19

Thank you so much for your reviews from the last chapter! we'll leave the boys to stew for a bit and see how Jeff is coping!

Jeff was sat back in Kyrano's lounge. They wanted to take him to bed but he refused, he had too much adrenaline coursing through his body. Tin-tin had still insisted on wrapping him up in a blanket for the shock whilst Kyrano had set a hot coffee next to him. Despite the immediate warmth and security of the blanket Jeff still felt numb with anguish; no matter how much he'd tried to run away from it, he couldn't escape or change the past.

Kyrano sat quietly opposite Jeff whilst Tin-Tin sat next to him with his hand in hers trying to provide some small comfort. Kyrano knew the disaster in the sea had triggered some deeply buried trauma. Jeff was clearly haunted by a great loss. He sat with a glazed far off expression; his shoulders slumped forwards. Tin-tin looked ready to ask Jeff a question but Kyrano shook his head subtly. They needed to be patient. He would talk when he was ready.

Just when Tin-tin thought he would never speak, he suddenly spoke. "Last month my… my wife and my father…. (Jeff's breath hitched) both perished in the same avalanche. I very nearly lost my five sons too and there wasn't a damn thing I could do as it unfolded right in front of my eyes." Jeff's voiced broke at the end as he withdrew from Tin-tin's grasp and buried his face in his hands sobbing uncontrollably. Tin-tin immediately pulled him into a hug, rubbing his back trying to soothe him. He stayed there for quite sometime the raw wave of intense suffering crashing over him again. The trauma of seeing the crew dying on the ship had re-triggered his own loss and near miss with his sons. When he had calmed a little Kyrano spoke. "I'm so sorry for your loss Mr. Tracy no words can comprehend the feelings you must be experiencing." Kyrano bowed his head.

Jeff glanced up. Kyrano's face that was usually so stoic was replaced with what could only be described as a grief stricken expression. Jeff could sense Kyrano was affected by his own sorrow, more than how people usually responded. "You lost your wife, too didn't you?" Jeff asked quietly. He had guessed at the back of his mind but he'd never asked, he told himself it was out of politeness but he knew it was because he had been afraid of the answer on a subconscious level. Kyrano nodded. "My wife passed away five years ago in a tsunami." It was ironic; the sea had given him his wife and the sea had just as ruthlessly taken her away from him. "I am so sorry for both of you." He squeezed Tin-tin's hand as a tear slid from her eye. It was a long time ago but her absence still weighed heavily on them. Tin-Tin's mother had been a beauty appearing much younger than her years despite her unusual sliver blue hair. She was a kind and gentle soul; her parents had complemented each other beautifully. "I guess you truly understand when I say I feel that a part of me also died that day. Lucy was everything to me, we'd been together since we were eighteen. There was never anyone else, for either or us. My father then dying as well left me completely bereft. I couldn't cope and I guess I suffered a breakdown after the funerals. I just needed to get away but I wasn't thinking straight and I just took off. I left my boys all alone" Jeff looked guilt-ridden. "I was trying to locate an island that I had been marooned on during my astronaut training mission but I couldn't find it and that's when I crashed here. " Jeff felt strange admitting his feelings in this way to almost complete strangers when he couldn't even bring himself to tell his own children or mother. He realised it was a relief to have someone to confide in outside the family, who could also comprehend the enormity of his loss.

"I understand, it's a long road but you can heal Jeff; in time but only if you allow yourself to feel and remember everything. Don't ever shut them out of your heart because it hurts, it is better to embrace the loss and keep their memories safe with you." Jeff was shocked, it was the first time he had ever heard Kyrano address him by his first name. Jeff was humbled by Kyrano's viewpoint. Seeing the strength in this man after what he had been through gave Jeff reassurance that he wasn't even aware he had been seeking. Here was a man who had suffered as much as he had but he had rebuilt his life and learned to live again. If he could do that then maybe there was hope for him too in time. It gave him a goal to work towards.

Eventually Jeff fell asleep on the sofa emotionally drained and exhausted. Tin-tin stood and stretched; they had been chatting for a long time after the disaster and she was stiff from sitting still for so long. Kyrano gently lifted Jeff's legs up and swung him around onto sofa so his leg was supported in a comfortable rest position. He then readjusted the blanket, satisfied he was comfortable he joined Tin-tin out on the veranda. It was late evening and the air was still. They sat on the swing chair together looking out at the street below. Tin-tin had her computer on her lap, there was an image of Mr. Tracy in an article.

"Look Father! his family are appealing for sightings of him!" This was the first article they had seen published. It explained that Jeff Tracy had been taking a flight over the Pacific Ocean when contact was lost with his plane. He had been missing for just over a week. The picture showed Jeff in a business suit with his arm slung across the shoulders of a tall handsome young man. Brunette with blue eyes and a dimpled smile. The caption underneath read Jeff Tracy pictured with his eldest son Scott Tracy. That made sense thought Tin-tin the resemblance was uncanny, it wasn't hard to imagine Jeff looking similar at that age. "Father now we know how to contact the relevant authorities we should let them know shouldn't we?" Tin-tin scrolled down to find the contact number.

"I think we should ask Mr. Tracy if he is ready to be found, he has been through a lot." Kyrano knew the pressure of going back into society as a widower all too well. If he could have had more time to recover away from prying eyes he would of and he wasn't even famous like poor Mr. Tracy. Having to deal with such horrific trauma and all in the public eye... it was no wonder he had been looking for an escape! Facing his community and the children he taught had been harder for Kyrano than he could have ever imagined. He had been so depressed he'd not wanted to do anything let alone actively engage in society but eventually he had braved it. Kyrano felt that Mr. Tracy should at least consider making contact with his family for the sake of his children. They must be worried senseless not to mention the fact they may think they had lost both parents.

As if guessing what Kyrano was thinking Tin-tin said. "What if we contact his children directly? Then the authorities wouldn't be involved but his children would at least know he is safe and hopefully respect his wishes? He may even want to see them if he could just talk to them?"

"I don't see any harm in that as long as we are careful. Do you want to call?" Kyrano asked. Tin-tin was much better at this video calling malarkey. She nodded already pulling up the Tracy industries contacts. She saw there was a direct line for Scott Tracy so she tried that first. Based on the time difference it would be around 8.30am in the states. It might be a bit early but they could try. They waited nervously as the call connected. "Hello welcome to Tracy industries, Sally speaking how may I help you?" Sally smiled giving Tin-tin her undivided attention.

"Hello I'm looking to speak to Mr. Scott Tracy please?" Tin-tin asked with more confidence then she felt.

"I'm afraid Mr. Tracy is still on leave at present but I can schedule you in for a call back next month unless there is someone else who can help you."

"I understand he has experienced a terrible loss recently but this is actually a personal matter and of the upmost importance, is there any way we could speak to him at all - please? Its about his father." Tin-tin played with the hem of her dress.

That caught Sally's attention. She sat up straighter and became even more attentive. "You have information about Jeff?! I mean Mr Tracy?" She tried to contain her excitement.

"It really is best if we could speak to a member of his family and then they can decide how best to proceed."

Sally was in turmoil. She didn't want to bother Scott and worried about it being a false alarm but at the same time something about this sweet, young girl seemed incredibly genuine.

"Where are you based Ms…?"

"Kyrano and we are in Malaysia" Tin-tin supplied.

Sally had heard about Jeff's last known whereabouts now that it was common knowledge, this surely had to be the real deal! She knew Scott wouldn't mind her reaching out, he had always been very approachable even through all this.

"Ms. Kyrano could you please hold the line while I try to contact Mr. Tracy?"

"Of course."

Sally quickly called Scott's personal contact number and waited impatiently willing him to answer. It was early but she knew he was an early riser. Sure, enough he answered albeit audio only. "Sally, everything ok? how can I help?" She could hear the concern in his tone, he knew she would only call this early with an emergency.

"Scott everything's fine work wise but… well I've just taken a rather unusual call from a lady called Tin-tin Kyrano who asked for you personally. The strange thing is she says she is calling about your father. I wasn't going to bother you but direct her to the authorities but when I asked her where she was calling from, she said Malaysia."

There was a thump on the line. "Scott? Scott are you okay?" Sally could hear muffled scrabbling along with a faint Dammit!

"Er yeah, just dropped the phone. Do you have a number I can get hold of her on?"

"She is on the line still, I could transfer the call if you would like?"

"Yes please! You're a star Sally. Thank you so much for calling me." He sounded excited. She prayed it was good news and was relieved to hear that she had done the right thing."

"Putting you through now." She hit the pause button on Scott's call briefly before taking Ms. Kyrano off hold. "Ms. Kyrano. Mr. Tracy is able to take your call so I am transferring you now."

"Thank you." Tin-tin was nervous, she had no idea what to expect or how Scott would react to this call. Kyrano squeezed her hand in support. He was curious to see Jeff's son for himself.

Scott appeared on the screen. He was wearing a yellow jacket with a high collar unzipped to expose a round necked white shirt, like running gear. His hair was neatly brushed back and he didn't even look like he had broken a sweat. His wore a gentle but somewhat guarded expression.

"Ms. Kyrano, I believe you wished to speak to me about my father?"

"Yes Mr. Tracy –

"Call me Scott please."

She smiled. "I am calling because we know where your father is Scott. My Father and I found him in the jungle close to our home last week. He was injured and suffering from memory loss but is since recovering well. He is sleeping at the moment as he regained his memory today and its left him exhausted. Then we saw the article online that he was missing and thought we really ought to let you know he is safe." Tin-tin watched carefully as the news sunk in.

Scott visibly staggered back seeming to lean against something. "Wait. Dad's alive! you said he was injured, memory loss but…. But he's ok now?!" Scott spluttered. He was stunned, he half sat on the fence in shock.

"When we found your father he was hurt, he had injured his leg badly in the fall and caught a fever. It was touch and go but thankfully he has recovered well. He is still healing but getting stronger daily. He couldn't remember who he was initially but he started to remember things in the last couple of days and now he remembers everything…. including the loss of your mother and grandfather." Tin-tin added sadly.

"Oh god!" Scott's hand flew to his mouth. Poor Dad had been forced to relieve the trauma of their deaths anew. He must be in an awful state. "How is he now?"

Kyrano appeared in the shot next to his daughter. "Mr. Tracy my name is Kyrano. Please try not to worry; your father was distressed at the return of his memories but rest assured he is safe with us and we will continue to offer him shelter and support until he is ready to return home. He was very worried about finding out who he really was and regaining his memories. He is not aware we have contacted you as he didn't want to involve the authorities but we felt that even if he wasn't quite ready, we ought to try and put your mind at rest when we found out he had children."

"Thank you so much! I… you don't know how much this means to know that he is safe and that he isn't alone. When do you think I'd be able to speak to him?" As much as Scott wanted to hop on the next flight, he was aware that his father was still in a very fragile state, he needed to tread carefully. He wasn't worried about his dad staying with these people, it was clear to see that they genuinely cared for him. They didn't pose risk as far as he could see.

"He is resting right now but when he wakes, we will let him know we have made contact and try and get him to call you. You are of course welcome to call, email any time you like to find out how he is, Tin-tin will send our full contact details including our address."

"Thank you once again, I can't tell you how happy you will have made my brothers and my grandma! Thank you for nursing him back to health and providing shelter for him. When he wakes tell him….. can you tell him how much we miss him; we understand he may be feeling anxious and not himself right now but that's ok because we love him and we know how devastated he is right now. It's nothing to be ashamed of, we miss him so much we just want him home safely... More than anything."

"I know son." Scott Froze. Tin-tin looked shocked and Kyrano smiled at Jeff off screen encouragingly. Jeff tentatively held his hand out for the laptop. Tin-tin stood and gestured that Jeff should take her seat. He sat down with the blanket sill draped around him.

"Dad!" if Scott could have jumped through the screen he would of. He leapt off the fence and drew closer to the image of his father.

"Scott, its great to see you son. It really is."

"Dad we saw the plane yesterday on a satellite image, we were literally coming to find you!" The words rushed out of his mouth

"It's ok son, I have been well looked after by Kyrano and Tin-tin here. I don't want you to worry about me. I just needed to get away but I'm… I'm so sorry I abandoned you boys. I wasn't thinking straight, I wasn't myself or I would never have left you." Jeff was on the verge of tears, the thought of how much pain his must have put his children through because of his own selfish whims was almost too much.

"Dad" Scott said softly. "Don't blame yourself, we know you would have never have left us intentionally, like I said we are just glad you are safe. Its such a relief I can't even express it in words. Grandma is going to be so happy and the lads will be beside themselves."

"Your Grandma's with you?" Jeff felt happier knowing they weren't alone.

"Yeah she arrived a couple of days ago. Been making apple pie and generally keeping us all in line in true Tracy matriarch manner." Scott smiled.

Jeff allowed himself a faint smile too. "How are your brothers?"

"Ah! you know, just being little brothers at times but they are good. Would you like to see them? there sure gonna give me a hard time if they don't get a chance to say hello but I'd understand if its too much at once."

Jeff was silent for a moment as he internally debated. It was wonderful to see Scott it really was but he was still so ashamed of his actions. Scott had been so understanding but he knew not all his children may forgive him for his behaviour and he was worried but like Scott said it wouldn't be fair if they didn't get to say hello. Scott could already be seen walking at a brisk pace on the screen, hopeful.

"Ok, but not for long. I'm not sure I could manage…." He floundered as he couldn't explain.

"Is ok I'm nearing the house now; let me brief them. Hey Guys! Get down here! family meeting in the kitchen now!" Scott shouted up the stairs before putting them on hold.

In spite of everything Jeff laughed. Scott had always had a knack for rounding his brothers up pronto since he was young. "Scott's brothers know not to ignore his call to arms. He's too loud to ignore they say for starters but he will also be sure to hunt them down and his wrath is somewhat renowned if he is made to walk up those stairs." Tin-tin laughed.

There was the sound of a bumping of the microphone and some static as the screen was turned around and a picture appeared again. This time Scott was sat at the table with the whole family crammed into the shot. Alan and Gordon were sat on either side of him with Virgil and John stood behind and his mum.

"Mum!"

"Oh, Jeff it really is you! Are you okay?"

"Dad!" shouted Alan and Gordon in unison.

"Hi boys, I'm so glad to see you all. Mum I'm O" – Jeff stopped himself. He needed to acknowledge his feelings properly, he needed to be honest with his family if he was going to heal. "I'm safe mum, Kyrano and Tin-tin here have been caring for me and doing a wonderful job. I am starting to" he swallowed and fought back the sob. "Come to terms with things…I'm better than what I was."

"I'm glad to hear it. Its lovely to meet you Mr and Ms. Kyrano. Thank you for looking out for my son. It means the world to know he is safe."

"You are welcome Mrs. Tracy; we have enjoyed having Mr. Tracy stay with us." Kyrano replied.

"Well son, we will let you go. We know its late there no doubt you all need your rest." Grandma wanted Jeff to know he didn't have to make any decisions right now; she was just happy to have been able to talk to him. Like Scott said they needed to take small steps.

"Ok. Well I am still recovering but I really do hope to be home soon boys. After we have had a good night's rest, I will give you a call to discuss getting me home. Please be good for your Grandmother."

"We will!" they all chorused. Scott whipped round in his seat sharply to look at all of them in disbelief causing Gordon to burst out laughing and John to look away annoyed." Jeff wondered what they had been up to before his mother turned up.

"Night dad!"

"Sleep well son"

"Bye" Jeff waved as did Tin-tin and Kyrano as they cut the call.

Jeff was teary but for the first time in a long time it was borne out of happiness. "Thank you. I didn't realise how much I needed to see them all. I was ashamed and I let that cloud my judgement."

"Come on, let's get some rest. Things will be clearer in the morning. You have had quite the day and a lot to process." Kyrano noted.

Jeff nodded. He had indeed.