Chapter Twenty One

Charlie fidgeted in the waiting room . He'd scanned through a couple of magazines but they'd held no interest for him. Amita loved to read them but try as he might, Charlie just couldn't understand. Who needed twenty ways to know how to treat your man? Surely it could all be quantified into one simple algorithm. The idea to submit his own article, simplified with one equation, crossed Charlie's mind. He laughed to himself as he thought about the look on Marshall Penfield's face when he found out Dr Charles Eppes had been published, yet again. This time in a woman's monthly.

Don had been in the room adjacent to the waiting room for almost an hour now. He'd seemed so tired when he woke up earlier that day. Both Charlie and Don still in their positions in the living room. Alan had regarded them both with disapproving looks but had said nothing. He could see how drained Don looked. The fear that he'd suffer another relapse played on his mind, but Charlie had told him of his plan, told him of the preparations he'd made. Alan had hugged Charlie and assured him that he'd fallen upon the right course. He hoped he was right. He also knew that as a father, all he could do was guide and catch his sons when they fell. His heart had filled with pride the more he had thought on Charlie's plan. He was a remarkable boy, not only with his genius, but also with his oversized heart. So caring. Just what Don needed. Alan was learning when to step back and allow the brothers to take care of each other. As much as he had wanted to interfere, this wasn't his place. He'd be waiting at home for their return. The journey was Charlie's to lead.

Charlie looked up as the door opened and Don walked through. He was smiling, holding the sling out to Charlie.

"I take it you don't have to wear that anymore?"

"Only when my arm is aching, aside from that I'm free to finally feed myself"

"And just as I was going to try the 'train' out on you"

"If you had done that young Eppes you would have been wearing the soup in your fluffy pretty hair"

Charlie self consciously ran a hand through his hair, ignoring the chuckle from his older brother. They made their way to the car. By the time Don had finished smirking they were already out of the car park and on their way.

"So what else did the therapist say?"

"She said my shoulder is healing well, but to be careful and not push it. It's fine Charlie, honestly"

"That's good to hear"

"Hey, where are we going? Home is the other way"

Charlie turned down the opposite street, he risked a quick glance at his brother's face, blanketed in confusion.

"Do you trust me Don?"

"Of course"

"Then don't ask any more questions."

"Ok"

Don said slowly, his mind tried to think of all the places they could be going. He came up blank. His brother had been so secretive lately, phone calls from Megan which Don were sure weren't only inquiries as to his welfare. Hushed conversations with his father. At first he'd been to tired to care but now his curiosity peaked. The memory of the dream invaded his mind again, he squeezed his eyes closed and blocked the advancing images from taking over his vision. He was dreading sleeping. The dream had been the same for the last few nights but last night had been the most severe. The emotions he had felt had stayed with him throughout most of the day. Thankfully neither his father or brother had quizzed him, instead they had allowed him to rest on the couch as he quietly enjoyed their company.

Charlie turned the car into a side street and parked. Don looked around curiously. Not quite on his list of possible destinations. What was Charlie up to?

"Why are we here Charl ?"

"Don, I want you to trust me and follow, don't ask any questions. Ok ?"

Don nodded slowly and followed his brother as he picked his way along a path. They walked silently. Charlie seemed to know where he was going so Don stayed a step behind, looking at the names as he passed by. He stopped when he felt Charlie's hand on his shoulder.

Charlie lowered his hand to his brother's back and turned him. Don stared for what seemed like minutes, taking in the scene before him. He swallowed repeatedly then looked to his brother, tears drowning his eyes yet refusing to fall.

"Charlie?"

"I didn't know what else to do. I can't take your pain away Don, I wish I could but I can't, but I can give you a place to come when the feelings are too much, or when you need a quiet moment. Only Megan, Dad and myself know about this. It's your private place Don."

"I….I…."

Don turned to his brother as his legs gave out and his tears began to fall. Charlie caught him and lowered him to his knees, wrapping his arms around his shoulders, keeping a hand on the back of his head as Don gave in again to his grief, only this time the pain didn't seem as stabbing, didn't feel as hollow, the feel of his brother holding him, his gentle words against his ear, the love which swept across him like a wave across a beach, all this eased his pain and allowed the grief to flow.

As the sun set across the green expanse, dotted with grey , the two brothers held each other. With no one else around they didn't hide their need to comfort, need to be comforted. After all they had been through the past few weeks, after all they had carried, they laid their walls to the ground and held onto the love that surrounded them.

The shadows spread out across the small stone, the emptiness beneath only known to a few. The word which held the knowledge of peace, the alter for Don to lay his pain .

The headstone held only one word.

Jessica.