned to their temporary house. God knows he needed to fresh air, especially with his ever expanding middle. Thomas walked slowly through the threshold. One hand unconsciously resting below his new weight that unbalanced him until it dropped at the sight of his two brothers sitting in the living room. Grace stood next to the fireplace.

"What are you two doing here?" Thomas asked, prepping himself for an oncoming battle. He took his hat off and placed it on the table. "They came to see you," Grace said shyly. Arthur studied Thomas from his chair before speaking. "No, this, this isn't real," said Arthur. John looked downed at the floor. Thomas stared curiously at his brothers. "What isn't real?" he said perfectly aware of what Arthur meant. He put his hands in his pockets, making his middle more pronounced. A twinge of pain went though his back, but he didn't let his company see it.

"Why didn't you contact us?" asked John shyly.

"What do you mean 'why'? This ISN'T REAL." said Arthur.

"I did. I tried. This was the only way .."

"You didn't have to leave," John interrupted Thomas.

"He didn't have to leave because THIS ISN"T REAL! How could any of this be possible!" shouted Author. Thomas stared at his brothers frustrated. The pain in his back didn't want to go away and proceeded around his enlarged waist. He tried to conceal it. Grace seemed to notice.

"Furthermore! Why did YOU put HIM in charge of ME! What is the point of all this?! Especially NOW, when we need you the most?!" roared Authur as he stood up from his chair and advanced toward Thomas.

"Please stop," pleaded Grace.

"Is that all you care about. I put John in charge to look after you and the finances. You are still part of this company and technically you are in charge of it too!" said Thomas. Arthur tightened his jaw.

"I can look after myself .. "

"Like HELL you can!" shouted Thomas. The pain intensified. Sweat appeared on Thomas's forehead. He was shaky.

"Stop!" Grace persisted as she walked toward Thomas. John stood up as well once he realized his brother's condition failing.

"You didn't know what to do with yourself after I left!" Thomas yelled into Arthur's face. A black ring formed around his vision. Shovels echoed distantly.

"Then why the HELL did you LEAVE?!" Arthur roared back, pushing Thomas backwards.

"That's enough Arthur!" yelled John. The sound of the shovels grew louder. Sweet dripped from his face. Thomas grabbed the back of a chair for support.

"Well, that's the thing isn't it. Why … are YOU ... MY responsibility. I am not … your … father …" Thomas breathed as he fell to his side from exhaustion and pain. The stress claimed its toll. The shovels caved in, and then, there was nothing but darkness.