Title: To Hold Back The Tears
Author: Elizbeth Goode
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Smallville, etc. I make no
money from writing fanfiction. In fact, I think I might be making negative
money writing fanfiction. In short, Elizabeth Goode has no money, don't
sue her.


Part IV

The next morning, Clark awakened feeling much better and more rested than he had since the incident at Summerholt. It was well after nine o'clock, and the smell of coffee and pancakes wafted up from the kitchen. He quickly showered and dressed, then made his way downstairs. His father was reading the newspaper at table, sipping at his coffee. His mother was finishing a batch of pancakes at the stove. Quietly, he slipped into his chair at the table, still feeling slightly embarrassed over the events of the previous night.

Jonathan set down the newspaper and smiled at his son. "Morning, Clark. Are you hungry?"

He nodded, unsure of what to say.

"Since you're not going to school today, what do you say you and I get the bare minimum of the farm chores done and then head back to the house for a Kent family movie marathon? Your mother and I want you to rest and take some time to unwind."

Martha set a heaping plate of pancakes in front of Clark, then sat down to finish her coffee. "How does that sound, sweetheart?"

Still feeling embarrassed, he managed to mumble, "Sounds good." He could feel his face begin to flush, knowing that they were watching him.

"You don't have to be ashamed of last night, son. Everyone has a bad dream from time to time. You just have more than others because of the things that happen to you." Jonathan set the newspaper down. "Your mother and I were talking last night, and we're worried about you - the way some of the things you've been through might have affected your health. If you were
anyone else and we were anyone else's parents, we would have had you in the emergency room several times over. As it is, we can't do that. So, we need you to tell us if anything, and I mean ANYTHING feels wrong."

"Why?" Clark's voice came out much sharper than he had intended, but he did not stop. "What could you possibly do? I mean, you're not doctors - especially not alien doctors!"

"We know that, Clark. There are things that are beyond our control, beyond anyone's control. That said, I've dug Kryptonite out of you before and I'll do it again, as often as I need to." Jonathan patted his shoulder. "Now, eat your breakfast so we can get going on those chores."

Clark did as he was told, feeling a little bit better after some food and the genuine display of concern from his parents. After the chores had been completed, the Kents settled in the living room with some movies, a bowl of popcorn, and some colas. Little by little, the loving concern of his parents chipped away at his worries and fears, drawing him back from the edge, assuring him that there was no need to hold back the tears. As the day wore on, the family strengthened and reaffirmed their bond through the
simple acts of enjoying each other's company. They did not know, could not know, that in a few short days, one of their worst fears would be realized.