Feb 2022, Washington DC

The fourth anniversary of the capitol bombing. To Aaron it felt as though it had been a lifetime and nowhere near four years since that night. Looking into the mirror, he straightened his tie. He would be addressing the nation that afternoon as part of the memorial service. It has been a long time since he has allowed himself to really think back to that night. Really consider all the colleagues and friends he has lost. Some friends who had been like family to him. Even now he didn't dwell too long in the memory afraid he would not be able to face the crowd if he did. America needed to see strength from their Vice President, not a man who could hardly hold it together. Taking one last look in the mirror he headed out.

Over one thousand markers dotted the memorial garden, each representing a life lost that night. Lives cut far too short. Aaron looked out among them and saw Emily kneeling by one of the markers toward the back. He had not seen her in months. While he understood her decision to leave DC after the investigation into Kirkman's campaign, he had not yet forgiven her for leaving them behind. Not that they had been on speaking terms at the time, but he has always figured there would be time later to reconcile. Flanked by his secret service detail, he made his way back to her.

"I didn't know you were going to be here today." He said, sounding angrier than he meant to. She looked up at him in surprise, and he realized she was crying. God, I really am a jerk, he thought to himself.

Straighten up and wiping her eyes, she said, "I wasn't going to, but Tom invited me, and I realized wanted to be here. Besides, Katie's family didn't feel up to making it today and it didn't feel right, her not having anyone here." She gestured down at the marker on the ground.

"Your friend?"

"She was my college roommate, we were like sisters."

"Shit, I didn't realize you lost anyone close in the bombing." Aaron racked his brain, trying to remember if Emily had every even mentioned a Katie.

"I didn't talk about it, it felt easier that way at the time. None of us really did as I remember. I'm sure you lost friends that night as well."

"Yeah, too many." They stood there together in silence for a moment, looking out over the field of markers. "Well, I better be getting back up there" He said finally.

"Of course, it was good seeing you Aaron" she said, patting his arm and giving him a sad smile.

"You too" With that he walked away.

After the speeches Aaron sought out Seth. "Did you know Emily was going to be here today?" He asked.

"Yeah, she mentioned she was planning on it."

"You guys still talk?"

"Yes Aaron, not all of us went fifth grade silent treatment on our best friend, because she turned in Zimmer for a committing a crime."

"It wasn't that" Seth gave him a look. "Ok it was that, partly. But it was also the fact that she didn't even give us any heads up. Any chance to react. Our campaign manager was dragged out of our victory party in cuffs. How did she think that was going to look? And then the first chance she gets she just takes off and leave us behind to pick up the pieces."

Seth sighed. "Emily was in the tough spot and she did what she thought was the right thing. And might I remind you she kept you and Kirkman out of it, which went a long way in the special counsel's investigation. End of the day, we all did some stupid shit back then, but Emily has always fundamentally been a good person."

"Yeah, I guess."

"Well good news is you can have this enthralling conversation with Ms. Rhodes yourself this evening. She's coming to the White House for dinner."

"Kirkman invited her? I didn't even realize they were talking to each other again until today." Seeing the look on Seth face he added. "Yeah, yeah not everyone goes fifth grade silent treatment."

"Something you might want to try dude. At the rate you're going these days you won't be talking to anyone in the White House by the end of you term."

Aaron ran his hand through his hair, "It's not that bad. Kirkman still likes me."

"Doesn't count. Kirkman likes everyone." Seth hesitated and then continued, "Seriously though, you okay man? Every time I see you, which I hardly do, you seem strained to say the least. Word around EEOB is that you're on the verge of a breakdown."

"Well, everyone in EEOB needs to stop talking. It's a hard day for all of us, what am I supposed to be fucking cheerful?"

"It's not just today and you know it. These last four years have been rough on all of us, but at some point, you need to take care of yourself. I never thoughts I'd recommend a politician take up golf, but you need something other than your office."

Without realizing it Aaron found himself clenching his fist. Forcing himself to calm down he said, "I'm fine man okay, just busy. I'll see you tonight at dinner."

"Yeah, see you tonight."