Splinter's POV

I walked up the stairs heading to Leonardo's room to inform him his brothers had returned from their clubs however I stopped in my tracks when I heard quiet sobbing That is strange Leonardo never cries. Curious I continued the journey to my eldest's room.

When I arrived at the latch I knocked when I heard shuffling and then nothing I made my way through the latch as I entered I was greeted with Leonardo sitting on his window seal (which had a few cushions on it) with his mother's letter in his hand. He then turned my way with tear filled eyes.

No words needed to be exchanged as I walked forward and sat with my distraught son. Oh Leonardo..

Mikey's POV

When I walked through the door with dad and my other 2 brother's dad said he was going to let Leo know we were home so we could all do our homework in the dining room together. That was 10 minutes ago! I mean our house isn't that big. As I started to get curious I decided it was best to make my way up to Leo's room to see what was taking them.

As I got to my elder brother's room I suddenly felt the need to just go back downstairs and wait but while I was debating my decision I stopped when I saw sensei closing the latch to Leo's room.

"Dad? Is Leo coming" I questioned trying to hide the concern in my voice. "Leonardo is feeling under the weather Michelangelo, he is resting"

"Oh Ok... can you help with my hw then please?" I asked now walking down the stairs to the dining room. "Of course my son" Sensei then led me to the dining room where Raphie and Donnie were waiting. "Hi dad is Leo coming down?" Donnie asked "Leonardo is feeling under the weather at the moment so he is resting." Splinter stated sitting at the head of the table helping his son's with their Homework while Donnie did Leo's English Raph did Leo's Chemistry (So he could blow something up) and Mikey started Leo's art.

TMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNTTMNT Next Day...

"See ya later dad" the three boys shouted and as they left the house a conversation began...

"Do you guys think Leo's ok?" Mikey asked innocently, "Think shellhead Leo'snot sick" Raph hissed. "Why's he at home then?" Mikey asked

"Mikey the day before yesterday it was your birthday then yesterday we were at school so that means it has been 2 days since your birthday, so what does that day mark?" Donnie questioned

"National Pizza day?" Mikey looked to Raph for the answer

"No, it marks the anniversary of mums death" Raph stated, "But why is Leo home and you guys aren't, I mean I understand why I'm not there, but you guys I don't get it!"

"Mikey, Leo's birthday is in mid November Mum died two days after you were born so Leo got the most time with her over a year to be exact because we remember her as much as you do, let's just be glad our's and Leo's grade are joined, so we can comfort him." Donnie explained as they walked into the school gates.

Back at home:

Leo went into his chest and scavenged for a picture once he found it he continued his quiet sobs and he carefully placed it in his hands, while Leo was doing this his father was climbing up the stairs to his room with a bowl of soup and a wrapped box. Once he opened the latch he saw Leo sitting on his bed while tears dripped from his face onto the picture "Leonardo I brought you something" Splinter announced approaching his son and sitting on the bed, he put the soup on the bedside table and put the box in his lap. "Your mother wanted to give this to you when you were old enough. Leo turned his head towards the box and began to carefully began to unravel the paper around the box he then lifted off the lid. There in front of him were 2 katanas with red and gold around the handles instead of the blue ones he already has.

There was a note as well.

Leonardo,

I hope you enjoy your present and I am sorry I cannot be with you to open it, the illness has spread through my body and I know I will not survive another year, for this I am sorry. But my son It is not your fault it is merely nature's work do not blame yourself my beautiful baby..

As I will soon depart from this life I must tell you Happy birthday for the year's to come and I know that you are the person to tell my wishes.

On the day of my death, After you turn 17 I would like you to plant a cherry blossom tree on top of where I lay as well as could you hang some pictures of you and your brothers and father around the grave. But most importantly can you sing me a lullaby? Like I did for you many times, and here is the last one from me...

Close your eyes my sweet child,

I shall be here when you wake,

Don't start crying and don't you weep,

Your the precious treasure I will always keep.

And in my arms you lay silently sleeping,

While the brush of the wind touches your shoulders

Sleep my darling child,

For I shall not be far

All you need is to find the right star

And there I am watching you closely,

With tear filled eyes,

Write this song

Because I know I will not be here long

Is it my turn to sleep?

Because I'm ready to go.

Goodnight my darling child,

See you tomorrow

Please do not mourn

I shall wait for you at dawn

So don't say goodbye

I'll see you in a new life

My sweet baby rest

And let the world keep you warm in your father's arms

You slowly sleep

And I remember the single treasure

I will always keep...

Love Mummy

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

And then Leo cried...