The Loud House: Lincoln Homecoming (English)

by Eddy the Black Star

Yeah, you've been alone. I've been gone for far too long. But with all that we've been through, After all this time I'm coming home to you. Never let it show, The pain I've grown to know. 'Cause with all these things we do, It don't matter when I'm coming home to you. I reach towards the sky I've said my goodbyes. My heart's always with you now.

2. A Place To Call Home

The Tomorrow.

Mr. Loud looked at that letter, holding it with one hand, and the other hand had it on his forehead. The company had broken completely, the work in which he had played most of his life had been left in nothingness; His hands sweated, and his eyes only saw that seal that said: Unemployed. The whole world had fallen on his shoulders. Mrs. Loud kept looking at her worried husband, for Mr. Lynn had not spoken or said anything in hours. He just looked at that damn piece of paper telling him that now things would be much more difficult, he would have to manage alone and look for something that would minimally pay him just a fraction of what he earned in his old job, for in such a big house, ¿how could they keep twelve members, adding pets? ¿How could they even sustain themselves? If they barely had the money to buy something, how would they do now that the economic situation would be seen not only diminished, now that all and absolutely all would be limited in millions and millions of things.

Perhaps one day they will be left without electricity, another without water, another without communications. ¿A full month? ¿Maybe two? The chances of staying without a virtue were as real as looking around the corner and discovering that soon the life would be much more difficult. The hardness of the world was real, and it was no longer as far as it was before. There where he would have to deal again, as he did in the past, but in a past where he did not have a family of 12 members, in which he worked to support himself, in which he was young and full of opportunities, and with a great future. But in this present, he was a grown man, with a large family, and the future was also punishing him with age problems. He lowered the letter that beat him mercilessly in his soul with the force of an angry bull, insulting him in the worst form that in his position as a father made him angry and sad.

This was now his life, and within the next few months that life would be a burden as the stone of Sisyphus on the hill of Hades.

Mr. Lynn collapsed into the coach and there he collapsed completely. He held his forehead with both hands and began to cry. The situation of his house, his wife, his daughters and Lincoln, all pressed him against the chest and wanted to suffocate him. But then he felt his wife's warm caresses at his side; Mrs. Rita was always with him, in good or bad, in health or sickness. For that promise since the day they were married was unwavering.

Rita and Lynn Signor simply remained embraced, the father of 11 children hid his shame in the arms of his wife, hid his pain and she sweetly caressed her head that gradually lost hair by the passing of age. His voice only reassured the love of his life, the father of his daughters and son. Things need to get worse so that they can improve. She tried to tell her so many things to reassure his afflicted soul, all that her love would stop worrying about a very cruel future.

On the stairs, the girls and their brother watched the scene quietly, not knowing if their parents could see them there, listening to the sad things that the Lord of the household said in the saddest tone they had heard coming from him, a depressive and melancholic tone. The world had become a place where men from numerous but loving families no longer had room. The world had become very small...

The world... It was a much cruder place now.

The girls just turned away from the stairs. They knew that everything they had enjoyed would go away one day. And that all that they enjoyed without worries, with nothing to fear or duty, would now cost them.

Lincoln only looked at his father in the arms of his mother and the only thought that rounded him by his mind was... "¿And what will become of the future?" He turned from the stairs and began to walk down the hallway of his house, among his sister's rooms.

Lori and Leni talked about what would happen to their networks, their devices, their clothes and things.

Luna and Luan tried to think about how to continue supporting their projects, how they would continue practicing their music or their jokes without electricity, ¿or how would they do to go to concerts or comedy shows?

Lucy and Lynn wanted to give solutions like stop going to school, start playing in professional teams of minors, sell poems to people, etc.

Lola and Lana argued about their own things, which covered space, time, money and neither were agreed, as both the things of Lana and Lola covered much expense, but none accepted that they were very expansive. Lola with her make-up, her toy car, and everything she was dying for if they sold it, and Lana with all her reptiles and some exotic animals.

And Lisa thought of ways in which at least some currencies could be saved, planning for poverty not to affect them so much, although that meant limiting itself to millions and millions of things; Even the possibility of studying at one of the most prestigious academies had already been crossed out and eliminated. They all seemed to care about their own business, but ¿who cared about their father? Lincoln just walked into his room and locked the door behind him. He looked at the spectator and gave a great sigh.

– Welcome to the Loud House... A house where the siblings seem to have more interest in their own agendas than in the family situations, in such a big house one could expect that there is a plan B for all situations... – Scratching the head. But it seems that now the only plan B is to wait, he sighed heavily. – But... ¿Wait for what? – Lincoln sat on his bed only to look on the ground, because he knew that if he considered the sky the fall would be more painful.

¿What will become of the future?

But the days they left.

The Loud House: Lincoln Homecoming

Chapter 2 A place to call home

Being so far from home
We remember the love of being.
A native of that father neighborhood,
That also saw us grow.
The silence, accomplice of cats, boyfriends and melancholy
Gives man a sadness
That Liera and ruthless
Licks a pain, beats a love.

"Away from home"-A.N.I.M.A.L.

Today

A repetitive dream, that was: a dream that used to be repeated several times in his head. A dream or a nightmare. It was always the same: it shot and ran, between the storm and the sand particles, that there was no human form to tell absolutely everything that flew between him and the field. He saw the fire in the desert and didn't know whether to shoot or wait for it to be an ally. He recognized the shooting of an M16 in its various variants, including an assault carbine and the shot of an Ak-47 Russian type. He was trying to look, but he didn't know where. The night could hardly show anything, could scarcely distinguish some lights in the cloud of sandy dust.

– ¡Run!

The captain of his squadron was screaming in the west direction. He ran as hard as he could try to dodge the obstacles he could visualize despite his cloudy vision of the storm. He felt that there was someone behind him or at the sides, but he could not distinguish the barely visible silhouettes between all that sand. He ran almost blindly, until his right boot felt something... a pressure different from the sand or fragments of rock and concrete, something metallic that seemed to have reacted to his footstep... remembered that moment perfectly, only spent seconds. His ears buzzed, and his body rose violently. He did not feel anything at the time when the fire occurred, nor the fragments of shrapnel entering his other leg, nor the shock wave or even the pain of his leg such as shredded flesh, charred cloth, and shattered bone. He just saw how everything revolved around, as if his eyes were the lens of a camera thrown into any direction in the air. He wanted to feel the fire, but his nerves had been shattered. Everything looked in slow motion, for seconds it was rising from the ground, it seemed to be taking flight, and finally, like a bird, it flew out of that war zone. His arms moved unconsciously, he could barely move them into the sky, as if at that time he was having a dream within a dream.

Next thing he knew, he was lying on the floor. He kept looking at the sky, which at times was clear, leaving to see a starry sky and a white moon. His right arm rose to the firmament, only to try to touch those little lights that remained infinitely distant, to feel them on his fingers and to know that this was real... and his eyes opened with him in that position lying on his bed, with his arm Extended to the roof of his room, open the five fingers and the palm of his hand, pointing towards the wood that was a few feet away from it.

Lincoln felt the sheets of his bed on his left foot, and then moved the toes of that foot to try to move the other's. The only answer he had was a lost sensation, he felt nothing from the knee down. He realized it was real once again. He closed his right hand and stood looking at the ceiling, trying to move his left arm realized that it was under something, or rather someone. He looked to his right and there was a beautiful girl asleep. Lincoln recalled that he was home again, was not on a battlefield full of dirt, dust and sand, but on a soft bed next to a little girl who saw him as a daughter sees his father. He smiled and kissed her forehead, seeing her asleep was an image that made her feel very strong in her chest, a person who represented her home and a large part of that house.

He carefully slipped his arm and slowly liberated himself until he took it out completely. He cared most absolutely to awaken Lily, as he did not want to disturb a sleep as soothing as the face of his sister presumed. The tucked with the blankets, trying not to get into the cold in the morning. I looked at her and felt a little envious, because she also wanted to have that kind of dreams, in which one doesn't want to wake up because she knows that she is living something that brings peace to her soul. She could afford to have such a peaceful dream, with a clean conscience of every sin of violence against other beings, and without the horrible feeling of seeing someone dead in their hands. She had clean hands and so her dreams were so quiet that they could not be disturbed so easily. But not him, ¿how to sleep every night with blood-stained hands? The answer was that it must be much stronger than a bull to live with such a heavy burden and a vacuum where his soul should be.

Lincoln sat on his bed to look at the floor of his room. His prosthesis was on the side of his bed. The straps and the part that was fastened to his leg were unfastened. Lincoln wanted to get out of his bed, but he knew that without all that was there, barely and with the help of the walls could give small jumps forward. That would wake everyone up, and I didn't want to do that. He took the part of a material like latex or plastic and began to accommodate it in the stump of what was left of his knee. He placed it in the manner that had been explained to him and as he had understood things; The first time you finished placing the first part of your prosthesis. A small leash came out below that part of latex/plastic/leather. I didn't know what that thing was, but I thought it was a synthetic material. He took his metal leg and put the strap inside a hole in the prosthesis and accommodated it inside, where he arranged to accommodate the strap at a point of adjustment that did not remain so tight or so loose.

All that process made him have memories of when he got up from his bed, he could just go anywhere he wanted. Now that was his life and the way he had to start each of his days, and at the end of it he had to do the whole process again, but backwards. He even said internally that he missed when he was just tying his shoelaces and ready. But doing it or not was no longer a decision for him, now if he did not want a crutch that will help him to do the same as that prosthesis in a way a little easier and more practical, as before he had to put it on his stump every day. To all this, he simply gave a heavy sigh and went to the exit of his room, not without first looking again at Lily. It was something reassuring to see her sleep, that made her nostalgic for a simpler, more innocent one, where her conscience was free from all sin.

A few hours later the girls from the home would get up from their beds. Lily was confused because Lincoln was not there, but those thoughts quickly faded away when a delicious scent flooded the whole house. What was that, but the delicious smell of hot cakes in the morning. The four girls down the stairs into the dining room, and there were Lincoln and his mother chatting.

– Ronnie was telling me a lot of things throughout this month, I'm still surprised when I remember that she told me he was put in charge of the restaurant. I even told her that she was now the Master Chef – she recounted, laughing together with her mother.

– Yes. Ronnie is a fantastic chef, when we've been together she knows how to prepare delicious things. – The lady answered, enjoying seeing her son tell anecdotes with a smile on her face.

– Yes, and I knew he liked the kitchen, I really knew, but when he told me that I was impressed. – Lincoln had a plate with a half-eaten hot cake at his side – in fact, she taught me how to make them. – he took his fork and stabbed him in his fluffy breakfast. I must say that they are not as good as the ones she does... but I do what I can. – He put the breakfast piece in his mouth and tasted it smiling. His mother was happy to see him like this. But Lincoln at the same instant saw his sisters at the foot of the door, watching them.

– Ah, girls, we were waiting for you. – He said, to stand up from his seat. – He added, heading into the kitchen.

– ¿Lincoln, what's all this? – Leni asked confused, although it seemed nice to wake up and meet her family sharing and smiling.

– It's a surprise. – Lincoln replied from the kitchen.

– ¿A surprise? – Leni asked again, with a somewhat curious smile about what her brother had said.

– I like surprises. – said Lily, smiling.

– ¿And what's the surprise, brother? – Lana asked settling in her chair.

– Now you will see. – Lincoln began to walk on his back and in his hands brought a tray full of hot cakes – I hope you like them. – He left them at the table, and all the girls were impressed."

– Oh my God, Lincoln. – Leni began to smile at her brother's surprise.

– I really hope you like them. – Lincoln said, leaving the tray full on the table.

– ¿Did you make them, daddy? – Lily was excited.

– Eeeeh yup – Lincoln responded by putting the syrup, butter and cream to the center of the table – Ronnie taught me how to make them last week and I said, ¿Why not? – He added, looking at each of his sisters, who had their eyes on the hot cakes – ¿What are you waiting, girls? Go ahead.

Lincoln's words seemed like the exit shot for each one to start grabbing his breakfast. Lana started stepping strong while grabbing a large portion of 5 or 6, while Leni grabbed 3, Lily was a little slower and just grabbed 2, and Lucy quietly grabbed 4. They all put syrup, honey and other things to accompany their breakfasts.

– Let's do this. – Said Lana, starting to eat with nothing more to wait. The first bite was exquisite. – ¡Oh God! – She cried, looking at her breakfast, – ¡This is really tasty! – Lana was still enjoying her breakfast.

– Ah.– Leni gave him a little blush – Linky, this is delicious – her smile said it all.

– Thanks. I'm glad you like it.

Lincoln looked cheerful when he heard that his sisters were eating the hot cakes happy.

– Daddy, ¿how did you learn to make them? – Lily smiled at her while she tasted her fluffy delicacies.

– Well... Thanks to Ronnie. – Lincoln smiled to his younger sister." They all tasted the hot cakes with smiles on their faces, but Lucy looked at them thoughtfully. She was hungry, there was no doubt about it, plus the tempting aroma of those Hot cakes made water to the mouth. Lucy just cut off one that already had honey. She put the fork in his mouth... A dimple was marked on his cheeks. She could not help giving a smile, along with a light blush that she took the test that hot cake.

– Mmm... – That action by trying something already so tasty was made to expect from Lucy, although it was somewhat discreet, the others noticed and saw it with a smile. She felt noticed and somewhat distressed. But they didn't blame her, that breakfast was delicious.

– Don't worry Lus, it's okay. – Lincoln smiled at his sister, not Judging her, but thankful that she would let her enjoy her breakfast.

Soon, all the girls were satisfied, happy and ready to start with their day. Mostly Lana, although no one knew where she had found room for most of the hot cakes.

– Oh God... That was delicious... Lemme tell you what. – Lana grabbed her belly satisfied by everything she had eaten.

– Yeah, I can tell, he heh. – Lincoln was heard from the kitchen.

– Yeah... – Lana pulled out her cell phone and checked the time – ¡Damn it! It's late... – She got up right away, heading into the room.

– Hey, Lana... ¿So you're going to talk to principal Johnson today? – inquired Lily, who in those moments was already getting ready to go to school.

– ¿It was today?... – Her sister gave a slap in her face. – Oops... ¿how could I forget?... – considered the dining room – Well... From what happened yesterday with our brother, I guess I couldn't blame myself – she kept thinking about what to do when she went back to the kitchen, and listened to her brother washing the dishes, so she immediately came up with an idea. – Hey, Linc... ¿Do you think you can take Lily to school today? "He asked something hurried," Lincoln peeped from the kitchen, drying a plate.

– Uh, yeah, I can Lana, don't worry. – Lincoln left the plate on the table and wiped his hands with the towel – ¿what time does it have to be?

– It's got to one o' clock, dad. – Lily cheerful replied, for her father would take her to school and talk to her principal and her teacher.

– Well, I do, Lana, don't worry. – nodded Lincoln is happy to be able to spend that day with his little sister.

– All right Linc. – Lana threw some keys from a car that Lincoln caught without much difficulty, as if he had already practiced his traps before. – Here, you'll need them. – She said, opening the main door. – Linc, it took me a long time to rebuild it. – Then she went to Lily, – I see you Lyl. – She kissed him on the cheek and took a small backpack. – See you girls, see you, Mom. – Lana was hurried, but stopped just a second when she remind something important and returned only to say goodbye to her brother with a kiss on the cheek. – See you later, Linc. – At the end of saying that, he set off quickly to his work.

Lincoln touched his cheek, having a very strong feeling that ran through his chest. Then he looked at the keys he had in his hands and wondered what Lana was talking about that he was going to need them. He walked to the front door of the house, and saw her parked in front of the garage. A red pickup, looked something Old, But Lana had told him that she had rebuilt it.

Lana had rebuilt that van? Lincoln was impressed. He came up to lift the bonnet to see the engine and everything looked perfect. Even the engine was shining. Where did Lana get it? It looked new and a very good one. Lincoln smiled at that van and returned home with the keys in his hands, ready to take Lily to school.

– ¿Ready, Lily? – He asked his little sister, smiling, who was taking her backpack and carrying her things.

– Yes, Daddy. She went to the exit, until she saw Leni go down the stairs towards them.

– Hello Linc. ¿Where are you going? - She looked smiling and camped out for talking to her brother and her little sister.

– Oh Leni, I'm going to take Lily to school, ¿do you want to come? – he answered by showing him the keys to the wool truck.

– Oh... ¿Lana lent you to Lucille…? – Leni asked, something discouraged.

– Yes, Leni... ¿Wait, did she call the pick-up Lucille? – Lincoln raised an Eyebrow, But next to a smile.

– Yes... It was because she liked it very much and said she was like her "baby". – Leni again lowered her countenance.

– Heh heh, well, ¿would you like to come, Leni? – Lincoln didn't know he had a sister, but there was something strange, somewhat melancholy.

– No Linky, don't worry. I'll wait here, don't worry. – She said firmly, though she looked somewhat sad, but she smiled not to worry him.

– Leni, ¿are you, all right? – Lincoln knew she was hiding something, until Lily intervened between the two.

– Hey Leni, ¿did you remember to take your pills? – Lily stood amid both, only to see her.

– Oh... You're right, Lily. Sorry. – Leni smiled confidently at her little sister.

– Well let's go for them, we still have time dad and me. – Lily took the hand of her older sister and took her upstairs.

Lincoln knew very little that Leni had depression, there were hardly any leads to that conclusion, but if it was that, then losing his dreams had affected her much more than she imagined. Leni may have never been very smart, but she was one of the most important girls in her heart and now that she was in her home she might try to help her. Help him find a new dream.

And maybe find a dream on his side.

Lincoln went up The stairs To talk to Leni, she saw them both in the bathroom with the pill bottle. Leni had already taken some of the pills from her vial.

– Hey, Leni,... ¿what's the matter? – Lincoln went to the bathroom to see them.

– No... It's nothing Linky... I just felt bad for a moment, but I'm fine. – Leni kept her medication in the bathroom cabinet.

– Well But... I just saw you a little bad and wanted to see you. – Lincoln approached them. Discreetly.

– Don't worry, Daddy. Leni's fine, she just needed to take her pills. – Lily responded by trying to make sure that they weren't nervous about the above, mostly because they didn't want to worry her brother.

– Yeah, Linc... Do not worry. – said Leni smiling tired of her brother. They both went to the older sisters ' room for Leni to rest.

– Hey Leni, if you need anything just tell me, ¿Okay? – asked his brother, surrounding with his left arm – I don't want to see you down, I want you to be always up.

– ¿So, I can't go down the stairs? – Asked Leni confused – ¿So how am I going to go down to dinner, Linc? – Lincoln laughed at his sister's words.

– I don't mean that, Leni. – He clarified, directing her to his room, –Just… stay calm, ¿Okay, precious? And I'm nervous. – Linc kissed Leni's forehead, which made him calm down.

– Ok... – She smiling her brother – Oh. By the way, I wanted to give you something. – Leni entered her room and searched for something in the chest of drawers near her bed, then went back to Lincoln and spread it. It was a little cell phone, and he recognized it instantly, as that was the old mobile of Lori.

– Hey... Lori's phone. – He looked at Leni with a smile, remembering.

– Yeah, she left it when it was no longer useful, and I decided it would be a good idea to give it to you, so we would always be in touch. – She answered him with the same smile that he gave him.

– Thank you, Len...-thanked him Lincoln, hugging his sister, she did the same and they stayed like that for a few moments. Lily didn't want to stop that moment between Lincoln and Leni, but the time moved fast, and they had to leave.

– Daddy... Not for nothing, but we must go now. – said Lily in a hasty tone.

– I'll be back soon, and if you need me... – Lincoln pointed out the Cell – Call me. – He and winked eye to Leni, which she took with a smile and both eyes closed.

– Well... Come on, Lily. – Lincoln dedicated a last smile to his sister and hurried down the stairs.

When he opened the door, outside at the entrance was a funeral caravan. Lincoln did not overlook it and became interested in who was there: Haiku... Lucy's gothic friend came out of there, in a completely dark dress, something a little sinister, which undoubtedly revealed her personality, without any expression. She had come for Lucy, but seeing him standing on the porch was paralyzed. His face, which held an expressive gaze, was completely surprised, without being able to look away even for a second. Lincoln raised a greeting hand, and Haiku raised his own timidly, for he could not believe that Lincoln was standing there. She even thought she was hallucinating, seeing a ghost, and although that was not so far from the reality for Lincoln, she simply saw it and did not believe it.

Lucy appeared behind her siblings, hanging her backpack, ready to go to her college, but not without saying goodbye to Lincoln with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. That's what made it feel good. The Loud girl went down the steps of the porch and Haiku looked at her confused, why she had not told her, that her brother was coming back, she simply nodded his gaze... Before she left, looking only at his brother, Lucy raised His left hand to say goodbye for the second time of his ex-soldier, who was saying goodbye in the same way. Lucy went up to the funeral caravan and Haiku did the same thing.

– ¿Why didn't you tell me that your brother had returned, Lucif? – Haiku asked his sister of darkness, who did not answer, simply deflected his gaze toward his brother, keeping the most absolute silence – Your mouth is again sealed... But your lyrics will reveal the truth to me, don't think I don't know that loneliness, Lucy. – She said, launching the funeral carriage.

Lincoln smiled slightly, because he thought that Haiku and Lucy had become best friends, and it felt very strange, well, ¿when did you see someone being picked up in a funeral carriage? But it didn't really matter, it was someone he trusted for Lucy.

So, he just relaxed and opened the door of the truck, sat in the driver's seat and opened the door to his sister. She went up and with a smile she saw her father. Lincoln examined everything, the steering wheel, the mileage behind, the rearview mirrors, the shifter. It didn't look like a military Convoy and less an armored Hummer, so it seemed better.

But what struck him most was that on the steering wheel were the chromed letters of Lucille.

– ¿Are you ready, Lily? – Lincoln asked for a key to the ignition relay.

– Ready, daddy. – she said excited to go for the first time to school with his father. On the first turn of the key, the van started purring like a cat. – Je Jeh Lucille seems to like you.

– Wow... ¿What does Lana feed this baby? – Lincoln smiled feeling the corresponding truck.

– I don't know, but it always gives him maintenance. Said Lily, stroking the leather seats she had put in her van.

– Well, ¿what are we waiting for?

At the end of saying this, the former soldier took off the handbrake, thrusting reverse and taking course to the road of the school where he had already studied many years ago. He knew the way back and forth for so many years that he had studied there. In addition, He recognized every one of the streets while driving. At times I drove slowly, in others slow, because I wanted to see each of those streets to feel the nostalgia go up his back. To contemplate the places and the memories that each of those things had. He did not take off the hands of the steering wheel because he did not really have a driver's license, so he should be very careful not to be fined. Though that no longer mattered when they arrived at Lily's school. Lincoln turned off the van and got up only to see the institution, where he had lived so much and so many experiences. He was his second home during his first years of academic training, and now he saw it as a symbol of his childhood and adolescence.

He used to think that place made time slow. Classes used to last forever. The tests in some cases made him explode his head. The recesses, which were expected so much anticipation. Physical education classes always left him sweaty. And the constant heavy jokes of the love of his life, Ronnie Anne, the long and extensive looks that he dedicated so indiscreetly to miss DiMartino, the projects, tasks and studies that had to do every month or week... Seeing that school after so much time of the first time he left there, I thought he would look like someone superior, someone who would say he overcame that school and the people there... But now he wanted to go back to the eternal days of his childhood and adolescence, in that era so far away.

– Come on, dad, the classes are about to begin. – Lily was already at the entrance and was calling him to go with her.

– Uh... Yes, Lily. – Lincoln stopped remembering and focused on today and now. With his sister... With his adopted daughter. – Sorry... But when I saw this entry I started to remember my school days. – He said, walking with her through the entrance.

– ¿Oh yeah? ¿And how they were like? – The question of her again summoned the nostalgia of the former soldier, was simply left to invade by the memories of a simpler era...

– Well, my child... – Linc a hand in her sister's little head, stroking, smiling as she added – it was like living an eternal day.

Walking down the halls of the school was like a parade of memories for Lincoln. Lockers on both sides of the hallways, water fountains placed strategically in some parts, the boys ' and girls ' baths, and the upper halls. There was nothing that didn't bring nostalgia to Lincoln. Much more his classroom, all looked at him with a melancholy face. Until she got to the office of Principal Johnson, whose door was engraved with that name, Lily was nervous because she didn't want her dad to hear everything she had to say, let alone her teacher, but she didn't really have options. Though she was glad her father had accompanied her to this place full of memories. He also felt something wrong because his father had to listen to everything that she had to declare about her attitudes.

Lincoln hit director Johnson's door gently.

– One moment, for Please. – The principal spoke to the other side of the door in the main , in the end, his teacher ended up becoming principal of the school... He couldn't to avoid feeling good about that achievement and it was not for less, after all she had been the one who had taught her for so many years of academic training.

As she opened the door, Miss Johnson was no longer a lady, but a lady somewhat affected by her age. It had to be around 50 or maybe it reached 60, with its always loyal turtleneck sweater and glasses with a leash that held them when not wearing them. He looked at Lily, and as he raised his head and saw one of his best students, he covered his mouth, froze to have him there in front.

– Hello, Miss Johnson... – Hailed Lincoln, as much as a Man like A boy.

– God... I see it and I do not believe it... – mused the principal, accommodating their lenses to corroborate that his vision did not fail. Indeed, it was not an illusion of his eyes or something, was his pupil to whom life had taken to Afghanistan, and now he was again in front of her, not as a young man, but as a male adult, and on the eve of his 24 springs. He put his hands on the shoulders of the former soldier, that pupil of his time as a teacher had already returned from the Afghan field – Lincoln... ¿how long has it been?

Lincoln smiled at his teacher and quietly responded

– well, that question is difficult, teacher. ¿Since I graduated? ¿Or since I left? – He said without removing his smile.

– He he... Wow... I really do see it... But I don't believe it, Lincoln. – Principal Johnson appreciated not only the factions of her pupil's face, but all that had grown in all that time.

– Well, I guess all my sisters did the same thing when they saw me. – Replied Lincoln taking his little sister's hand.

– I understand, Lincoln. – Principal Johnson nodded – but please come in, we have a lot to talk about. – She moved aside for her student and sister to enter. Lincoln could appreciate that he had decorated the address with many of his things and memories, even on his desk, amid all things, there was a picture of her and coach Pacowski holding a baby... Then she had finally been able to form a family. ¿Who Had they already achieved that dream? Lincoln did not know... But he wondered what it would have been like if his brothers in arms had lived to see that future that would never be. How would it have been... if Clyde had survived?

– I really expected your sister Lana or Leni to come, as they are the ones who are most on Lily's slope. But I never thought I'd see you today, Lincoln. – the director sat at her desk still without removing her smile from seeing an old, well-known face, and better yet, of a pupil whose trail was no longer visible in Royal Woods.

– Well... Me neither, if I'm honest, but here I am. – Lincoln smiled at his teacher. -A few weeks ago, I got the military drop and last week I returned. – He said, surrounding his sister with his arm.

– Well, I guess I speak for all and everyone when I say it's a pride to see you again, I remember you were one of the best students we could have. And I also remember you were on the honor roll with Rusty, Zach, Liam and Clyde. – When he mentioned Clyde, Lincoln dropped his head. The simple fact of remembering his best friend and brother of all life was something... that broke his heart and soul.

– Yes... We were the best... – Lincoln's tone was off compared to what he had been talking about.

– Lincoln... I was at his funeral. It really was something that broke my heart and... I never thought to go to the funeral of one of my students. – The director took off her glasses and began to carve her eyes. – I thought one or two of my students would go to my funeral... But never the other way around. Ahhh... I'm sorry, Lincoln, but like you and many others, I really appreciated Clyde, just seeing him inside a coffin was... a very hard blow... I can't even imagine what it was like for you – he finished saying to put the lenses back on.

– Yes... It was a very hard blow... – Lincoln did not keep his eyes out of his hands. He made a titanic effort to resist blinking, because when he did he saw it in his arms, with the body full of gunshot wounds, bleeding and accepting the cold hand of the pious death that offered him to end his suffering. – But don't worry, Miss Johnson. – Clyde was a great man, an excellent friend and a soldier who fought for his country. And... He commented, remembering the last days of his friend. – The best brother a man could desire...

– I can imagine it, Lincoln. – Teacher Johnson smiled at her former student, already trying to put aside the melancholy of moments ago. – Well... *Ahem* With-as said Lincoln, it's a pride to see you again. – Director Johnson's mood began to improve – ¿And how did you get your military low? I heard you were in service for four years. – added the former teacher, while taking a paper from her desk to write something.

– There were five of them, Miss Johnson. this year also counted. I was in Kabul for five years, and a few months ago I was getting ready to come home... You could say that, well... I did my duty well and eventually I had to cover the terrorist attacks. Although I didn't get back home for those reasons.

– ¿Oh no? ¿Then why was it, Lincoln? – Miss Johnson turned it over to see him.

– Well... It was for something oblivious to the time I had to stay, I still had three months to go home and end my military service with honors... But... – The former soldier lifted the right part of his trousers so that his teacher saw the leg of metal. – Destiny had... other plans...

Principal Johnson gave a gasp of print and then covered her mouth when she saw the missing member of her pupil.

– My God, Lincoln... it... I'm so sorry, I had no idea it was so serious. – like the mother and the Loud sisters, she wasn't expecting that either.

"Don't worry, Miss Johnson." -The former soldier tried to reassure her with his words, and again covered his war wound well. – as I said to my sisters and my mom yesterday, it's just a scar and that's what made me come back. And the truth is, it's just one leg, I have another spare. "He said, tapping his prosthesis gently."

– I hope I'm not indiscreet, ¿but how much was the damage, Lincoln? – The Director continued to appreciate his pupil and his loss.

– Well. I stepped on an underground mine in a sandstorm, I could not see it... had the view completely cloudy. The military doctor told me that I completely lost my foot, followed by my fibula and my tibia. The damage spread throughout this... – The veteran explained, pointing out the different places on his leg. – Knee-high, the doctor told me that I still had a little of my external twin and that the intern was completely destroyed, so he had to amputate it because of the burns and that I flew several important arteries. It was fortunate that my squad mates managed to stop the bleeding in the emergency Convoy. In addition, the doctor told me that they had to extract several pieces of shrapnel from my other leg, which also suffered some severe damage in several arteries just as important. But he told me that I was very lucky that the mine had only wrecked my right, being able to keep the left, because otherwise I would be in a wheelchair, and he was right, it would have been much worse. At the end of the explanation, Lily hugged him very hard, she could not believe that her brother had gone through all that.

– I understand, Lincoln... In advance I am very sorry for your loss. – The director faced the reality of his former student who had just returned from Afghanistan.

– Is Well, Miss Johnson, unlike how much I like to be with my family and return to the people I love... – there was another pair of taps on the prosthesis – this is just a scratch, nothing compares or exceeds the company of people who represent more than a scar. – Lincoln hugged his sister.

– I'm glad to know you're still so optimistic, dear. – The teacher said, smiling. Despite his phantom limb it seemed that he was happy to be there. ¿What soldier does not yearn to return to his home?

– Yep, that's me. – Lincoln released his sister. – Well, ¿why did you call for my sisters, Lily and Lana? – He asked, rearranging in his seat.

– Oh, right, for all the emotions I've been having I almost forgot... – the principal touched the power button on his microphone and the school speakers went on – Professor Randy, ¿could you come to my office, please? – Then she stirred between the files to look for Lily's, so that a couple of minutes later when the teacher showed up, the principal had it in her hands.

Lily's teacher came in, was an older man of bitter appearance.

– Good afternoon, Director Johnson, Good... – Professor Randy stared at Lincoln, never really seen him in person, only knew him by hearsay. He had heard about how he looked, the color of his hair, eyes and skin, and that he was in Afghanistan fighting for the country – go... You must be Mr. Lincoln Loud. – He said, shaking his hand.

– Affirmative. – Replied Lincoln corresponding greeting to his sister's teacher – And you must be Lily's wrong, if I'm not mistaken.

– That's also right... – Master scrutinized the former soldier from top to bottom – ¿You know? I have heard many things about you, I imagined something very different...

– ¿Oh yes? ¿Like What? – Lincoln arched an eyebrow.

– Well, I mostly didn't think I had white hair. But even the most skeptical person can be mistaken. – The teacher admitted, sitting in a chair near the principal's desk – ¿Were you in the army, Mr. Loud?

The master was still without the veteran's gaze.

– Eeeeyup. I was on duty for five years in Afghanistan. ¿Why do you ask? Lincoln responded by looking at him attentively.

– Well... I heard several things about your... ¿Daughter, Sister? – The teacher looked at his pupil, confused, for he had never clarified what Lily was for Lincoln and expected answers from the principal or the former soldier.

Lincoln frowned a little at the question. Lily was her sister, but she saw him as a father, for... Lincoln felt a lot of nostalgia and sadness when he remembered Mr. Loud.

– She is her sister, – Replied the principal.

– That. Besides my father was in Vietnam, and I recognize an American soldier when I See It. – Said Mr. Randy scratching the forehead – by the way, it is quite a pride that a Navy soldier can join us today – that said, he rose again from his seat to make a military salute.

– Don't worry, you can sit down. Lincoln calmly said, though he was made something very curious to greet him like that. In the Navy it was normal, but at home I really didn't, and I wanted to forget it.

– Excuse me, Mr. Loud, but my father taught me that when I greet a soldier I must do as he deserves, as the fatherland has taught us and with all due respect that we owe them. – Replied the professor and then put his hand out of his forehead.

– Well, then... I am proud to serve my country... – Replied Lincoln coming down the voice by remembering all the things he had done for his nation – I guess...

– I can imagine, Mr. Loud. It's always a pride. – the teacher said smiling to the former soldier – well... Now I really expected his sister Lana or her other sister to come... Uh... ¿what was her name, excuse me? – He looked somewhat distressed at not remembering the name of Lincoln's second eldest sister.

– It's Leni. Leni Loud, Professor Randy – Replied Lincoln, a little missed by that.

– Yeah, Leni. They usually tutor their sister Lily. Plus her sister Lana is the one who has been most attentive to her sister Lily's academic development, Mr. Loud, more because her sister Lana has told me her mother... has some serious health problems, in advance my condolences, Mr. Loud – there was some respect in his s words.

– Don't worry, Professor Randy, Mom's fine, she just needs some rest. I don't think it was easy for her to keep eleven children on her own... – Lincoln remembered all those months and years that his mother had to hold the house on her own, after the death of her father.

– I can imagine, Mr. Loud. Well, anyway, knowing that you have come, I suppose you don't know the situation of Miss Lily Loud. – The teacher looked at the director, who already had the file of her student in her hands, and she in turn looked something nervous that folder.

– Well... The only thing I've known about my sister is the letters they sent me and... – said Lincoln, smiling with confidence to Lily– ... As far as I could see with my own eyes.

Lily, feeling her father's gaze, grabbed more confidence and fear vanished.

– Well, Mr. Loud, – Began the professor, taking out some papers. – Miss Lily Loud is an excellent student, I cannot deny it, has taken the best grades in the class for some years now, its average... is very outstanding and has been in the honor roll over Once. – gave Lincoln several grades of Lily, including mathematics, Spanish, sciences, all of them with more than A or A++ – Even in physical education classes and art is the best performing, all that is good. ¿What do I say, good? That's excellent, Mr. Loud.

Lincoln saw and listened to all that with a smile. If before he was proud of his sister, now he was twice as much, knowing that she was an outstanding student made him feel very good.

– God... Lily, this is amazing.

Lincoln saw and smiled at his sister, was completely stunned. The little girl also smiled... but in a somewhat more timid and discreet way, because she knew she was coming.

– Yes, it is a very amazing thing, Mr. Loud. But we are concerned about something of her, In fact, I have talked a lot with his sister Lana and Leni, and I hope that they have taken it well, as a council so that their mother can speak with her... – The teacher looked Lincoln's eyes. – She... She is a very good girl, but for a few months we have had complaints from her other classmates and some teachers because Lily has attacked them, both physically and verbally.

– Wait... ¿What? ¿Why? – The face Merry of Lincoln changed to one of concern.

– Well... Your sister didn't want to explain why. We have several theories that we have supported with what we have seen and of their behaviors and it is What... – The professor clarified his throat – She gets hurt when we talk about you... – Lily, when she heard that again, shrugged her shoulders, while Lincoln listened attentively to what the teacher said she was confused.

– ¿How? I don't understand, please explain, Professor Randy. – Lincoln was settling in his seat, Even Trying to process what he had heard.

– Listen, Mr. Lincoln, we have tried to explain many things to your sister. And now... more than anything we want to help you understand that there are times and places where certain behaviors and words cannot be appropriate, and What If you have problems, tell us what happens to try to help you. – Lily shrugs again, I was thinking about all the times I was saying what happened to that hypocrite over there, but I never listened to him, and the others did, so they had put her in so much trouble – Plus we don't want her to keep attacking her Companions. – He finished saying in a quiet way.

– Professor Randy, I ask you to explain. ¿Why are you telling me this? – Lincoln asked completely serious.

The professor looked at his student somewhat indecisively, but then simply gave A sigh and said it.
– It is... by his father Mr. Loud. – Lily hid on Lincoln's back when she heard that, thought a few moments of what the master had said, and still needed to say, did not want her to be there to hear his words.

– Hey, Miss Johnson, ¿Could Lily go out? I think this is a somewhat more delicate matter and I need her to get a little distracted.

The teacher understood the situation.

– Lily, ¿could you go out for a few moments? Your father and I will be talking, ¿okay sweetie? – The principal looked at the student and she nodded, Lincoln stood by her and accompanied her to the door. Once outside, he knelt at his height to see her in the eyes.

– Lily, I'm going to talk to your teacher and my teacher, if you want to go to the playground or the cafeteria, I'll see you in a while, ¿okay? – He said, taking her from her shoulders, to which she did not know what to say or answer, she had many things inside her that wanted to leave.

– Daddy... I hate Professor Randy... I hate this school... I hate my classmates and I hate to keep coming. – Lincoln did not know how to take those words from his sister, that revealed a lot – I just want this year to end and not have to hang this any more... Maybe change school... That's what I want most. – Lily kept her tears, though in her voice she had already broken.

– Hey Baby, ¿why do you say that? – Lincoln looked worried at his sister's blue eyes.

– Because everyone makes fun of me, they annoy me and tell me that I'm a fool and crazy for believing that you're my dad. –At this time the tears slipped down her cheeks. Lincoln simply hugged her trying to alleviate her suffering a little.

– Baby, Lily, I don't care what they say, whatever they think, or the accusations they make for making you feel bad, you'll always be my daughter. – He said, looking her in the eye again. She was still Crying, But I was Happy of what Lincoln had told him – Remember this, Lily, I love you and that's never going to change, ¿okay? – She nodded. – You are my pride, Lily, you are my everything and no matter what they say, I am your dad and always will be, ¿Do you understand?...-Lincoln did not at any time averted the gaze of Lily's eyes.

– Ye-Yes... Yes I understand it Daddy... – She nodded again with her head.

– All right... – Lincoln kissed him on the forehead to reassure himself – ¿Do you have at least one friend here? – He asked, hoping that his sister would have someone trustworthy, just as he had Clyde.

– Only Sasha... – His sister responded by lowering her gaze.

– ¿And who is Sasha? – Lincoln asked, patiently. She did not think much of the answer, so she simply said it as she was.

– Is my best friend... with her I had great moments. – Lincoln wiped his little sister's cheeks with his thumbs.

– ¿You see, Princess? You're not alone, and you know, I also used to be annoyed by being different, more than anything, a person. ¿But do you know why it was? – He said, smiling openly to his sister.

– ¿Why, Dad? – Lily began to see her father not as an adult, but as a child as well as her, with problems, with few friends and with different tastes and distractions. Certainly, although he had a group of friends, he never knew how to fit into such a broad social circle more than with his sisters.

– Because he liked me... – Lincoln smiled to remember the love of his life by making so many jokes, bothering, and sometimes even throwing or putting food in his underwear, ¿how did his bully become the love of his life overnight? – Sometimes people annoy you when they like you, just like I did. They may also annoy you because you have or do things that they do not and, so they feel jealous, or simply do so because they try to make their lives more interesting.

– Then... ¿Did Ronnie Anne bother you, Daddy? – Lily asked, improving her mood.

– That's right, Lily, and you know why I did it? – Asked, taking her at his side more -Because she wanted me to pay attention, as the girls told me at the time. If a girl annoys a boy is because he likes and eventually turned out to be true, He heh. But I also learned other things from other guys who bothered me, and it was that when you can do or be something they do not, they are jealous of you, they mock because you are different, and I have to clarify that being different is nothing wrong if you know how to prove what makes you so Different and special, and they don't feel special looking for ways to make you feel less. ¿Do you understand, baby? – Lincoln smiled at his little sister.

– Yes, Daddy, I understand well... – Lily smiled back, the words of her brother and father were making her feel much better.

– That's my Girl. – Lincoln hugged her as hard as she could, avoiding hurting her – You're my pride and pride in our family. That no one tries to make you feel bad, that you do not care what they think of you, you are you and they will always be them, in their way so wrong to be. Don't let anyone try to take away your happiness, ¿okay? – Lily smiled for all the support and understanding that her father was giving her, in addition to her advice and her unconditional affection.

– Yes, Daddy... Thank you... – Lily embraced the only paternal figure she could really remember, the one who was there in his early years of child consciousness, the one who clothed her, cared for her and worried about her, the one who went by her to the preschool, to her first years in primary, and the man who no matter how busy he was in his own home, never denied him his company. And now, I would finally see it grow again.

– Okay, Lily, now go distract yourself for a while, ¿okay? I'm going to be talking to your teacher and the principal. – Lincoln separated from her only to see her in the eyes.

– Yes, Dad – before they both parted, Lily gave a little kiss on her brother's cheek, followed by a smile – I'll be here when you're done.

– That's my girl. – Said Lincoln, stroking Lily's hair. She saw how she was walking down the halls, then touching her cheek. A person who completely represented his home. Then he looked again at the principal's door and led himself to speak to his former teacher – Excuse the Delay, But I had to say some things to my sister... – Lincoln took a seat where he was before.

– It's okay, Lincoln... We know it's a delicate subject.

The school teacher nodded, while the professor continued to look at something strange to the former soldier.

– All right, Professor Randy, ¿what do you have to tell me?... – inquired Lincoln, looking serious at the teacher and even more so for what his sister had told him about that man.

– Well, Mr. Loud, we believe that all these problems that have arisen with your Sister They've been for your father. I'd like to talk about it if you're not too upset, Mr. Loud.

Lily's teacher seemed anxious to know the story behind all that subject.

– Well, it's not something that causes me trouble to talk... But it is a matter that provoked a very deep scar in our family... – Lincoln sighed heavily, simply for reminding his father and the beginning of the problem until his horrible ending.

– I understand, Mr. Loud. ¿How was your father...?

– My father was a good man... He cared about us and our health, from my mom to every one of my sisters. Lynn Loud Signor... That was his name. Dad... God, he was the best father in the world. – Lincoln listened sad but earnest and steadfast in his words – I still wonder How He could keep with my mom a house of 10 girls and a boy... And it was because he really cared about us, he was a devoted father to his family and his children... He... was a clerk... I remember very well... and paid very well. – He finished, deflecting his gaze.

– Lincoln... If it makes you hard to talk about this, just say it. – said the principal, looking at something concerned with her student.

– Don't worry, Miss Johnson. – Lincoln sighed, for the mere memory of his father was... something that summoned the purest nostalgia. To miss a person who loves most and who has influenced so much in life.

– ¿What happened to your father, Mr. Loud?

The professor looked at the former soldier taking a mental note of what he saw in his expressions.

– Well... I guess it's already a little obvious in itself... But what happened was that the company... went bankrupt, and he ended up unemployed. Our home entered a time of crisis, and for several months, he tried to find a job that would at least give him half of what he used to earn in his old Employment...– Lincoln covered his mouth half-way when his feelings began to surface inside – My dad had found an opportunity in a business administration department... He climbed into our family van... And he never came back. – His voice was dubbed to remember the last time he saw his father Alive. And he wouldn't get better at talking – That night, the forensic police called our house... they had found the car smashed into the road; The reports said after it was the fault of a truck driver named Groose. At the speed that was going in the middle of the night and with his cargo, he had made his truck and the van collide in such a way that Vanzilla was split in half. The trucker died at the time of the collision, found it in the driver's seat, dead... Let's say he was lucky... But my dad... Well, let's just say they found enough to identify who he was. My mom, Lori and I didn't let the girls see the body, we couldn't afford any of them, not even at Lola's insistence. When they cremated him, I felt that at least he could finally rest in peace. Although we never found a place to spread his ashes, we best gave Mom the option to keep her or to find the right time... – with these words, Lincoln gave a heavy sigh.

– Well, Mr. Loud... My deepest sympathy for the death of your father. – The teacher said, settling in his Chair. – I a few years ago too... faced my father's spiritual departure.

– My dad died twelve years ago... I should have about twelve, and lily much less... – Lincoln looked at Lily's master indifferently – I lost my father at twelve... And my mother was the only sustenance we had for months and years, I still remember her... came to the... 2... 3 a.m., she had only four hours to rest, and then he had to go back to work. I hardly saw her... in fact, I didn't see much of my older sisters, or well, most of them on several occasions. The house, my younger sisters and of course, Lily, were in my care. I became, as it were, the father and mother of my home, and somehow I became the father of my baby sister. – Lincoln always remembered those times with nostalgia and sadness, remembering life after the happiness of being a child and any day. Everything just ended in a twinkle of an eye, with a call, tears and the loss of a loved one.

-I understand, Mr. Loud... Believe me, I can understand that. I'm sorry for your loss, enormously. – The professor seemed to want to look good with Lincoln, more than anything for his sister Lily.

– It wasn't easy to grow up without a father... And much less without a mother, I did not want her to stay without her dad... and just one day I turned her everything, without mom present, and without our father, I became his paternal figure... – Lincoln looked at his sister's teacher with a tear overflowing from her cheeks. – That's all I have to tell you, Professor Randy, ¿any other questions?"

The professor took that not as a question to another questioning, but as a warning that the abuses suffered by his sister should stop and never again bothered by what he represented for his daughter.

– No, Mr. Lincoln... apologized If I bothered you with... my question about his father.

– It didn't bother me at all, Professor Randy. In fact, It was something... "Relieving", as it were, talking about my dad was never something I like to talk about so openly. Yeah... testifying and convincing evidence of what it is and still is the question of Lily with me, she is my sister, but I will never deny her to tell me dad. – Lincoln finished the direct talk and although not sounding menacing, yes with a warning hidden in his words.

Lincoln's teacher noticed it, comprehending absolutely all looking with compassion at his former student.

– Miss Johnson, ¿could you give my sister the day off? I really want to spend the day with her. – Lincoln felt liberated in some way that he could not explain. The address could not be denied to his Request...

– Of course, I do, Lincoln, don't worry, I just ask you to see me try to catch up on this day and take good care of Lily, Give her all your support. – Miss Johnson felt that her heart wanted to get out of her chest. And he showed his voice bending and breaking.

– Of course, you don't need to tell me two Times. – Lincoln replied, smiling to his teacher.

– Well, Mr. Loud... It was nice to be able to meet you and talk to you about this Matter. – Professor Randy stood up with a very strong kick to morale.

– Yeah, I could say the same, Professor Randy. – Lincoln didn't want to See, but he had to do it, so he just gave it a serious look.

– Good... – He began, looking at a corner of the direction, while the principal hugged his former student.

– Take good care of your sister, Lincoln. – Director Johnson asked, hugging strongly. – Oh, I'm sorry... from your daughter. – he separated only to look him in the eye.

– Of course, you do, miss Johnson. – answered Lincoln Smiling Her teacher. While the teacher thought of the whole situation chatting with him, sighing heavily for what had happened in those moments.

– Well... If you have the time, tell your sister Lana that... it is no longer necessary to take her to the psychologist.

Lincoln hearing that he turned to the master with a face of confusion.

– ¿Excuse me? ¿Like what psychologist?

– Well, we were thinking of asking for help from a professional to analyze Lily's case.

– Someone else take care of the job, right? – inquired Lincoln, frowning. The principal reacted to that sudden change of mood.

– Lincoln, calm down please. – She asked, and grabbed him by the arm trying to calm him down.

– It is that I thought that better look for other options to avoid more problems... – The teacher excused, nervous in the attitude of Lincoln.

– ¿So that's what you do with the kids here? When you don't understand or understand their problems, ¿why not send them with someone else who understands? – in Lincoln's voice there was a deep anger and contempt for what that Imbecile had said – ¿Is this how this works? That is What Instead of sitting down and listening to a child's problems, understanding and supporting them so that they do not happen anymore, ¿is it much better to send them with someone who does listen to them? – Lincoln was furious, Lily's teacher was to feel fortunate that her teacher was there to contain him.

– That's not what I meant, Mr. Loud. – The teacher slowly regressed to Lincoln's passive-aggressive attitude.

– ¿Oh no? ¡¿Then what the hell was he talking about, huh?! That I don't see any other answer. What my sister said was true, she was afraid to go back to school because you only listen to the other girls and she never pay attention to her problems. – Lincoln accused, pointing with his finger

– Lincoln, please calm down. – The teacher had put himself amid him and Professor Randy to prevent verbal aggression from becoming physical aggression.

– You don't know the harm you can do to a girl just because you don't want to listen to her. You have no damn idea what it's like to be alone, ¡You Idiot! ¿Do you know how much a child can suffer from feeling that nothing she does goes well? – Lincoln had reached the limit of his patience, and if it wasn't personal before, now it was. – The damage my sister has received in this school is not the fault of the others. ¡It's yours! – He shouted furiously.

– Mr. Loud, calm down... – The master was already cornered in one of the corners of the direction. – Please... Do not do something you regret... – The professor said, completely frightened by the attitude that Lincoln had taken. That had already made it personal, Lincoln took it from the seven and angrily squeezed the piece of cloth in his hands to see it in the eyes.

– I'll tell you something, Randy, I've known despicable people in my life... But Just as I've known for half an hour and I hate you. I'll give you a warning, you idiot. You do not mess with my daughter again, if I find out that after this talk everything remains the same with her, I personally will come to fix the problem, which is you, ¿Did I make myself clear? – The teacher, frightened, nodded his head in the absence of words. – You do not mess with my family again, with blood is that this will never happen again.

Lincoln raised his fist, something that did not pass unnoticed by both. The teacher tried to stop him, and make him come to his senses, and the master saw him frightened.

– ¡Lincoln, Stop It Now! – Director Johnson shouted desperately.

Lily was in her locker, checking her notebooks, books, and several things she had kept there. In one part, there was a picture of a few years ago of his father and she always had in mind, until he heard a few boots down the aisle, turning the view saw his dad walking towards her with a somewhat carefree smile.

– ¡Dad! ¿How'd it Go? He asked, closing his locker and jumping to hug him.

-Well... I spoke to your teacher and I think we came to a good deal. – Lincoln accepted the hug with a smile, and added looking into her eyes – They won't bother you again.

– Really, Daddy? – She smiled completely relieved to learn that the abuse she suffered at school would eventually stop. "And what did you do to convince him?" -Lily smiled equally to her father.

– Well, let's just say I had a very convincing talk with him. – He said, rising and holding her hand. – Oh, by the way, I had you expelled this week and the other, so let's have some fun together.

– ¿Huh? ¿But wh...?

– Don't ask Lily, just enjoy these two weeks, okay? – He interrupted her, smiling with confidence, and then winked an eye upon him."

– Uh... Okay Daddy... – Assented Lily, confused, as they were leaving school to address Lucille. Well and All, Rose Happy To be able to spend two weeks with his dad.

Lincoln went up to the truck and tore it up to go home. He went with a quiet smile, for, if the master did not understand that way that his sister was not a simple object he could stop listening as if nothing were, then them I would teach the bad things about respect for the students.

The way back home was not Long, but yes was curious, as Lincoln was still driving slowly to avoid any inconvenience. Everything followed its normal course until it passed through the street where the home of the McBride family was. Lincoln stopped there, for a long time he did not know anything about Mr. McBride, or Harold and much less Howard, and seriously had to talk to them, it was necessary because the burden of guilt that had forced him to do... Maybe not now, maybe not at the time, but I had to.

– Hey Lily... ¿Wouldn't you like to make a stop? – He asked with his voice turned off, and thinking well of what he would do.

– ¿A stop? – she looked at him confused, ¿what kind of a stop would it be? – Yeah, yeah I would like it Dad...

The day seemed to go a lot weirder than she imagined. Lincoln turned around to park Lucille at the door of McBride's home.

As he opened the car's door, he watched the path sighing heavily. "¿What the hell are you doing here, Lincoln? You know that maybe they don't want to see you ever again"

– I know... But I must... For Clyde, I can't just escape from this, I must confront this. – he told himself almost in a whisper. "¿And what will you tell them? ¿I'm Sorry? ¿What Would you have preferred to be you? ¿That you wouldn't want this to happen? " – ¿I don't know, okay? I have to... For Clyde...

– ¿Who are you talking to, Dad? -Lily was still confused and asked about the conversation that Lincoln had with himself.

– No... It's nothing, Lily... I'm just… Talking to myself... – he answered, advancing along with his sister at the doors of the McBride home. "It wouldn't be a coward to go back to the truck now that you can..." – Yeah, I know, but we're here... And we can't go back having come this far... – He touched the door of the McBride's home a couple of times.

He waited patiently for an answer on the other side, thinking of the words he would pronounce, in what he would do. A simple "hello" would be enough to start with a conversation. Say the usual: "Hello Mr. McBride, hello Mr. McBride..." And that the conversation took the course to take. There was not much science in it, but there was in all that situation, in all that was to be said about the son of the family, in the decision he took to accompany him to hell, in the news that he would return home just so that his body was buried three meters in the graveyard, and above all the pain that meant losing a son as Dear and unique as he... In peace, sons bury their parents; In the war, parents bury their sons. Lincoln waited together to Lily For a whole minute, he felt that they would not open or possibly were not at home. He was thinking about all the possibilities. And it all pointed to that they just didn't want to talk to him. Lincoln sighed, if it was then it was clear that they despised him for having snatched his son, but not directly. He took Lily from her shoulder and lined up again towards the truck, at least he could say that he tried, and Although he failed, he testified that his friend was very important to want to talk to his parents.

– Lincoln...

A somewhat sharp male voice called him from the door. As he turned his gaze, he saw Mr. McBride. Like the adults of their childhood, they also suffered the marks of time, perhaps much more for the loss of their son. Their looks did not show hatred or resentment, simply melancholy. And the first to speak had been Howard.

– ¿How are you, son?

Mr. Harold spoke without many emotions, what should be said at that time should be said already, and if Lincoln wasted that opportunity, I would not have it again Turn, no longer Would Second chances and he know it beforehand. He approached cautiously and looked at them both in the eye.

– Hello, Mr. McBride... – Greeted, addressing each One – Hello... Mr. McBride... – Both looked at him when he heard his surnames.

– Hi Lincoln – They both responded almost at the same time.

– I... I'm fine, I just came to visit you and... Well, see if everything was fine... – He said even with his younger sister's shoulder in his hand. She looked at the scene something strange but Even So quiet.

– We're fine, Lincoln... not completely well But... at least we have health and that has always been the important thing. – Harold answered with A thread of voice.

– ¿How are your sisters? – Howard asked Lincoln, looking at him and his younger sister.

– Well... They are very well. – "Happy that I came home." He kept those words because it was really necessary, not because he wanted to, would be like telling a joke of very bad taste.

– I can imagine it, Lincoln... – Responded Howard.

– ¿And how's your mom? – Harold asked, swallowing.

– She's... Okay, a little sick but really good. – Replied the veteran, nodding his head and hiding his hands on his trouser pockets.

– Yeah... we heard something that she was not very good health... I hope he'll recover soon. – said Mr. Harold.

A somewhat uncomfortable silence was made present in those moments. Lincoln had the words, but they were stuck in his throat; wanted to talk to them, But I could barely look them in the eye. The death of his best friend had not been his Fault, but in his heart it was. If Clyde and he had never been friends, Maybe I would be there with them two, but the world was not such to just want one thing and the next day everything was magically solved. Absolutely everything had a consequence, and no matter how much you wanted to reverse every decision, you just couldn't. It was not unfair, you just had to adapt to the rules of the game, no more painful and damned that these were...

– Lincoln, ¿wouldn't you like to come over for a cup of coffee? – Howard revived the flame of the conversation, Lincoln looked up to that proposal – There are cookies for your sister if you like.

Lily, hearing the word "Cookies" She smiled And Lincoln thought of Howard's proposal while he still didn't know what to say.

– Ye-Yes, Mr. McBride... I would like a coffee... – He answered, supporting the look as hard as it seemed.

– Go on, son, you're at home. – Harold and Howard turned away to give way to Lincoln and Lily. He let her go in front and then take the address inside the home. The first step inside came with some nostalgia. Mr. Harold surrounded him with one of his arms in a friendly manner, though still with a little sadness. By posing his hand on the former soldier's shoulder, Lincoln felt that he was squeezing him softly. On reaching the sitting-room, Mr. Harold pointed to the coach and armchairs which Had There.

– Lincoln, you and your sister take a sit please, I think we have a lot to talk about.

Those words resonated in Lincoln's head. Nodding, Guide His sister to the parlor. He knew that home as much as his, and had not changed much, except for the paintings on the walls and some pictures, but everything looked the same as he remembered. As he passed by the chimney, he saw the pictures of the family McBride, Clyde, Harold and Howard; Some simply with one of the members of the family and others with two or three, but the image of the son of the family was the most abundant, and Lincoln appreciated them with some pain in the chest. Lincoln looked away, resisting falling on his knees and crying over the loss that had hurt the most in that house. Upon taking a seat, Howard looked at Lincoln, there was a lot to say, many things to talk about and a lot to tell... But again, the silence became present, if there was so much to talk about, ¿Why Not just drop the words there and then? The only logical answer that could be given was that they simply had to wait for Howard to bring the coffee and the cookies, so they could talk. Mr. Harold was still watching Lincoln, waiting for some word from the ex-soldier.

– And... ¿How Have you been all this time, Mr. McBride? – Lincoln looked at something distracted from Mr. Harold, who, listening to that, set aside his thoughtful gaze to focus on the scarcely-returned war.

– We have... been very well Lincoln, really both Howie and I have been fine. He's gotten another job in an office, he's got something Small, But I feel it's perfect for him, I'm still working... Not much has changed, although we were in a time of recovery. – He said, looking into the kitchen waiting for her husband with the coffee and cookies.

– I understand, Mr. McBride... – Said Lincoln, resisting the desire to say nothing related to Clyde until Howard was together with them in the courtroom.

– Yeah... I will not lie to you, son, we were for a few months in The Stages Post Mortem of our son... You know, like sadness, denial, depression and a very painful and slow acceptance... Even recovering a little bit from Clyde's death. – Harold's voice, though sad, was serious and direct. Lincoln and he couldn't evade the subject forever.

– Yeah... I understand, Mr. McBride... I went through the same thing when... when it happened to my dad. All my sisters went through that, some overcame it much slower than others...– Lincoln slowly began to feel shivering just to remember what the loss of was a loved one.

Howard was taking a while, for he did not know exactly what to give Lily; I thought it would be a good idea to give him latte. Although they had some chocolate powder for her.

– Hey, Lily, ¿would you like some coffee with milk or chocolate milk?

At the end of the question, Mr. Howard swallowed the conversation in the courtroom. Like her husband, she was somewhat melancholy and in the thread of her voice it was very noticeable.

Lily thought for a moment the answer she would give when she heard the conversation that Mr. Harold and his father had.

– Hey, just a little chocolate milk, sir... Ehhh...

– Just tell me Howard, Lily, you don't have to tell me sir. – he responded by giving a sincere smile to the girl from the kitchen. – Milk with chocolate, then – he finished saying, placing two tablespoons of chocolate in the cup where Lily would drink.

She also smiled at Mr. Harold, seemed to feel something sad without knowing by What But at the same time something uncomfortable because she had no idea of the story behind her father and the Lords she had seldom seen in her childhood, much less in her passing through puberty. Although I remembered having seen them a gray afternoon at a funeral of a young man with the same skin tone as Mr. Harold. That day he felt a great sorrow for them and more for the man in the kitchen, whom he remembered with such sadness to see him hugging the coffin.

– Lincoln... We know what you came for... And we thank you so much that you came to us... – Mr. Harold put his hands in front of his mouth while still holding like Lincoln and her husband the desire to mourn.

Howard came out of the kitchen with a full pot of coffee, three cups with the black liquid and a cup with the symbol of Jack one eye, with chocolate milk for Lily and sparkling biscuits.

– Mr. McBride, ¿do you need help with that? – Lincoln wanted to get out of his seat to help him carry everything.

– Don't worry, son, I can do it. – The second man of the Family kindly responded by placing the tray on the table. – I hope you like it, more than anything to you, Lily. – He added, smiling the little girl, who took her cup and some Cookies.

– Thank you, Howard. – Thanked the girl.

– Thanks Howie. – Thanked Mr. Harold for drinking the cup of his coffee. – Sit down, please. Remember, we need to talk to Lincoln. – He reposed, taking it by the hand While Howard grabbed his cup and settled next to her husband, and Lincoln somewhat ungained, he took hers in his hands.

– Thank you, Mr. McBride... – he said, almost in a whisper. A brief silence accompanied the first sips of coffee and milk. When they all finished, Lincoln thought, ¿Give The first word to them or take it? First thing first, to say things as they should be.

– Mr.'s McBride... I'd like to tell you a few things. – So, Lincoln, armed with courage, took the first of his curses that tormented him and weighed him on the shoulders.

– We'd also like to talk to you about some things, Linc. – Said Mr. Howard, posing both hands in his cup.

– But we ask you to be the one who starts, son, for Please. – Followed Mr. Harold.

– First of all... Thank you for being like a second parents to me. – Lincoln began, with a stop of sadness – You... supported me, you were very supportive in this difficult stage with my family. I want to thank you for the seven years that you gave us that unconditional support and the thousands of times we were offered shelter and food when we no longer possessed even half of what we used to have... And, of course, for giving me the best brother I could have wanted.

Both men's McBride gave a sigh laden with melancholy and some satisfaction by the words of the former soldier.

– And we thank you so much for having been like a second son to us, Linc. – answered Mr. Harold looking with the veteran's forehead high – We thank you for giving Clyde a brother as noble and selfless as you were, and we thank you for having and given you nineteen beautiful years of experiences and memories to our Family. – Howard clenched his eyelids by letting himself be carried away by the memories. The pain of memories. The pain of past happiness. The pain of life in the days that left.

– But... the three of us know why fate has summoned you here and now, Linc... – Mr. Howard let out what he had inside for almost two years – Because my son decided to go to Afghanistan with you... – Harold, seeing The first tears Slipping down the cheeks of her husband, surrounded him with his arms, did not want to see him again broken completely and as sad as in those months, so I wanted to show him that would be there for him.

– I know... I know... – said Lincoln, lowering his head, felt a chest pain.

– ¿You know, son?... I still remember eight years ago, three months, two weeks, one day and nine o'clock in the evening... telling me that you, his best friend, in the face of the plight of your family, had found the option to join the Navy. When you told him they couldn't stand seeing your mom asleep at 2 in the morning and going back to work at 7, you hated seeing Lori go to work in a mediocre and poorly paid job, wasting her valuable college years , you didn't want to see Luna resting Always on the couch because early had to look for a place of bad death to play with her band, which broke your heart that what made Luan so happy now was killing her for not having minimally new material for his presentations and you wished that Lynn does not leave aside her dreams of being the star athlete who always wanted to be, to work in a store that the only future she would have would be like the star of a lot of boxes...

– And that... at least we try to give your younger sisters a future... And all in exchange for the Yours. – The melancholy atmosphere continued thus with the three men of the room, attacked by the avalanche of memories – I... I don't want to lie to you, Lincoln, saying I never really questioned your decision. But it also took the future of Him. – Howard began to breathe heavily in her husband's arm as a sign of deep and great despair. – Our son Lincoln... Clyde followed you to the hell he represented Kabul, we waited anxiously for his return, ¿you know? We waited four years for his return... But the only thing we had in return was a news and a coffin with our son in it... – With those last words, Harold felt a strong pressure on his chest, and the hand that held his was pressed to the attack of the most painful memories...

– Mr. McBride... I... I'm So... – He tried to say Lincoln, But the words were lacking, everything at that time was lacking, even the air. and panted trying to pull as much as possible to try to fill his Lungs, but even that could not do properly. The atmosphere was becoming uncomfortable for Lily, who did not know what to say or do, and much less could continue to eat her cookies with total tranquility in this situation.

– ¡DON'T!... Don't say you're sorry, Linc... – Harold raised his voice for a Time, but he tried to stay calm. – Just don't say it, son... All that I want is for you to tell me one thing. – He tried to look Lincoln straight in the eye, as a policeman would do to a war criminal – ¿How did you know that he died? – He filled his lungs to the point of not holding more air and gave an overwhelming sigh.

Lincoln, at that very moment, had to remember in detail the death of his brother, that sandstorm in that painful morning of a 4 May, which left him morally devastated. Seeing his brothers in arms fall before the incessant roar of the battle was something that happened often, it was only a matter of time before it happened again with one of his companions. But he never imagined that the next would be the only one who for years was his only brother, accumulating memories and memories... Now it was just another low among the desert sands. Looking at the slaughter, waiting for the sun never rise, living another day hiding the fear under the adrenaline of the battle to arm himself with courage and shoot whoever came for his life. But just that night, that damn night had to be lost, that night had to separate from his platoon for the bombing, and his brother just had the misfortune of receiving the 40 bullet hits that ended with his life. There was No other choice but to tell the truth of what had happened that night.

– It was... in the south of the Kabul border, our squad had separated from the other teams that were to patrol the area, I... I didn't think they could afford more than 1000 Sand storms a year... And I hated them, because there was always something horrible going on along with them, and the repercussions affected both me and the others... And I knew that very well. But we had been separated from the patrol squads of the area, they were going to start a tactical bombardment and we were not warned by radio; Communications were lost in the Storm, as well as our only way to get away from there before the operation began. When we established our communications, it was already late, and the air strike had already begun. We had very little time to react, when I did account the structure of the building that covered me and were only ruins, and was separated from all, and even Clyde, and cursed them for that, we try to regroup... But the enemy intercepted us first and we had to find a meeting point in a closer place... When we received a transmission from the barracks it was too late and three men from my squad were in the state of M.I.A. (Missing In Action). Others had regrouped and waited tired, hungry and thirsty, they were just waiting for the others to come... to leave that damn place and never return... I just had bullets in my M4 assault carbine, a bullet in the breech and seven in the cartridge, and I had already spent four of the six bullets from my magnum. One more showdown and would be completely dry, so I walked away from the bout, Even Knowing that time was running out, and they were waiting and waiting for my signal. I didn't know if Clyde had already arrived with our patrol, but I could feel that he was already there... I had to be there, and the night was coming, but I couldn't get out of the covers because I was afraid... They were waiting for me and I couldn't stop seeing those damned people coming out of all places. I crawled like a vile worm to escape... I wanted to get to the point of Meeting, But I didn't want to die... I... didn't want to die... And when the shooting started I knew I had to run, but the damn sandstorm stopped me again, heard screaming, shots coming from all directions, shouted my name, the name of my companions and everything, when stopped, I hesitated for a few moments to leave... I was so afraid to get out... When I grabbed the courage to get out of there... I could not see anything, just the dust covering my sight, but I saw something in the middle of the street, when I approached distinguished the silhouette of a person... And when I came to see him, it was him... covered with blood and dirt, with bullet holes all over his chest... They had done so much damage... I just held him, tried to stop the bleeding with what I had and told him that everything was going to be okay... And he just kept repeating to me again and again: "I want to go home, I want to go home", and I told him he would come home... I said, "You'll go home, Clyde, I promise you," and every time I felt that I lost him... When he said: "Lincoln... I'm going Home", I tried to do at least something... But when I realized it had vanished, covered with blood and dirt and I only held it... And I... Was just holding it... And I couldn't leave it there... And... and I... – Throughout the story, Lincoln had tried to stay strong in front of Mr. McBride, but the pressure on his chest had made him break to mourn by remembering his best friend in his arms, giving his last words before dying and bowing to the end of the night. The growing pain of his chest was combined with a terrible sense of despair for not having done more that morning than the Fourth of May That pierced him so much in his mind, for he kept on doing it in such a vivid way as that night.

Lily wanted to do something to see her brother cry again, though all she could do was to pose one of her hands on her adoptive father's arm. He felt the palm and quickly received a hug from Lily, she did not think that accepting to accompany him on that occasion would know one of the hardest parts that had to happen. Lincoln was Trying to focus again on reality, until he felt a hand on his, it was Harold looking at him as a father to his lost son.

– Then... you did not abandon him, ¿were you there in his last moments of life? – Asked the man who held his hand. Lincoln, before that, nodded his head slightly.

– I could not leave it... If I left him there on the sand, I could never have forgiven myself, I had to take him to base, alone. – In Lincoln's mind there was only one image in those precise moments, that of him carrying the body of his deceased brother on his back.

Howard partially covered his face with his right hand, on his chest he would cover himself with a feeling of inner pain so deep that he knew he was going to howls of grief and pain at any moment.

– Thank you for telling us that, Lincoln... – Said Harold with the folded voice to the point of breaking. Lincoln again nodded to the words of his brother's father.

Howard looked to the ground trying to find the most humane way possible to tell him what he wanted since his son had returned in the coffin. Although deep down, Lincoln's words had finally freed him from a pain that had tormented him for a long time, he only sought the courage to tell him a few words that had been saved a long time ago. – Thank you... for not leaving Clyde... But I must tell you something, son... You have No idea... of the deep contempt we develop towards you... – In the voice of Harold was heard the Fault, But at the same time an internal fury within the words. Lincoln felt them as stabs on his Soul, But he didn't deny them, somewhere inside his heart he wanted all the guilt on his shoulders. He deserved that, he deserved all that.

– Lincoln... You don't know How Much Despised to take our son with you. – Howard spoke in an uneasy tone, his voice was completely broken, and his cheeks were crying because of what he was saying to his second son – I know it wasn't you who forced him to go with you, you never asked him, and we know you wanted him to He will stay here with us... But my son made that decision for you, so much that he appreciated you... He went with you to Afghanistan... And you don't know how much I hated you for that... – Guilt in his words was mixed with everything he had kept within himself for a long time. – We wanted to blame you for the death of our son, Lincoln, you really have no idea how much we wanted to blame you for everything, Linc... But you did not ask him to ago with you to the battlefield, you did not ask him to join the army, you did not influence that decision, Clyde knew that going had been completely his decision. We couldn't blame you... it wouldn't be fair, not for You, Not for his memory, he who loved you as much as his brother. You did not force him to go, it was his decision to accompany you to hell and even if we have blamed the death of our Clyde and even if we had called you murderer, you were not the one who fired against him, you were not the man who snatched our son. and, Anyway, ¿what could we win with blaming you? That would not take him back home...

When Howard finished talking, he reloaded his head on her husband's shoulder to finally cry quietly without consolation. Deep down he really wanted to blame him for everything, make him feel like the worst garbage in the world, but ¿How to do it? Even with his pent-up grudge he couldn't do it, it wouldn't be fair to even tell him. That would be kicking someone who was already on the ground. He just let his pain slip away while his husband put his head in his to share the ordeal.

It wasn't fair, it shouldn't be, but Lincoln in his mind was telling it over and over Time, it Deserved hatred, deserved resentment, deserved everything, every drop of hatred accumulated from both parents was heard in that room, he had convinced himself that it was his fault, it was all his fault. Lily did not understand the situation, she had to be in the shoes of the three men in the room to understand all the pain that was there.

On the other hand, Lincoln looked at the ground with eyes wrapped in tears, did not give off any sound and his breathing, though broken, did not let escape the agonizing phantom pain of his chest, because if he did would explode in cries and wails and did not want Lily to see and So... He did not wish to share the agony of his heart shattered like glass. Thousands and thousands of fragments scattered throughout his body, both of guilt, repentance and pain, a phantom of the pain that was no longer even the shadow of what in the old was.

"I hate you, brother... I could have had a beautiful life out of all this... I could have had another chance... But no... I came to accompany you to this miserable place abandoned by God, I had to come to accompany you to this damn place, you do not know how much I hate you, brother... The blood of that child is your fault... ¡Not Mine! ¡This is All Your Fault, Lincoln!"

Suddenly, Clyde's words came to his mind, when the violence had already reached an unimaginable level, when the bodies reached them on both sides, when the guilt was killing them inside, it was when the words of repentance went to light. He couldn't blame Clyde, he couldn't blame his parents, he thought that all the hate in the McBride family was well deserved, after all. It was all his fault.

– Sometimes I would have liked to be the one who died that day... I said to myself That Clyde He died because of me... Because if he had never meet me, he would now be here with you both, Mr. McBride. I did not want to cause this to him, I could never wish this to anyone... But I'm not the one to tell you what it feels like to lose a child. –

For a few minutes only, sadness was shared in that room, Lincoln was still trying to remain calm and posture, he knew that this scene had bothered his sister very much.

– Dad... – Lily left the Chocolate Cup aside to try to see Lincoln in the Eye – You... You are not the one who... None of this is your fault... – by deflecting her gaze at her sister, she took her brother from her cheeks to see her straight into her blue eyes. – You just wanted to help us... But on the way spent, Therefore, you could not foresee everything that could have happened, it cannot be your fault, dad... Nothing that happened could have been your fault. – Lily hugged her father's head to contain him, while Mr. McBride listened to her trying to calm him down so that he would not continue to blame for the death of his son.

Perhaps at that time they could yell at Lincoln "murderer", make him leave arbitrarily from his home and have the conversation end there, but she was right, no matter how much they would have shouted, cursed or even insulted, or have some vengeance in Against those who indirectly had caused the pain... But, even if they did, what would they get with that? More than losing the only son still left, burning Clyde and Lincoln's memories just to try to hurt the soldier that all he wanted was to give his family a chance. Hatred would only end up generating more hatred, hatred against those who are not to blame would only generate irreparable wounds.

For the greatest expression of righteousness is forgiveness. And the best way to forgive was to heal. A few minutes passed, and Lincoln managed to reassure himself thanks to his training and the unconditional support of his sister. Lily after a while had taken a recess to go to the bathroom, and Mr. Howard went to accompany her to know a little more about the house and help her not to get lost in it.

– Thanks for... give me the opportunity to be here again and... Thank you... I needed to talk to you, . – He finished saying Lincoln as he emptied the last drops of coffee from his cup.

– Yeah, Lincoln... I won't deny it, son, it was a nice thing to see you again... – Replied Harold at the end of his cup of coffee. – And... I would like to tell you that contrary to all that Howard or I could have said or thought before, it was nice to talk to you again, son, the truth to see you always was and has been a gift...-the man directed his gaze to the former soldier with confidence.

– Thank you, Mr. McBride. I hope to continue Visiting More often... It would really be something very gratifying... – Lincoln looked at his cup in his hands with the remains of nostalgia that occurred from earlier moments, until Harold again caught his attention.

– ¿You know? The death of a child is not easy to overcome. It has never been easy, you think you will die long before you see your children inside the coffin, you know, is what is dictated in nature; A father should not see his children die... But when I see you, Lincoln, I can only imagine you sitting in that chair, looking at your father's coffin. I can't imagine what it's like to lose a father at the age you had... Losing a father at such an early age should not only have been a very hard blow to You But for all... Especially for Her. – Harold pointed to Lily, the only one of the Loud sisters who though she tried, could never remember her first father's face, voice, or love. Something that made Lincoln sigh heavily. – And I can understand your decision son, you just wanted the best for your family, you wanted to get them out of the crisis. Your intentions were noble, but I may never understand why Clyde decided to go with you... Maybe it was because of the Brotherhood they had, maybe it was because in fact between the two they covered their backs, but the truth I think their intentions went along with him.

Lincoln looked at his brother's father confused.

– I don't think I understand what you are saying, Mr. McBride... – Lincoln said in a confused tone. He couldn't understand what he wanted to tell him.

– Look... I know that sometimes you must deal with the things that life gives, as they say, "God gives and God removes." But what I can tell you is a thought that had haunted my head since Clyde's body came home. Maybe the pain you and I feel is the same. The loss of a father or a son is never easy, not things that are overcome from one day to another. When there is a death in the family, one does not know how to follow, or to live without that person who is so much loved, everything we do simply reminds us of them. But life goes on and even if the pain stops us, it makes us stumble and make us fall, we must always go forward to honor the memory of those who left. It's not easy... It shouldn't be. Both you and I know that the demise of a loved one is never simple, but as long as we can honor his memories and move on... There will always be a way to keep them present, even after death they will continue shining like stars, Watching from Infinity and beyond. – Harold said, looking confidently at his son, they both knew that death was a natural part of life and that sometimes the guilt of not saying or doing something when they had the chance were things that hurt deeply.

– I understand, Mr. McBride... Thank you very much... – Lincoln nodded until he felt a somewhat different caress on his good leg, looking down he recognized an old black cat and next to him, a little chubby kitten – ¡Hey, Cliff! – Lincoln stroked the fur of his old cat, which now belonged to the McBride family. But, although time had passed, Cliff had recognized his former owner. – Damn Man, I haven't had you for years. – Lincoln smiled again when he saw an old face that used to be part of his family.

– Yeah, and from what I see, he missed you, too. – Harold looked at his cat with a smile – ¿You know, Linc? When you gave it us to take care of him because you could not keep it, it was difficult for him to adapt to his new home, more than anything for Cleopatra and Nefertari. A new cat in the home was a big challenge but ended up adapting and grabbing affection to his new friends... – Harold looked at Lincoln stroking his cat's head.

–Don't mention it, Mr. McBride, I always knew that bringing Cliff here would be a good option. I mean, it was that or Leave Aunt Ruth. And knowing the pile of cats she had in her home, it would have been impossible for Cliff to fit in. – Lincoln loaded the cat and realized that the cat age was already very evident in him in many ways, both in his coat and in his weight. I mean, he was an old kitten.

– He he Yeah, But, Even So, thanks for giving us Cliff, it was one of the best gifts you could give us, Lincoln. – Harold, like the former soldier, had regained his emotional stability and now shared a good time together as friends or father and son.

– Well, I didn't find a better place for him than with my second family. – Lincoln looked at Harold and Mr. McBride looked at him again; The words said were loaded with much feeling and respect for the McBride family.

– You're a good man, Lincoln, you've always been a good man. From the day I saw you walk through the door of our home I could check it out, and I want you to know what it means So much for me that you came today to greet... But... – Harold swerved his sight to the side of the room. – I hope you understand that we still need a little more time to get through this... Howard more than anything.

– Yes... I can understand that. – Lincoln scratched his chin knowing what was to come next.

– That's why, son... It is not for wanting you to leave our home... It's just that we need time, he's more than anything, you understand, ¿right? – Harold seriously didn't mean to His words were somewhat hurtful or that they expressed indirectly that they wanted to run it from their home, But, On the contrary, Lincoln shook the head accepting the words of the Lord.

– I understand, Mr. McBride, don't worry – He left the cup on the table with some guilt air, but as Lily had told him, none of it was his fault, just a twist of the fate of a coin that never stopped falling, and whose result always seems to be worse than the ante R

At that very instant, Howard returned together with Lily, and she, with a Smile brought In his arms a couple of things, like comics, an old video game console and some books.

– Hi dad, ¡Look What Howard Gave Me! – Lily sat down next to Lincoln, and he stared at what she was carrying in her hands. Many of those objects recognized them well, they were the old comics of Clyde, and the old console with which they used to spend evenings of unforgettable video games for every child.

– Hey. – Lincoln took one of the comics in his hands and appreciated the cover carefully. – Jack One Eye: Devastation... God this was the favorite event of Clyde. – Lincoln began to look at the pages of the cartoon as when he was young, to see the panels and vignettes of the comic.

– Well, it's What Seeing Clyde's room, Lily saw some things that interested him, and then... as there are many things that only occupy space, I thought better to give them to someone who may be able to provide better use. – Howard answered, Lincoln while She sat next to his husband.

– Yeah, thank you Howard, and that is that these numbers are the ones I needed in my collection of Jack. – Lily put aside her presents and began to see another of the comics. – I read on the Internet that the devastation Saga was one of Jack's best events. Even surpassing ace Destiny and Time lines.

– He heh, you have no idea Lily, I liked it a lot when Out. – Lincoln looked at the cover and remembered the day that Clyde had Sent The message that his parents had bought it. – That day he was so excited that he had to do Lori's homework for two weeks, because she covered it just by going to read such a long-awaited event. The whole afternoon they spent talking about the first episode for hours, and they couldn't wait for the next month to be able to read the next part. The beauty of childhood could only be overshadowed by the ugliness of adulthood.

– Yeah and... ¡A kitten! – Lily smiled at the sight of Cliff and Nefertari. – God, I love cats – Lily loaded the cat and started stroking it – ¿You know, Dad? I always wanted to have a cat, but mom told me that we would no longer have room for animals in the home. – Lincoln, hearing that, smiled slightly, though Cliff recognized Lincoln and Lily, she did not know who that old kitten was.

She had grown up in an era where dad was no longer home and would never come back, where mom could no longer stay home every day, Lori was already working to keep the family up, Leni took care of what she could at home , Luna wasted his life and talent in hellholes, Luan forced his jokes to try to do comedy, Lynn just kept going to school because the other option was to pack and stack boxes. And she had an older brother like a father. She could not remember the voice or countenance of her Mr. Lynn, could not remember even the slightest detail of him, she was just a baby when her father passed away, for with that, ¿how could she remember that old cat? For his part, Lincoln could not blame her for not doing it, barely and she was aware of his own existence, the only word he knew how to pronounce well at that time was "Popo". He had to learn to be a father and mother at the same time, in a single day, for herself and her other younger and older sisters, occupying a very large position for him at 12 Years, trapped in a father's role long before what he would have wanted. The fact was that his home needed it and he still needed it, for when all else failed, he went on standing, accepting the fate that life had put before him, giving his face to life with strength, for he should now be the pillar upon which his home should be held, Where her sisters could find at least confidence and assurance that everything would go well, because there was no longer a father to turn to when faced with situations of greatest need, or a mother who was always on the lookout for everything at home. Now it was just him trying to be something that with a titanic effort barely and could accomplish at 15.

Because when you need a shoulder where you cry you must be strong to be the one who contains a house that was falling apart, and try not to break in the attempt... He no longer had options, had lost them the day that dad left to never come back, just wait for things to be better or worsened communally... And he was always trying to keep that thought from What If things didn't get worse, they had to get better, ¿didn't it...? It should improve... God could not allow the situation to always worsen, ¿right? ¿Right? That desperate question always hovered over his head and there was never any answer but an overwhelming silence of an uncertain future for himself and his family.

With a crisis and so many mouths to feed, there was no room for their beloved pets. Sometimes the best decision was not the right one but the fairest, to accommodate the main needs of the family, and although they considered shawls, Cliff, Walt and Geo as their family, no longer had room in the home... Sometimes, when situations tightly tighten a family's necks, you must let go of the weight that just stops the step. It sounds unfair, Fact, it's unfair, but the words Lincoln told Lana and Lola were true, when they had to give Geo an adoption.

"In a fair world, this should not happen... But this is not a fair world, this is a world where you survive with what you have. And as long there are fewer mouths to feed It will be better for us." Even with the pain of his heart, he knew it was necessary. He repeated it several times that day, when Rusty and Rocky took the little hamster to a better life, should be the best, for God it should be the best; Otherwise the pain of her sisters by having to let go of another pet would only make him feel much worse.

It has rained a lot since then... but he could still feel it as if it had been yesterday.

– Lyl... ¿You don't remember him? – Lincoln asked his sister, with the false hope that at least she had met that kitten during her childhood.

– No Daddy, ¿should I? – Lily innocently replied to Lincoln, who could not help but give an overwhelming sigh. Then it was true, she could not remember Cliff... Lincoln still wanted to cling to the idea that based on small fragments of memory she could remember Dad... But the reality was very different.

– Uh... His... His name is Cliff... He's an old family friend... – Lincoln tried to sound cheerful but could not help feeling bad because his sister had no memories of a simpler time.

– Hmm, I think it's very nice. – Lily continued to caress the cat's fur, until Nefertari approached him trying to draw his attention so that he would also give him affection – Oh ¿and who is this kitten?

– Her name is... Nefertari, and she's a kitten. – Howard answered, smiling at the affection that the little girl gave to the kitten.

– Awww is very pretty – Lily began to scratch her chin as the little cat responded by purring.

– Yes... it is... And Cliff's a good cat, too ¿you know? – Lincoln stroked the feline again – in fact, you had known him long ago... But you were still a baby in those days, don't you remember? – Lincoln asked, trying to hide a desperate attempt for her to really remember her cat, whatever it was, provided she really had only one image of her first father.

– He heh, I don't think Daddy can, you said it, I was a baby. – Replied Lily, smiling innocently to caress both cats. Lincoln only looked with disappointment to the ground, something that both Mr. McBride noticed with some grief for Lincoln.

"¿How could she remember? She was just a baby when Lincoln brought them." They wondered about them internally until they realized what Lincoln wanted to get to. Dad had died when she was the most fragile in the home, and even if she wanted, she couldn't remember him.

She could only remember the boy who had cared and protected her from a baby, the one who clothed her and changed her diapers, who never denied him a hug, a kiss or his company, the one who wore and went for her to preschool every day and who made her lunch all the mornings, the young man who told her that he loved her when mother could not Do it, the boy who told him stories before she slept, the one who helped her with homework and work of the school, the young adult who took her to his first day of primary, which was day and night on the slope when she get sick, the one who put band in the scrapes of her knees. No matter if he lost sleep as long as he saw his girl well, in the man who reassured her when he knew he would go away to train promising he would come home, he was gone to give her a better life and give her mother back, and the man who was just beside him, the man she called "Dad." His father... The only paternal figure she had ever had. A word had never had so much meaning for Lincoln in so many ways. But he really wanted her to have at least just a mental image of his real dad, because he wanted to deny that his father's memory really would have died for her.

Lincoln got up and looked at the room clock, it was 2:53, that meant it was getting late. Then he looked at the two men who could not take their gaze away from that scene.

– Well, Sr's McBride... It was nice to be able to talk to you again, but I'm afraid we already have Go. – Lincoln looked at his sister, Who, Disappointed, he also looked at the room clock.

– Awww... ¿We should really go? I just want to keep petting the kittens. Lily looked with a certain disappointment at Lincoln, who only sighed at such a request.

– I'd like to stay a little longer, Lily, but we have to tell mom about your... small vacation period. – Lincoln smiled at his sister, trying to convince her with her words and attitude.

– Well... Well... – Lily Reloaded Cliff with a somewhat disillusioned face. – Sorry, Kitty... It seems that here we Goodbye. – Lincoln watched for a few moments how Lily loaded her cat, waiting what by looking at him well, she could at least summon only a small memory... Something even but as it was loaded, left it on the couch... Now he had to ask him, he had to find the right words for her, something that would not hurt her more than he could imagine.

– We will accompany you to the exit. – Harold Rose with her husband, who thought to tell Lily something very important.

– Hey Lily... Nefertari's going to have kitties back in a month. And as you said you like kittens very much I thought in...-Mentioned Howard in A gentle tone something that made Lily turn with a great deal of excitement running down her back.

– ¿Really? -Lily smiled broadly at Mr. Howard, hoping to tell him what he was imagining with all his heart.

– Yes, and well... I'd like to know if you'd like a gift.

Lily let her smile shine with all the joy of the world, something that did not prevent her from running to hug her new friend.

– ¡Thank you, thank you, thank you! -Lily surrounded Howard with her arms, taking it completely for Surprise, But, little by little he began to accept affection and return it in the same way.

– Heh heh, you don't have to thank me, Lily, all for a good friend of the family. – Replied Howard de That same loving and peaceful way... Like when he talked to his own son, like when he used to talk to Lincoln... Perhaps it was because of the words that Howard had told him, but the nostalgia for better times always touched his door threatening, with memories and memories that stabbed him in the soul and left him bleeding.

He still blamed himself internally for the death of Clyde... And as Harold had told him, Howard still needed time to accept and forgive.

It had not been his fault... But Even So it was... Lincoln loaded his sister's presents to the wool truck and put the important things in the copilot's seat. I was just waiting for her to finish talking to Howard so she could leave at once, until she felt that Harold posed a hand on his shoulder as a form of support.

– Linc... He just needs time, ¿okay? You know that Howard is a man... That takes time to accept some things, it is obvious that the death of a son will never be an easy thing to accept, much less something that can be lived... But Howie has to understand that it's not your fault, son... – Harold deflected his painful gaze into the van. – As... Like your sister said, you couldn't anticipate everything that happened. Sometimes I like to think that Clyde, when he went with you, knew what would happen, knew the risks and the price to pay... I like to think that at least his sacrifice was not in vain... Well, I know... that gave you more strength to fight and go home. And that's the most important thing... – Lincoln turned again to see Harold, who dedicated a smile with his eyes reddened by tears – I may have lost a son... But I'm very proud to say, that at least my son Lincoln came back.

Lincoln finally smiled at those words, just came back to Harold to give a strong hug to his brother's father.

– Thank you, Mr. McBride... I really needed that. – Lincoln felt cuddle by Harold – *Sniff * Thank you for having accepted us at you home once again, Mr. McBride. – he swallowed heavily even with the knot in his throat – thanks for everything.

– No, Lincoln, thank you for visiting us. – Harold separated from Lincoln to see him again,

– But I want you to remember this, son... You never know When Time can end, but you now have time, you have this new opportunity before you, take advantage of every second now that you can, do not waste, do not regret anything you do now on, now That you are at home enjoy life... Enjoy every moment with your family, do as he would have wished. – The words of the man were much deeper than Lincoln had imagined.

He had something that no one else had: the second chance to rediscover, to be able to live and be with his family, an opportunity that was always wasted every night when he took his gun and pulled the trigger... Now really Lincoln was questioning whether Keep trying every night to snatch his own life just so that his conscience would finally be quiet... Just to prove a point. No.

It was much more than that. But he was afraid to admit that perhaps it was true what his mind imagined.

– Well, Lily, we'll let you know when the kittens are ready, ¿okay? – Howard was out with the little girl, who was already dreaming awake with her new kitten.

-– hanks Howard, I just hope I can come see you when they are born. – Said Lily in A campaign tone and with joy, Though something impatient.

– Oh, don't worry, Lily, you can go back as often as you want, we'll always be waiting for you. – Howard finished with her with a smile.

– ¿Really? – Lily turned her incredulous gaze toward being responded to immediately with a positive wiggle of the man's head. – Thank you very much Howard. – Lily hugged him for the last time that day. Lincoln came to see them and could not help looking at himself there, thanking that man for everything he had done for his family during the years of crisis. ¿How can he forget that? ¿How could he forget himself ten years ago? A simpler time... A past life that it would not return...

– Well, I'll see you soon, Howard. – Lily finally separated to address her brother.

– Uh... Lily... ¿Could you wait for me in the truck? – Lincoln looked at his sister, who was confused with his head, and then headed to the copilot's door and opened to meet his gifts. She took them in her arms and went up to Lucille and then directed her gaze at her brother and both men. – Well... Thank you very much for receiving us in your home, Mr. McBride... It was really a nice thing to talk to you again. – He said in a tone somewhat distressed by the second Mr. McBride.

– Yeah son, thank you very much for coming to us. It was really gratifying to see you again here in our Home. – Howard put a hand on the Ex-soldier's shoulder with all confidence and sincerity. But Even So he had to tell him something, even if it hurt deeply in his heart. – But... if you really appreciate us and if you really appreciated Clyde... I don't want you to come back to our home.

Those last words hurt... Oh Yes, they hurt a lot for Lincoln, Harold had told him that Howard needed time, but just saying those words broke something inside Of Heart-Shattered Lincoln

– I understand, Mr. McBride... – No matter how much Harold had told him... It didn't matter how much Lily would repeat it... It was all his fault. He had completely damaged a family only because of the Brotherhood he had with his son.

"You don't have to thank me, Lincoln, all for a good friend of the family." That's what he told him right after he gave him a pantry for two months. ¿How could he live like this? ¿How could he live with those words when they had given canned food to him and his family when they had nothing to eat? ¿How could he live knowing that man He wanted so much he hated him for his son's death...? It was simply sticking to what Harold had told him, as much as it hurt him to spend time away from the McBride family.

– Uh... Your sister can keep coming as often as she wants... She... Is that it reminds me of him and... You understand, ¿don't you? – Howard stammered A little while Lincoln just nodded.

– I understand... Although Even So I can't let her come alone, if she understands me. – Replied Lincoln in A somewhat off tone while again the inconformity felt in all the environment. – it's... I just can't let her go and come alone, Lily is still very young, and she needs to be looked after, plus... She likes me to accompany her everywhere.

– I understand... – Howard directed his gaze to the ground and tried not to repent of the words he had told the former soldier.

– I'll try to stay away... Either way, thank you for your hospitality. Mr. McBride.

At that time, Lincoln gave Half a turn to head for the van where Lily was expecting it. He did not wait for apologies or even a word more than Howard It was clearer than water.

He blamed him... He hated it... And Lincoln hated himself, not only for the death of his friend but for all he had done and what he was doing. Yeah, he just wanted the best for his family, but that didn't mean destroying another that was just as important to him. His brotherhood with Clyde had brought him both to this fatal decline.

But Clyde no longer had to worry about anything, he no longer had to have worries, guilt, regrets or a phantom pain like him... The dead already rested in total tranquility, sleeping in a peace that no man or woman would have known, letting the world continue its course without them. And it even seemed to be better to say, "I surrender." Take the revolver and arrange the bullet in the breech where the hammer will hit, and end it all at once and for all instead of continuing to suffer... As Lincoln wanted it, to put an end to all, to suffering, to guilt, to remorse, to liberate his soul from the chains that dragged him to hell in life that he lived every day for everything he had done in Afghanistan.

And even though he knew What If he would go straight to hell, at least his pain would end... But when the pain of one ends, that of others begins. His sisters... His girlfriend, the people who cared and thought about him every second while he was away. In the promises he made, the things he said, the ties he formed and the family he loved, everyone would suffer Lincoln's last decision. He kept on thinking as he went up to the truck and turned it on to start up, until Harold came up to the driver's window to see him.

– Before you go, son, I'd like to give you this. – Harold took from his back a big box of cardboard that he put in Lincoln's hand. – It's... just a little souvenir, we know he would have liked Give. – Harold closed Lincoln's hand and he looked at his hand with the little box on it.

– Uh... Than... Thank you, Mr. McBride. – Lincoln, though somewhat confused and dismayed by what was inside the box, did not deny him the gift... He tried to imagine what would Within, but he wanted to wait to see it with his own eyes.

– Come back when you want son... No matter what Howard said... This is your home too, although it hurts him to accept just need the time, he cannot keep blaming you forever in any way, you're still part of our Family. – Said Harold with a melancholy smile on his face. Lincoln didn't know what to say because the words were missing, Harold was right. Howard couldn't have a grudge all his life. For the greatest expression of righteousness was forgiveness. And even if he's late, better late than never.

– Thank you, Mr. McBride. I will... We will see each other again, I hope... To grab his hand very soon. – Lincoln shook his hand smiling.

Slowly, both hands were separating and awhile After Lincoln put Lucille back on the run. The Loud siblings resumed their way home while both McBride hugged when they saw the van of the Loud family heading home. They both needed to talk to that man, even with grief and repentance followed him as a son, no matter what had been said, was his son at the end of the day, they could not be angry with him, for in his eyes was still that good boy who had a brotherhood with his firstborn and had come to heal and forgive, more Howard would devote all his time now to seek forgiveness for the former soldier. Now perhaps both could let Clyde go in peace knowing all that Lincoln had told them, dead but not forgotten, to honor his memory and look again to the future without fear or sadness, forgiving and accepting as it should be, only with hope and will to start over.

However, they had been children who had not been well integrated into the school society and although they had a closed group of friends they had each other. They were both true brothers of soul, children of different Families, But Brothers, After all. Clyde being the brother Lincoln never had and vice versa. Mr. McBride could not hate his son's brother, they simply could not, for it was not fair to hate Lincoln. Well, ¿how could they hate the boy who gave a second home to a different guy? Who accepted Clyde as he was, sharing his tastes and experiences, and never in his life saw the relationship of his parents as a bad thing.

The McBride family had adopted Lincoln as a second son, and Lincoln had adopted the McBride as their second family.

And Even When the only son of the McBrides had gone to a better life yet, they had a son there who had returned with them, and his daughter to forgive and heal.

Meanwhile, Lincoln was driving giving subtle looks to the box he had left on the radio, he wanted Open, but he wondered if he should do it, ¿what could it have? The Truth, he didn't have a clear idea that what could be inside... Maybe later I could check, because the truth in those moments Lincoln just wanted to think and get home to reflect on what he was doing with his life.

Clyde didn't have a chance to go home with his parents, it was true that Lincoln had something that no one in his first squadron had, a second chance... If before reflecting on taking his revolver, turning the drum and pulling the trigger was a very Difficult Decision, now doubled. He wanted to find not only that part of himself that he had lost in the war, but the redemption that freed him from such a heavy burden of guilt and repentance, he was to find his strength to abandon the false relief of death and focus on the future, he wanted to cling to Fu family with all his strength to abandon that stupid idea of committing suicide. But... what if in the end his only way out was death? maybe it was... But...

"¿Would you really be such a coward to do this to your family? ¿To do this to me? "

– Oh, Ronnie... ¿Why do your words always seem to be right? You, more than anyone, always seem to be right. – Lincoln said quietly as his left hand rested on his face. To think was both a blessing and a curse. Thinking helped him so much to reflect and at the same time he was sinking more and more into madness.

– Uh... ¿You know, Daddy? – Lincoln looked at his sister, whose voice fortunately had taken him out of his trance. – I read on the Internet that the Destruction event was one of those that permanently marked the legacy of Jack. – She explained with a smile as he tried to talk for his father to clear his mind of thoughts and focus on the here and now.

– Uh... Yeah, in fact, It is very good, when I read it long ago, I was shocked by what had happened in the first volume. – Lincoln looked back on the road thinking... But suddenly it was no longer the thoughts of a grown man with several demons on his back... It was the thoughts of a child who was excited to talk about one of his favorite thoughts. – In fact, It was written by the novelist Alan Miller and illustrated by Greg Romita Jr., when those two are put to work they always do works Masterpieces. - He added looking at his sister with a smile.

– ¿Did Alan Miller and Greg Romita really do it? No way daddy, those are legends in the comic book world. They made Civil Battles and the Watchers. – Answered Lily Excited In the words of his father.

-Ha ha ha ha yeah I know, but the truth I think the comic, Ace Savi: The Card Knight Returns is the best superhero comic in history, or compare that with Jack one eye: devastation to almost Unfair. – Lincoln followed telling her while he was still attentive to the road. Between the two brothers Loud began to play a song that made him very happy in his childhood, and at that moment he smiled to remember his brother and himself speaking the same as in those moments.

– But Frank Millar doesn't count, we're talking about Alan Miller, the work he did on The Watchers is listed as one of the best graphic novels in the History. – Lily refuted her arguments with an internet review she had read before.

– But Frank Millar has also done exceptional work. Not for anything many of the comics he has worked on are considered masterpieces. But ask Mark Moore, when they worked on Old Man Savi said that Frank was the best writer he had ever known and that inspired him so that together with Greg Romita to create Civil Battles. – Lincoln smiled when his sister's eyes were shining.

– Oh my God... And Civil battles is my favorite saga of Marvelous Comics. ¿Did you know that they are going to make an adaptation to the cinema?

Lincoln felt the joy of walking his chest when he heard that.

– Don't say, ¿are they really going to make a Civil battles movie? – Lincoln's question was loaded with childish emotion and love that a child could only Pity Comic superheroes.

– Yes, on the World Top Comics page they announced that Spider Guy was going to make his debut in the film Universe of Marvelous. – The conversation between them followed and followed, the two were so lost in the superhero fantasy that they did not realize that they had already come home.

Lincoln only smiled as a child while still sharing with her all his experiences in the world of comics, so that he had I parked the van aside on the road just because they wanted to keep talking about his favorite comics. As in yesteryear yesterday with Clyde, where the two kids only talked about Arrrgh!, video games, comics, movies and everything else remained. Enjoying the joy of childhood until the arrival of the sunset in his family, were those little moments where Lincoln felt truly happy, where he felt that it could truly be that old Lincoln Loud forever, at least just for a few moments... Enjoying the Little moments that life offered.

– But the timelines saga was also very influential, so it was popular knowledge that there were several universes. When they introduced Speedy from Universe 1 # and the Universe Speeder 2 # everything changed. – Lincoln continued to refute his sister's arguments while she was also trying to keep the talk. – Look, I'm not saying that destruction is inferior to Card Knight or Timelines, But also many of the events that made the editorial marked Ace, Jack and all the super heroes that followed.

– Yes, and I'm not telling you not daddy, but after Speed Point the other events that happened before had not actually happened, and the events that happened in the saga the Breaking Point ceased to be canon to introduce the new official chronology. – Lily looked at the car window something tired because in his voice it was noticeable that it had been a long talk, but still animated to continue talking about Savi, Jack and all the fictional heroes he liked so much. – And it is that in the saga Devastation In Infinite Universes we were more explained the background of the multiverse and the consequences of the change of temporal lines.

– ¿Devastation in infinite universes? – Lincoln heard the name of the Comic well and now he was confused, but when he thought a little he realized that it was one of those who had been lost. – Ahhh. Yeah, I heard about that when I was in the Military academy, I heard that it had been a Boom between the collectors of Comics. – Lincoln turned his eyes on his sister – ¿Do you have them, Lyl? – He asked with some emotion in his words, without a doubt the ability to enjoy his favorite pastime again was happy about it.

– Of course, I do, daddy, I even have the Monster Edition that collected the whole event in one book. – Lily answered, smiling, a long time ago since she had shared such a pleasant moment, and more for her father.

Both needed a lot of time together, Lincoln had to spend much more time with his family.

Those little moments... in which it was worth being alive.

As she got out of the van, Lily took her backpack and Lincoln helped her load her new comics and the console she had been given at the McBride House. When he opened the door, Lincoln heard the TV from the house on, left things close to the computer table to check and to take a look someone was watching a war movie. Leni? Leni was watching a war movie? Why would she see something like that?

– ¿Leni? – Lincoln went to the room to see if his sister was there – ¿Leni, did you leave the TV on? – as he got closer, he saw the pictures on TV, that's when he began to recognize moments.

An extraction helicopter was shot down by a rocket launcher, Lincoln at that moment was paralyzed to see himself there, the battlefield was again in front of him and the helicopter was beginning to fall. Around him the sand flew furiously with the cries and the misery of always, bullets flying everywhere and the cries of his companions and the terrorists coming everywhere. His foot could not move, he was paralyzed by the event that occurred before his eyes, cold Sweat began to run through his forehead and back. His neck began to feel the worst spasm in history. The combat helicopter descended until it culminated in an explosion and the abrasives of flames began to cover the whole atmosphere running fulminant to him. He felt the fire that was getting more and more closer, its Eyes shrouded in terror watched the hot parts and the metal coming upon him. Lincoln wanted Move, but he could not do it, his legs had completely failed him and he knew that at any moment he would be crushed by the large piece of metal that had been a helicopter fighter...

– ¿Linky? – Leni touched his brother's shoulder to see that he did not respond to his earlier calls, and then He reacted Suddenly and looked at his sister at his side.

– Le-Leni...? – stammered. As they looked at the screen again, they were going into commercial cuts.

– ¿What happened, Linky? I was in the kitchen and I heard you call me, but when I got back You didn't responded. – Leni looked with some confusion and concern at the face of her brother, whose eyes were still full of absolute terror. Nothing had been real, all It had been a very vivid memory for what he had seen on TV. – ¿What's wrong, little brother? Why do you look so scared?

Lincoln deflected his gaze from the screen as the pressure he felt in his chest diminished, seeing those Images They hadn't done him any good.

– No... It's nothing, Len. – He looked for the armchair to sit, he felt stressed, very stressed, his forehead was pearled by sweat and his breathing was irregular. – God... It's just that... – Lincoln panted repeatedly and Leni did not understand what was happening or why he had been so and that worried her very well.

– ¿What's wrong, Linky? Seriously you're worrying me. – Lincoln at that time covered his eyes with the palm of his hand, feeling his fingers moistened by feeling the tears coming out. Everything had felt so real, the fire, the adrenaline, the smell of the burned metal, his heart beating fast as he saw the helicopter fall... A damn movie had taken him to Afghanistan and he could only try to calm down and convince himself that he was at home and not on the battlefield.

– Excuse me Leni... It's just that... God... – Lincoln turned his hand away from his face as his breathing soothed. – Uh... you were watching... ehhh, ¿You were watching TV?

– Uhhh... Yeah, I was trying to see if there was anything interesting, and in the button that said "Guide" He said that they would pass the film of Requiem For a brother. I like a lot that movie. – Said Leni, and Lincoln Nodded with his head, that somehow made sense, because ¿why would his sister see something as horrible as the movie that was happening in those moments?, would be unthinkable...

– Ah... Not bad... Uh... – Lincoln swallowed saliva while his breathing was reregulated. – and... well, ¿what's that movie about?

Leni, in the face of the question, knew that she had to respond in total sincerity. Although he still felt worried about Lincoln.
– Well... It tries that he only male son of a family, is diagnosed with a terminal illness... I think it was a tumor or something. – Leni seated herself well in the armchair as she tried to summarize the plot as she could – And with nothing else to do, the best medical diagnoses give him just a few weeks to live. – Lincoln in those moments listened attentively to his sister.

"Weeks of life," he said internally.

– And it is very interesting to see how a boy reacts to learn that soon he... is going to die. And her sisters. It even makes you wonder if they will be able to survive when the emotional center of their family is snatched... It's very pretty. I wish you could see it. – Lincoln looked down. – somehow, Linford reminds me of you, little brother. – Leni smiled at saying that and next act loaded her head on Lincoln's shoulder. – We almost lose you... But you came back for us. And you don't know How much I thank you for It. – Leni closed her eyes with a completely peaceful face.

Leni's words about that movie made him To think, sometimes life gave unexpected turns at every moment, somehow he was fortunate that only his leg had been ripped out of his body, but there were people in the world who did not have the same luck, an example were his squad. Clyde... Things as small as incurable diseases could make a family permanently broken and cause huge scars, so Lincoln imagined himself to be the guy in that movie...

He had become emotional support for his family, like an ear to be able to speak and feel heard, a shield to defend against the cruelty of life, wings to be able to hope for a better future and a person in whom no matter what always could to want and to trust... And all of that sent him to hell just to touch his hand cannon again.

Yeah, life was not fair, and it did not have to be, but at least it could make it more bearable. Requiem by a Brother... It seemed to be a good movie, maybe he would stay and watch it together to Leni and Lily. Perhaps to spend a moment with family, perhaps because of the curiosity that produced the synopsis of the film... Or just to realize about why Others had it easier than He. A week of life just to say goodbye to all who loved and die finally leaving the world in peace and not with a bullet in the brain, even seemed more just than the death penalty established that he had put himself once he came back from the war.

Just to want to break his mouth to punches for thinking of such a self-indulgent action, abandon his family just to be at peace with himself.
"You're a coward," he said mentally as he took his sister's hand in his.

"You're a damn coward, if you hurt your family permanently it will be your fault and no one else." Lincoln was again in that position, of wishing death, but at the same time live by the love he had with the people he loved so much. It was his duty to stay alive for his family. They deserved at least a shred of happiness after having it so far for five years, saying "I give up" was not an option. It wasn't, damn it,

"You complain because life is not fair when you will only make it more unfair to them." His conscience hit him again. "You're going to snatch their happiness just to fulfill your whims, you're not just a coward, you're a scoundrel to do this to people who love you... Life is not fair, but to make it more unfair to people who are not to blame is the action of a true selfish. "

– I know... But I don't want it to hurt anymore... – Lincoln answered himself quietly. Something Leni didn't overlook.

– ¿What is hurting you, Linky? – Leni looked his brother in the eye, as he returned to the real world once more.

– Uh... Well... It's a feeling that sometimes I have, Leni. – Lincoln began to lift his pants to let him see his synthetic leg. – There are nights I still feel it... There are days when I feel like I have fingers... A foot or something under the knee. But then I look down and I realize that there is nothing. – Lincoln again covered his leg and Leni, faced with that answer, could make sense of what had happened with his Brother moments before, because he thought that the only wanting to feel his leg was something very painful for him, so he didn't want it to hurt anymore just to remember.

– Well... I don't know how it should be for you, little brother... But I think I know what you Feel. – Said Leni in a low voice trying to sound as respectful as possible.

– No, Len... You don't know how it feels. And I hope you never know what Is. – Lincoln gave an overwhelming sigh in those moments as the programming returned to give the announcement of the film – ¿Can we change the channel? I don't feel in the mood to watch movies Now. – Lincoln's voice doubled when he said that phrase. And the truth is that I did not want to see the misery that was lived day by day on the battlefield.

Leni simply nodded, maybe that wasn't a good time to see the movie she wanted, but at least she could spend time with her brother.

– Of course Linc, tell me what do you want to see? – The blonde girl took control of the television and began to explore the channels they had.

Lincoln was thoughtful for a moment, even with the images of the failed assault on the Afghan town of Da Ghwandai Khar, did not want to see the horror again before his eyes, but the memories... Oh, the memories did not want to leave him alone, and they wanted to see him bleed, as a permanent mark of the horrors to which he himself had to face for the love of his family. More than the bullet marks on his body, or his phantom limb, but those were deeper scars and that caused him much more pain, mental scars What Even if he took therapies and months of self-help he would never forget one of the things that happened in the Afghan countryside...

– I... Sorry Len... I need to go to the truck, I think I forgot something... – Lincoln rose from the chair interrupting Leni, who was looking at something worried as his brother would get up from the couch just to head for the exit.

Lincoln took the keys to the Lana truck. He climbed up the windows. He put his hands on the steering wheel and began to focus... In your home... In his sisters... In his mother... In his late father...

Then he advanced from there, into his friends. In his brothers. In his companions of life...

A little more and met Clyde, the McBride family... His platoon mates 47... His brothers in arms... Men who lived one more day hiding their faces before the battle. Waiting for the sun never to come out again. Like him... who hoped he would never have to lift his rifle against another man in a world whose main rule was... "It's them or US "... They were young men who looked at the bottom of their own graves, believing that they did die at least Jesus would have mercy on their souls, living another day hiding from the judgment they cruelly did not deserve, but they would have, for having taken lives indiscriminately By orders of an ideology which had already abandoned them to their fate, their true being gradually disappeared between the bullets and the flames. At that time, they stopped being men just to be war machines that could be replaced by any poor fool who was sent to take his place.

The feelings I had could not be correct, they could not be correct... They could not be, death was no longer just cease to exist, was a face that every time it appeared he could see and feel emptier. One life was that, taking away opportunities, taking a father from a boy or girl, taking a child from a family and much worse... When he shot a mother in front of his young son, life was lost as simple as stepping on an ant, nothing stopped as much as he wanted. Each time the lack of significance in a death became more and more frequent.

To the point that Murdering another human was simply like shooting and already, I did not perceive any feeling of tragedy or sadness for the simple fact of extinguishing a life, just there ended the story of another living being and continued his.

Taking and removing lives just so they wouldn't take their own, and then Lincoln realized that as much as he fought without thinking of himself he would never recover his soul... She had strayed who knows When, surely when he killed the mother of that poor young man... Or when he saw the causes of a bombardment when the parents went out with the bodies of their children, yelling to heaven for the injustice that they have taken the life of their little... Life was not fair and that was demonstrated by those who lost their families and friends with the simple action of pushing a button. When those who had nothing to owe were always the ones who feared most.

When violence has come to a degree where horrible things are done just by carrying a flag shouting "Freedom," pointing to an assault rifle on someone else's face was when human values were lost...

Come asking for peace when neither side nor another can stop the river of blood, in a war not Had Neither heroes not villains, only assassins wielding flags proclaiming that their solution is the only one, without thinking of those who are crushed by their ideologies.

And Peace was a song that very few could understand or sing, many lost meaning and others only hid it amid cries of violence.

100 million of soldiers could not be mistaken... They couldn't be wrong... Because they had to keep questioning whether what they were doing was right, it had to be correct and there had to be an explanation to keep on killing... there had to be a right cause to keep dying. ¿But what side was really lying about? ¿Who Was he really telling the truth? What was the righteous cause that always ended up distorting to the interests of those who were moving the economy of war?... But... We would be only killing each other because we are not really different from animals, it was just supremacy. And that the law of the fittest would consume them all in the fire of violence.

And Lincoln could not stop crying with his hands still clinging to the wheel... To think of everything, he had done tortured him psychologically to the extent that... It no longer mattered whether he was at home or not, he had died from the first moment he had stepped on a land that did not belong to him, to kill the people who had been born in it and proclaim the land in the name of his own nation.

They cried when their brother left... Going to a land so far away that it never came back... Looking for hope where there was no... Looking for a truth for which he would not return... Poor Lincoln Loud... Even with 24 years and having seen and witnessed hell in life, he was still a frightened little boy in a world so large and desensitized that his suffering or that of all his family was indifferent to the vast and great universe, in which the human life was only the Fraction of a cosmic second.

If there was a god who saw the suffering of a man barely returned from the war, surely, he would be very sorry... Or a lot of shame... Or a lot of contempt. Everything was worth it.

Life was not fair... It only accommodated the needs of the people.

It was just adapting to the rules of the game and waiting for the judgement of the Sword of Damocles.

And if they couldn't adapt well, the exit was there for whoever was the coward who didn't know how to play. Simply to turn away so that others who did have the courage Reach The victory. Like it or don't like it, those were the rules.

Lincoln Loud shouted Even Knowing that perhaps the glasses of the van would not be sufficiently capable of containing such despair, his chest bleeding and his voice shattered were the sign that there was nowhere to go, there was no one to turn to share the suffering of death on life.

Between his desperation and crying she did not notice that Lily was looking at him from the porch, she was worried but couldn't just go and ask her... You better let him tell you because his father was suffering like never. Then Lincoln dropped his head on the steering wheel.

He was destroyed. Not just inside but outside.

He was a broken man for life and was still standing alone because death did not love him when he had the chance.

After a couple of minutes, he finally opened the driver's window, just to breathe fresh air. His hands trembled, and he felt a tingling at his neck, shoulders, back, his only Leg and on his scalp, he needed that, to vent and think about how fucked up his situation was.

So that was his life from now on, notwithstanding scenes from a stupid war movie just because guilt and memories threatened to make it go down more and more to the hell of Madness, the seventh circle of the violent.

needed to calm down or when entering home again began to rain the questions, focus on military training, maintain sanity and above all prevent them from seeing him cry, that was the most important part, if he showed that he was well, everything would be Not bad. ¿Right? He must have been a pillar, unwavering and indestructible for his sisters. He must have been strong, he must have been for them. Everything could fail less him... Now get out there and give your best face, Champ.

Lincoln was about to get off the truck until he saw on the radio the box that Harold had given him... Lincoln took it in his hands and examined it... It was just a little box, not too heavy for its content, but Even So I knew there was something inside... When shaking it could notice... It had to be something small like a cell phone or a RA... Then Lincoln directed his gaze to the entrance of his home, his little girl looked at him expectant...

– Oh no... – He said quietly to know that she had seen him weep and heard him cry out of despair. Lincoln covered his eyes knowing that now she would have so many questions to ask, ¿what would I say? "Hey, Lily, it's not what it looks like just screaming and crying because I killed a lot of people. Hey, my girl, don't think she was crying, she was Laughing How pathetic I am, Lily! ¿Do you want to know why I was crying? Is that I hit the big toe of the non-existent foot I have..." ¿What the hell would he would say to justify what she had seen?... ¿and just tell the truth? If that were an option surely, he would... But knowing how much he would worry his little sister, it was obvious that it was not a good time to tell her... Something would occur to him... Sooner or later something would occur to him, so she wouldn't ask questions and he wouldn't give answers.

A white lie to calm the situation and so no one would suffer... More than him, but ¿What could he lose? At least if he failed he could not say that he had not tried... ¿Right?

Lincoln got out of the van with Harold's box in his hands.

– Hi Lily. I didn't see you there, ¿what's the matter? – Lincoln walked towards his sister with a false smile and a perfect tone of voice to hide what had happened in the van. Lily could not help feeling somewhat uncomfortable by the way she spoke to her, a few moments ago she had seen him break into Lana's car. She was muted, and Lincoln knew she had seen him... He knew I'd ask questions. It was phase two time. – Uh... ¿what are you doing out here, Lily?

– Well... I was waiting for you to help me get my things up to my room... I didn't see you with Leni and when I asked her, she told me you told her you were going to go to the truck for Something. – Lily looked somewhat anxious to say the next part. Lincoln noticed it in the way he moved his thumbs and the way he had deflected his gaze.

– Oh yes, uhhh forgot This. – Lincoln showed the box that Harold had given him moments ago. – I remembered that I had left it in the van and then... came back for it. – Although that was convincing for Lincoln's mind, he didn't explain how when He was breaking into pieces like yesterday in conversation with his sisters.

– But... ¿why were you...? – It was phase three time. Lincoln then pretended that he was going sideways, as if he didn't have his prosthesis or something had failed, Lily saw her brother falling in slow motion like a tree that had been cut off, so she really cared. Lincoln had managed to convince Lily that she had lost her balance, or that her prosthetic leg had failed. Lincoln fell on the grass making his performance more believable and when his sister ran to help it, it was time for the fourth phase. – ¡Daddy! – Lily helped her brother sit on the floor. – ¿Are you, all right? – She asked, worried, to see him fall that way.

– Uh... Yes Lily... I'm all right uh... – Lincoln thought at the speed of lightning a convincing answer for his girl, and when he had it, he released it. – It's just that sometimes I forget it's not my real leg. – Lincoln looked at the missing part of his body while his sister left the previous scene and started spinning things from there. – Sorry, but I think I applied Weight of more there, and then... You know. Sometimes I forget that I have no leg and... Well... – Lily looked at her brother with some grief, it should not be easy to live without a leg, it should not be easy to be him in his position... Little by little he was deceived by the lie and let himself be persuaded by the words of Lincoln.

– I understand... ¿is that why were you crying, daddy? – Lincoln breathed until he filled his lungs to the brim. and gradually emptied them with a heavy sigh, he saw the eyes of his little girl and as the Master of Deceit that was returning, he simply nodded with the Head. Lily at that moment looked with a little more grief at her brother. All she could do was hug him.

He was not feeling well by lying, of Fact, She did not feel at all well to tell her lies to her sister just to not tell her what she actually had, but it was the best thing for her. The less I knew of everything I had lived and done was much better, it had to be the best for her, because she already felt very bad only to think that her sister knew that he was a murderer and a war criminal.

– Don't worry, Lily... It only hurts temporarily – he said with a somewhat dull voice, his chest was full of fragments of a broken heart, and his whole body bled without stopping... But he was still a soldier, he had to maintain that strong and unwavering posture before her and the others. In Reality, It was the only thing he could do to not worry more than he already had his poor family. – Help me to get up... – Lincoln asked while his sister nodded with her head.

She, with all her might, tried to lift her brother. Lincoln, although doing most of the work, could not help feeling how his sister gave everything of herself to help him. That filled him with pride, because he knew that no matter how broken he was, while his little girl was there for him everything would be fine... Yes, she was fine, he was fine. And that was the most important thing...

"Selfish." A voice in her head reminded her that her child would not be well... He wouldn't be if that night the bullet ended up going through his brain... Everything to have peace...

– Lean In me if you can't walk. – Said Lily quietly as she used her own body for her brother to lean on her.

– Yeah Lyl. Do not worry honey. – Lincoln smiled confidently at his little sister, and she smiled back at him.

They both walked slowly and slowly home.

Will continue in PostScript…

This... It's been a long trip and I know I still owe you a second part of this second part.

But I know it was worth it.
At the end here is Homecoming Part 2.
Which I had to cut for being very long, if I had left it as I was most likely there would be a lot of complaints about that. But do not worry, I hope the PostScript does not take long to arrive.

In advance I hope you can understand me, translate it's a hard labor.
So wait for the following PostScript because I will give a very important announcement, really apologize for the delay. But after I finish writing I must pass it on to my editor so that the work is much cleaner and impeccable.

Please excuse the delay.

Also have a look at Loud House S.A.M.C.R.O. It's a part story but that will have many references of this series and versa.

Visit Also to My editor FHix on its Facebook pages, Deviantart and Fanfiction makes a lot of nice and interesting content, plus very nice stories.

Follow me in deviant, do not raise much, but... Lately I will be uptalking designs and illustrations of LH Sons and Homecoming... it's Something!

ArrobaObscurum-Draco

I thank you so much for all your visits, comments and green. Really guys and girls, I love them all, I wouldn't do this without all the help and support they give me.

Guys, girls, thank you all. Here the real artists are you. Without you I would continue to publish stories without constancy or relevance. Thanks a lot.

I hope to submit the Part 2 of Loud House S.A.M.C.R.O. Sorry for the long delay but I have some issues between I write, my editor Adjusts, and I Translate. If someone can help me to do the translate I would appreciate it be very, very much.

Of his friendly neighbor.

The Amazing SpiderEddy.

The Loud House: Lincoln Homecoming.

A Place To Call Home.