When Catherine came home with Jimmy, it was night and Steve was waiting for her on the porch.

Dad's waiting for us on the porch, Jimmy. I think we're in trouble. Catherine said, smiling.

You took too long. I was worried. Steve said.

Sorry, Steve. Can we talk only after he sleeps?

It's all right. He's very dirty and needs a shower. Let me do it. Steve said taking Jimmy.

Thanks.

While Steve was bathing Jimmy, Catherine prepared a quick snack.

Jimmy ate and then slept on the couch, very tired.

Steve picked Jimmy up and took him to his room.

Come on, Eddie. Our boy slept.

Eddie followed Steve and lay down next to Jimmy's bed, as usual.

Catherine took a shower and when she left the bathroom, Steve was waiting for her.

Cath, what happened between you and Rose?

Did you have a night with Rose, Steve?

What? Of course not, Cath. Never!

So why was she in our room smelling your shirt?

What? I don't know, Catherine.

She was cruel to Jimmy. She told him I wasn't his mother. She also asked when I was leaving.

She never liked Jimmy, Steve. She just wants you. I was furious with her, took Jimmy and went out with him.

Her neck was all scratched and she said it was you who did it. She also said that you yelled at her, mistreated her and humiliated her.

That's not true, Steve. You know I wouldn't do that. Catherine said.

I know. That's why I fired her. I told her I would take her to the police to file a complaint against you, but she would have to prove that you assaulted her. If she couldn't prove it, I would formally accuse her of lying and defaming you and forging evidence. Steve said.

I'm sorry she has to lose her job, but we couldn't let her stay close to Jimmy. He doesn't need anyone to humiliate him. And thank you for knowing I wouldn't hit her.

You're welcome. Now come here. Steve said hugging her and kissing her neck.

Steve, wait. We haven't finished our conversation yet.

What?

I went to the Rehab Clinic today to get to know their work with children with disabilities. Please, let me take Jimmy for an evaluation. Or rather, I need you to go with me to take it. I can't make decisions for Jimmy. Only you can do that.

Catherine, I've already sought the opinion of several doctors. And they all told me the same thing.

Let's take it to the evaluation. Let me try, please. If they give him any hope, let me give it a try, Steve.

Ok, Catherine. I'll with you on Monday.

Thank you very much, Steve.

Do we still have something to talk about? Steve asked.

Yes. She answered.

What? Steve asked, impatient.

Tomorrow I'll take Jimmy to the birthday party. Are you going with us?

No, Cath. Go with him. I'll stay at home resting.

Are you tired, Commander?

Yes, I've been feeling pretty tired. Steve said.

So I think you should go to sleep now. Since you're so tired ...

No ... Steve said.

Not? Catherine asked, smiling.

No. Come here! Steve said pulling her.

The next day Catherine took Jimmy to Lesley's son's birthday party.

Hey, Catherine and Jimmy. Be welcome! Feel free.

Thanks. Where is your son? Jimmy wants to deliver his gift. Catherine said.

He is there. The animators are telling a story. Get Jimmy in with the other kids. Lesley said.

Jimmy had a lot of fun and at the end of the day, they returned home.

What's up, buddy? Did you have fun? Steve asked, catching Jimmy from Catherine.

Yes Dad. It was very funny.

That's good, son. Want to watch a movie with Dad? Steve asked.

Yes Daddy.

Steve sat on the couch with Jimmy to watch the movie.

Catherine looked at them and smiled. Steve was a better father than she imagined one day.

On Monday, Steve and Catherine took Jimmy to the Rehab Clinic for an evaluation. Jimmy did several exams.

Steve and Catherine were waiting to talk to the doctor while Jimmy played with the other children.

Some time later the doctor called them to talk.

Jimmy's case is very difficult. I believe he has a small chance of being able to walk with complicated surgery. I'm not assuring you that he'll walk, but this surgery is the only chance he has. We need a new exam that he can do in four days. The doctor said.

Okay, doctor. Let's do this exam. Steve said.

Catherine was sad when the doctor said the chance was small.

Catherine, don't be like this. Before, the doctors said there was no chance. Now he has a chance. It's a small chance, but it's a chance. Steve said.

When they left the Clinic, Steve wanted to go to the bank. He wanted to have a joint account with Catherine.

Why is that, Steve? She asked.

So you can have access to my money if I'm not around. Steve said.

Leaving the bank, Steve wanted to go to the notary's office. He prepared a document, authorizing Catherine to make any decision about Jimmy in his absence.

Steve, I don't like this. What is going on? Catherine asked.

Nothing, Catherine. It's just a precaution.

Promise?

Promise. Steve replied.

Promise. Jimmy said, imitating them.

Two days later, Catherine arrived home with Jimmy, after spending the afternoon with him in the playground.

Steve was in the room packing his suitcase.

Steve, what are you doing? Catherine asked, in surprise.

I was summoned by the Navy, Catherine. I'm going on a mission.

What? Did you know you would and didn't tell me anything? So, that's why we went to the bank and the notary's office?

I didn't know. Believe me. I did it thinking that one day it might happen. But I didn't expect it to be now.

Catherine was devastated.

I don't want to go, Catherine. Now that I have Jimmy and got you back, I don't want to go.

So don't go. Catherine said.

You know it's not that simple. Steve said.

I know. Catherine said.

Are we going to Aunt Mary's? Jimmy said, looking at the suitcase.

Steve took him in his lap.

No, my son. Daddy needs to take a trip. Do you promise it will be good for Mom?

I promise, Daddy. But come back soon.

Okay, son. Steve said kissing Jimmy's forehead.

Steve looked at Catherine. She was with tears in her eyes.

Take care of him for me? Steve asked.

Of course, Steve.

I'll miss you. I love you, don't forget that. Steve said.

I love you, too. How much time? She asked.

I don't know. It's a secret mission, I'll not be able to call you guys. Steve said, visibly upset.

Catherine tried to hold back the tears, but she couldn't.

And what do I do with Jimmy's treatment? Catherine asked.

I totally trust you to do what's best for him. I'm leaving my treasure in your hands.

Thanks.

Mommy, why are you crying? Asked Jimmy.

Because Daddy's getting away from us, son.

But he's coming back soon, Mommy. Don't Cry. Jimmy said, wiping away Catherine's tears.

Steve took the suitcase.

I need to go now. Steve said.

Steve hugged Catherine and Jimmy tightly.

I love you both.

We love you too. Go with God and be safe. Catherine said.

Steve kissed her and then kissed Jimmy.

Goodbye.