Water ran down Virgil's back as images flashed through his mind. Faces frozen in time. Eyes still and haunting. You can't save everyone.They all knew that, but they tried to forget it. They would head in full force, intent on saving everyone. Many days they did, other days they lost one, and on the worst days, they lost many. The pain pierced the heart like a thin cold needle that couldn't be removed. This wasn't the first time Virgil had stood too long in the shower, wishing the water could wash away the memories. A hand pressed against the tiles, his eyes closed, Virgil tried to breathe. He had survived this before, he could do it again. A tear slipped down his cheek and mingled with the water.

"Hello Virgil!"

The small chirpy voice pulled Virgil from his thoughts. Had he really heard that voice?

"Hello!"

Virgil glanced over his shoulder to see a face peering up under the door of the shower stall. A wide grin grew across the toddler's face showing off his dimples. His little hand reached up and waved. The innocence in his nephew, who knew nothing of the horrors Virgil had seen, froze him to the spot. Those blue eyes, so full of joy, locked on his until the miniture version of Scott was dragged away suddenly.

"Sorry Virgil." Scott called out.

"We don't peek under stalls, okay?"

Virgil just stared at the empty space as Scott berated his son. That was why Scott hadn't beaten them home, he had gone to pick him up. Turning off the shower, Virgil grabbed the fluffy green towel from the hook and quickly dried himself off. Tying the towel around his waist, he stepped out the cubicle and headed towards the locker room. His elder brother was half out of his uniform as he tried to stop his son from running along the bench. The giggles of his nephew were musical, and the boy obviously thought it was all a game.

"I'll watch him while you have a shower."

"Thank you."

Scott gave him a thankful smile. His brother had learnt never to turn down a hand when it came to childcare, especially when it came to getting a shower.

"I can't promise he won't peek though."

"I turned around for one second, Virgil, one second."

"Like father, like son."

Scott just smiled weakly, knowing exactly the story Virgil was referencing. There was a small shake of the head before Scott turned his attention back to his uniform. Virgil headed over to the boy and held out his hands wide.

"Can I get a hug now?"

"Yes!"

The little boy lept at Virgil, his little arms wrapping around the back for Virgil's neck. Virgil pulled the boy close. It was a gentle but firm hug, but it did the job. Virgil stepped backwards slowly, as tears began to fall. He fell onto the bench with a thug and his arms shook slightly as he held back a sob.

"Virgil?"

The worry in the boy's voice yanked at Virgil's heart. There had been so much loss and pain that day, so many lives taken too soon. The small body pushed against Virgil's arms and hands pressed against his shoulders. He loosened his grip, letting the boy see him. Tears continued to leak from his eyes as a small hand touched his wet cheek.

"You sad?"

Those sparkling blue eyes had dimmed with worry, yet they were still full of innocence. This child had seen no hardship, not yet.

"Yes."

There was a small sad pout that reminded Virgil of Alan, before those little arms were once again around his neck, squeezing him with all the strength the child had. Silent tears still slipped down into the boy's clothes as Virgil grasped him. His cheek pressed against his nephew's head and his nose was surrounded by soft brown locks that smelt of strawberry shampoo.

The rescue hadn't gone as planned. People had been lost, and that would never leave Virgil, but life went on. Virgil knew he had to push forward. He had to forgive himself, so he could try again tomorrow. If not for himself but for his nephew. He wanted his nephew to live in a world where if you cried out for help, someone would come. Sometimes that someone would be International Rescue.

"Better?"

Virgil released the boy from the hug, so they could once again see each other. A small hopeful smile shone up at him.

"Better."

It wasn't a lie. It was a little better.

"Is it my turn now?"

"Gordon!"

The bundle of energy was already twisting around on Virgil's lap. A quick movement of his hands and Virgil helped steady the boy as he reached for his other uncle. Gordon must have slipped out of the shower after him and gotten dressed quietly. Virgil was thankful his brother had given him the moment, but could see his brother had just as much need as he did. There was a smile on his face which it didn't reach his eyes. Gordon stepped forward and took their nephew into his arms. The boy treated Gordon to the same big hug Virgil had received. They exchanged a small smile before Gordon carried the boy away to let Virgil get changed. His arms felt empty and his heart still hurt, but Virgil felt able. He could continue. With his family around him, and his nephew around to distract him and fill the house with laughter, things could go on.