Mia dropped by while Maddy went home to get some things so that she could stay the night.

"You know, there's a senior center not far from here and I bet no one there is insane enough to make a false claim to SWAT."

"Smartass," was all Diane said.

"You are insane," Mia said, "you bitched about the radical right throughout the entire election. You still bitch about it. So you decide to fight fire with fire? That never works."

"I walked away from the group when they started getting people killed."

"Mom, you know as well as I do that things are different for the left. You know damn well that as soon as it was discovered what you all were doing that the right would jump on it and forget everything their radicals have done. They wouldn't forget. No, they just wouldn't care. Politicians eat up anything that will make the other side look bad. With all the hostility and division all over the country, why do we need more? Is it right to hack into an election system just because someone else did? I thought you told us to live by Michelle Obama's words?"

"When I joined the group, it wasn't as extreme as it became. Yes, I went along with hacking the machines, but I kept going back and forth. You would think, as a lawyer that I wouldn't have a problem tossing my moral compass aside. I was so angry and I was just losing it. That's why I joined the group. There were other women who felt the same way. These were women I could talk to, vent my frustrations, and try to find a way to change things. Everyone got carried away. Once they hacked the machines, they felt they could get away with everything. Your father found out about the voting machines and had them replaced."

"He's always been there to protect you."

"It's a good thing too. All the trouble I get into."

"It kind of sucks because we were all really good kids. We followed the rules and didn't get into trouble. We listened to you. I mean even Owen," Diane laughed, "we deserve better." Diane continued laughing and flinched because it hurt her back. "Sorry, I was trying to change the mood and forgot."

"That's okay," Diane said, "I appreciate it."

"I'm here if you need anything."

"I know," Diane smiled at her daughter.

"Please, please, please try to be more careful."

"I will," Diane said, "I promise."

"We're not ready to lose you. I honestly don't know if we ever will be."

"I'm sorry that I've hurt you all."

"You don't have to apologize. We know that you had no way of knowing this is what would happen."

"I have to tell you, that was more terrifying than the day at the courthouse."

"Your personal space was invaded during the night while your seven-year-old daughters were asleep next door. You were in bed and they just invaded the room."

"I didn't know where your sisters were or if they were safe."

"They are and I know it could have ended differently, but just focus on the fact that you're all alive and safe."

"Thank you," Diane kissed her daughter's cheek, "I love you."

"I love you too, mama. Now, we have to find a new hobby for you. One that can't end with guns pointed at you." Diane chuckled at her daughter. While it hurt to laugh, she was grateful for her children who have all dropped by to make sure she was alright and to cheer her up. Some say laughter is the best medicine, but Diane thinks her children are.