Jamie tiredly put his stuff in his locker. It had been a long day, the flu was going around and many officers were unable to make it in, so Jamie had to help pick up the slack. He yawned again and checked his watch. He only had thirty minutes until dinner was going to be on the table. He wanted nothing more than to go home and go to sleep, but he knew that he had to attended Sunday dinner. He closed his locker and headed towards the front doors. He waved by to the people at the front desk and then stepped out into the cold winter air. He pulled his jacket tighter around him and stifled a yawn. He started to second guess if he was going to be able to make it through dinner without falling asleep. He slid his hand into his pocket and produced his keys. He yawned again as he placed the key in the lock. With slow movements he climbed into the car and started the engine. He turned the heater up to full blast and hoped it would get warm quickly. He slipped on his belt and shifted the car into reverse.
As Jamie drove, he could feel his eyes getting heavier and heavier. He turned the music up loud to keep him awake. At a stoplight, he shook his head and stretched. It woke him up a little, but he was still tired. He was glad when he pulled up to his Dad's house. He yawned again and turned the car off. He sluggishly walked to the front door and pushed it open. He took his time, taking off his scarf, hat, gloves, and jacket. he could hear lively conversation in the dinning room. Jamie shuffled to the room and sat down in his chair.
"About time you made it." Erin joked. Her smile turned to a frown when she took in Jamie's appearance. "Are you alright?" Jamie looked at her with clouded eyes.
"Yea." His response was slow and sluggish. "Lots of cops are out with the flu. I had to cover for 'em." Jamie laid his head on the table and Erin walked over to him.
"Jamie?" He sat up and brought tired eyes to meet hers. "Why don't you go lay down. Get some rest. We'll save you a plate." Jamie thought for a second and then nodded. HE went to stand, but his arms and legs were too tired. Erin helped him up and let him lean on her. "Danny, could you go get the food from the kitchen?" Danny nodded and disappeared in the kitchen.
Erin led Jamie to the living room and lowered him on the couch. Jamie curled up and buried his face in a pillow. Erin grabbed a blanket and draped it over Jamie's already sleeping form. Erin smiled and whispered.
"Get some sleep, little bro."
"Love ya, too, Erin." Erin smiled and went to the dinning room where everyone was waiting to eat. She knew that Jamie pushed himself too hard, but she couldn't help admire his determination.