A/N I've never written such a dead-end story, so this chapter just exists. Also, this is my first Life with Derek tragedy, so there weren't as many people to be lost as with other shows like That '70s Show, which I was always privy to writing long, detailed tragedies that involved romance. I'm not too incestuous and I'm not a fan of Derek/Casey, though I like them both equally. Well, there I stand. Make note of my feet.

Derek spent the rest of the night locked in his room, hidden under his desk. He couldn't believe that he'd just let her go. He didn't try to stop them as they lowered her into the ground. He didn't, God forbid, bury himself with her. Anything to tell her he was truly sorry for not being her hero. Tears flowed down his face at the thought. He wished only one more moment with her. To see her smile widely in reaction to his arms wrapping around her as he'd hold her like he never had before.

If only she'd lived. Derek regretted nothing now but the fact that he hadn't known her long enough. He would never know what she would look like when she was older. She'd always be the same age. Too young to die.

Derek was unable to sleep in his hours of anguish. He had managed to move, though, removing himself from under his desk, trudging down the stairs, and sitting at the kitchen table. He looked at the empty chairs and empty tables and, through dry, closed eyes, could envision a dinner like any other.

George and Nora would be on opposite ends of the table. On the side of the table closest to the wall there would be Sam, Casey, and Lizzie. On either side of Derek would be Edwin and Marti. But no more. There would forever more be an empty chair to his right. Where the tiny girl would refuse to eat her mashed potatoes, or worse, toss them at Casey.

Derek opened his eyes one last time and took in his surroundings. He was done crying. To Derek, there was a time for tears, and a time to just build up inside of yourself until you break. It was time to close himself off from everything. He looked to his right and saw the little girl smiling up at him through big, brown eyes.

"Bye Smarty."

I'm going to a magic show

There's a trick I hope they know

I really miss my sister dear

So they have to make me disappear