Modern AU: John Bates is a football coach, an injury forcing him to retire from playing football at an early age. A visit from an old friend changes his life forever. Has John finally found something more important than football?

There are good days and bad days. Happiness had never came easily for Anna and Bates, nor did it always come in the ways they might expect. Set post S6. Response to tumblr fanfic prompt challenge.

AU Series 4 ending. SPOILER WARNING!

"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." - Helen Keller :: The worlds of Anna Smith and John Bates become unexpectedly entwined, as they both question everything they've based their lives upon. :: Modern A/U

"A king, realizing his incompetence, can either delegate or abdicate his duties. A father can do neither. If only sons could see the paradox, they would understand the dilemma."