As soon as Brennan left the airport and stepped into the familiar concrete jungle of Chicago she was wrecked with nerves. She didn't know how Erin would greet her and she wouldn't know how to comfort her either. She made her way through the city and finally reached Michael's residence in the Gold Coast. She was buzzed up by whom she assumed was Michael's attorney. She stepped into the home to be greeted by Anthony Kennedy, the attorney. She saw her daughter sitting at the kitchen counter and staring at her cup of coffee. "I'm terribly sorry to be seeing you under these circumstances Dr. Brennan." he said as she shook her hand, she sighed, "I agree Anthony. It's been a long time." she said. She remembered meeting Anthony at the beginning of her affair with Michael. Michael had made Brennan sign an NDA, to not jeopardize his career or her future one. Anthony raised his hand towards the kitchen. So Temperance could meet her daughter. He wasn't sure how either female would react so he kept his distance. Brennan nodded and walked towards the kitchen, "Erin...I'm so sorry. So terribly sorry for your lo-ss." she said as she struggled to maintain her voice firm. Erin finally looked up from her cup of coffee, "Thank you, Dr. Brennan. Thank you for-" Erin couldn't finish without allowing a few tears to fall, "Taking care of me now." she said as she took her dark sleeve across her face. Brennan was surprised she was so cordial. So calm. She and Anthony expected backlash from the teenager, they expected to hear, "So now you want to be a part of my life" or a "You gave me up, remember?" but those words did not crack the sound barrier, a 'thank you' did. "I wouldn't be anywhere else, Erin." Brennan said as she touched her daughter's shoulder for the first time.
By surprise, Erin had gotten up. Brennan expected her to retreat to her bedroom but she turned to her and hugged her. Erin didn't know why she was hugging her, she didn't know why didnt feel any anger, she didn't know a lot at that moment. But, what she did know was that she needed a hug from her mother. A hug that was long overdue. Erin sobbed on her mothers chest and Brennan rubbed her back. Just like she did to Parker when he became upset. "You're going to be just fine, honey." she whispered into Erin's ear and kissed the top of her head. Anthony excused himself to give the mother and daughter some privacy. Erin looked up into her mothers eyes and Brennan looked into hers. They both saw blue eyes beginning to brew with tears. Brennan gave her a sad smile. Erin did the same. "My assumption is...that I'm coming back to DC with you?" Erin asked without breaking eye contact. Brennan nodded, "Your assumption is correct..After the funeral of course." she said while placing a stray strand a hair behind Erin's ear. Erin shook her head and stepped away from her mother, "There isn't going to be a funeral…" she said as she sat back down. Brennan looked at Erin with quizzical eyes. "I beg your pardon?" she asked. Anthony walked back in, "Michael had his body donated to the Northwestern Medicine Department. You and I both know that institution held a special place in his heart… well along with Erin of course." he said. Brennan chuckled, "I'm sorry, but that definitely sounds like your father." Erin mustered up a smile, "If you both will excuse me. I have some packing to do." Anthony and Brennan looked at her and nodded and Erin got up and left to her bedroom. Her door closing echoed throughout the apartment. Anthony then placed a thick file on the counter. "I think it's time we signed some paperwork," he said. Brennan nodded, "Yes, Of course."
By the time they were done with the paperwork it was 9AM in Chicago. She knew Booth and the rest of her Jeffersonian colleagues would be aware of Michael's death. She saw several texts from them all, expressing how sorry they were for her loss. Brennan placed her cellphone in her pocket and walked around the apartment. He saw pictures of the father and daughter everywhere. As she was admiring the decor, the memories, she felt and heard her stomach. She knew she had not eaten anything and neither did Erin. She approached Erin's room and knocked, "Erin.. its.. Its Temperance. Are you hungry?". Brennan wanted to open the door but knew it wasn't her place to do so. She heard Erin begin to move around and Erin opened the door. "Hi..," she said, "I am hungry. I can't remember the last time I ate, if we're being honest." Erin said as she moved back into her room to put on a hoodie. Brennan studied her daughter while keeping a warm smile on her face. "Would you mind if I choose not to bring my bedroom furniture with me? To DC?" Erin asked. Brennan shook her head, "I don't mind at all. Whatever you'd like to do. Would you prefer to have new furniture?" she asked Erin. Erin looked around her room and sat on her bed. "Yes, I do. It'll make the grieving process easier. Also, it isn't logical to move the furniture. I can donate it." she said. She continued to look around, "Oh, you can come in if you'd like. I'm sorry." Erin said to her mother. Brennan was incredibly awed at her daughter's manners, her composure. She definitely heard Michael in her. She walked into her daughter's bedroom. "I'll be donating most of my belongings anyways. A lot of my clothes don't fit me anymore…" Erin stood up and pointed to the boxes on the left, "All of that is being donated to a shelter and these 2 suitcases are coming with me. Along with my bookbag." Brennan smiled, "That's very thoughtful of you Erin and practical.
We can update your wardrobe once we're in DC. You can also decorate your room however you'd like." Brennan said. Erin nodded, "Thank you Temperance. Are you still hungry?" Erin asked. Brennan nodded, "Yes. Would you like me to make breakfast? I can make my chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, whatever you'd like really." Brennan offered. Erin looked towards the kitchen and back at her mom, "I love chocolate chip pancakes." Erin smiled. Brennan laughed, "C'mon then." she began to lead the way to the kitchen. Erin chuckled and Brennan heard her chuckle behind her.