The three men had decided the night before to meet at Sal's house and go pick up Joey together. They'd go to the cemetery first, then grab breakfast before seperating, Joe going to Murr's family gathering first, and later to Q and Sal's. As always, they had bought him gifts, but they also stocked up on extra gifts for him yesterday, to add under the tree, along with everyone else's. He would not be left out at Christmas, they would always make sure of that.
Murr would admit to anyone who asked, that this early morning idea was started by him. He didn't like the idea of Joe being alone for any length of time today. He knew how much Joey was hurting, and he could vividly remember 20 odd years ago and the nightmare that ensued when Joe lost his father. He watched him pass away and it nearly killed him. Joe's sense of humor and near constant smile or laughter often led people to believe he had no worries or hardships, and that he was a very strong person. And he was.
But, he also held a very sensitive soul. Joe's family, including his three best friends, rallied hard and they got him through it, but Joey went to a very dark place. It was scary and Murr did not want it to happen again. Only his friends and family could see it, but Joe still showed the emotional scars left from the horrible and heartwrenching ordeal.
Knocking on the door once more, Murr bent and slipped the key from under the butterfly by the walk.
"Wait man, let's knock one more time. The poor guy is probably asleep, Murr.". Q, knocked a little louder this time, hoping to wake his friend up. He tried not to let it show, but he was also ready to go in that house.
Sal stepped up, taking the key from Murray's hand. "Fuck it guys, let's go get him. "
Upon opening the door, and searching the small apartment, they were relieved to find a slumbering Joe surrounded by his three beloved pets.
Sal snickered, petting Buscotti on the head.
"Some watch dogs you guys are!".
Q also chuckled at the dogs, just laying on the bed, now awake but only eying them, obviously they knew who they were and was wondering what the hell was going on.
He grabbed one socked ankle and tugged slightly.
"Joey! Wake up man, get dressed and let's go!"
Joe jumped to a sitting position, startled by the surprise visitors.
The other three guys laughed as realization dawned on their friend.
"What the hell are you guys doing? Holy shit."
"We came to get you, Joey. Come on, man, get up and get dressed. We'll go to the cemetery first, then go grab something for breakfast, and then everyone will be waiting for you and me and my sister's place. Then it's on to Sal's family, then Q's, for you."
Joe grinned at Murr. Then pulled him into a hug, then went on to Sal and Q.
"Thank you guys, for not forgetting me."