Leo quietly stepped out into the hallway. In the room he had once shared with his wife, an exhausted Piper was now asleep. She and the baby had just returned home, and Leo had wanted to spend time with his family. After insuring that both Chris and Wyatt were tucked into their respective cribs for their naps, Leo smiled and headed downstairs.

As he reached the bottom, he noticed someone sitting in the armchair in the living room, evidently lost in thought. This was the older version of his newborn son. Leo despaired at the knowledge that the new life he and Piper had just brought into the world was not going to have the bright and sunny future that all parents want for their children. His youngest son's life will be filled with many hardships, some too terrible to bear. The Chris sitting in the armchair was living proof of that.

The only thing making this knowledge endurable was the hope that somehow his youngest son would find a way to fix whatever went so miserably wrong in his own future. One thing Leo hoped to fix was his own involvement in Chris' life. An involvement that originally amounted to nothing.

"Rough day."

Chris looked up at his father, but didn't immediately say anything. Leo could see in his eyes he was thinking about the exact things Leo was reflecting on a minute ago. Then looking down, he simply stated, "Rough life."

Leo gazed at his son for a moment. The thought of not being in Chris' life in the future was weighing him down. As of this moment, Leo could think of no place he'd rather be than home, with his wife and children.

"It wasn't you."

Chris looked up again, a puzzled look on his face. Leo continued, "I need you to know that. Whatever happens between you and me in the future is not your fault. The blame lies entirely with me."

A look of realization showed on Chris. He started, "I wasn't--"

"No." Leo stated firmly. "It doesn't matter. Nothing matters except you, your brother, and your mother. I am the one who let you down. You have never disappointed me. Do you understand that?"

Chris held his father's eyes. Leo saw the uncertainty in them. Heavens only knew how he had contributed to Chris' feelings of unworthiness in the future. Then Leo saw a change. It was small, to be sure, but there was a change.

Chris nodded. "I understand."