Title: A Soldier's Tears
Author: lildreamer
Rating: K
Pairings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Love goes on, even in death…
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. The song "Here in My Heart" belongs to Plus One.
On with the story…
The lab was quiet. Almost all the day and swing shift had gone home to be replaced by the graveyard shift. Stella had been so engrossed in her work that day that she'd lost track of time.
She was working on the paperwork for her latest case when she happened to glance up at the clock. Her eyes widened when she finally realized how late it was. She put the papers and folders away and shut down her computer. Holding back a sigh, she glanced around her office making sure everything was in order. Once she was satisfied that everything was where it should be, she locked up and headed straight for the locker room.
She pulled on her jacket and retrieved the rest of her belongings from her locker. As she exited the room, a soft sound coming from somewhere up the hallway caught her attention. It was music. She was immediately drawn toward it and followed the sweet notes, straining her ears to hear where it was coming from. With each step she took, the sound became louder and clearer until she could recognize the distinct sound of a guitar. But who was playing it?
Stella looked up at her surroundings and realized that she was near Mac's office. She turned the corner and found the light on inside. She glanced into the room and saw Mac sitting with his back to his desk. She could see the fingerboard of a guitar poking out from one side and his arm moving up and down on the other. The music he was playing was slow and sad. She stood in the doorway listening intently, as Mac gazed out the window and began to sing.
Wherever you are tonight, girl
I'll see you in my dreams
Wherever I go tomorrow
You'll be here next to me
And though we are a world apart
I know you'll never be that far
'Cause here in my heart
There's a picture of us
Together forever
Unfaded and unbroken
Wherever you are
Your love covers me
Forevermore
You'll be here in my heart
As her friend sang, Stella could hear all the emotion and sadness in his voice. And that was when she remembered what day it was: September 11th. It had been five years since that tragic day. Five years since he lost...Claire.
Whenever I miss you so much
It's more than I can bear
I won't cry, I'll just close my eyes
And know you'll be there
Your kiss and your touch
I'll never forget
'Cause you're as close
As my very next breath
'Cause here in my heart
There's a picture of us
Together forever
Unfaded and unbroken
Wherever you are
Your love covers me
Forevermore
You'll be here in my heart
As Stella continued to listen, her eyes filled with tears. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He really loved his wife. And after all this time, he still missed her so much. Mac's voice faltered as he finished.
In my heart…
The last note of his song hung in the air. And as he stopped playing, a single tear rolled silently down his cheek.
This story is dedicated to those who lost loved ones five years ago today.
"WE WILL NEVER FORGET…"