I wrote this chapter because today was a rather devastating day and I didn't feel like updating my other story (sorry for that).
Writing helps me to cope with my feelings and even though it's hard to find the words for the latest events I still find the words for my stories.
This chapter also turned out to be longer than expected since I always get lost while writing flashbacks.
Today some kind/nice reviews would really make me smile, but you can of course also tell me when something is bothering you!
And now enjoy reading!

"Because the past was always around her and might return at any time. It prowled the world searching for her, and she knew it was growing angrier at every passing day."

― Nicholas Sparks

Back in the car Tony had an idea.
"Hey Zi? How about we take a walk at the park? I think some fresh air would be good for us."
Ziva had remained rather quiet throughout their walk to the car and was now looking up at Tony and slightly nodding at him.
"Yeah, I think that would be nice." She whispered and glanced at the colourful trees outside the car window.

Autumn came quick, as usual, and it was the perfect weather to be outside even though it was already a little chilly around this time.
They quietly drove to the nearby park and slowly started wandering down the paths looking at all the colours around them.
Ziva took a deep breath to inhale the fresh air as if it would help clearing her clouded mind.
"This was really a good idea of you Tony." He now smiled at her seeing that her features visibly softened while they continued sauntering around.

"I think we should find a place to eat something. It's almost lunchtime." He stated but Ziva seemed rather displeased at the thought.
"I'm not really hungry." She hesitantly replied, knowing that Tony wouldn't like hearing that.
She hadn't really eaten properly since they arrived home and it clearly concerned him.
"You have to eat something Zi. At least a little, ok?" The pleading look in his eyes were something she could barely argue with and so she agreed on his plan.

They soon found a small café near the park and when they had found a nice table to sit on Tony immediately started studying the menu while Ziva wasn't quite sure what she wanted to eat.
When the waitress arrived Ziva still hadn't decided on a meal and so Tony decided on ordering for her.

"We would like to have one ham and cheese sandwich and one Italian sandwich please." He told her.
"Sure. Anything to drink as well?" The waitress offered him a warm smile while quickly noting his orders.
"Yes, a water and a green tea please." He returned the smile and turned back towards Ziva as soon as the waitress had disappeared to get their orders.

"Problem solved." He shot her a smile as well as he saw that she was clearly surprised by his actions.
"Hey, that way you can have have some of both sandwiches and I since I know you like tea…" He now trailed off.
"Thank you Tony. I will try to eat a little." She shyly looked down at her hands.
"That's what I wanted to hear sweet cheeks." Relief washed over him as he heard that she was willing to at least try eating a little.

The food and their drinks arrived only minutes later and Tony arranged their plates so she had one piece of each sandwich and hungrily began to eat his pieces.
Ziva on the other hand ate almost hesitantly but Tony didn't comment on it and they silently finished their lunch.

On their way back they passed a playground where some younger children were playing and giggles filled the air.
Ziva stopped dead in her tracks and Tony wondered why she stopped walking when he saw the familiar look of absence crossing her face.
He chose not to interrupt her memories or flashbacks this time but was wary in case they got out of hand.

"Look Zi. Look what I can do." The sound of cheerful giggles filled Ziva's ears as she turned around just in time to see Tali on top of the monkey bars.
It was actually the first time she managed to get there on her own and Ziva couldn't help but rush to her side in case she needed help to climb down again.

"That's great Tali, but take care, it's dangerous up there." She had learned to take care of her only 3 ½ year old sister long time ago and was constantly concerned for her safety.
Of course the task of climbing down again was too difficult for her and she soon got stuck on her way down.
"Zi, help me, 'm stuck." She now whimpered slightly, afraid of falling down.
"Hold on there, I will come to you." Ziva nimbly started to climb onto the monkey bars as well watching her sister struggling to change her position.

She should've known that her sister couldn't keep still in one place and so the disaster happened before Ziva could get hold of her.
Tali tumbled down towards the ground and let out a fearful scream before the fall came to an end.
Ziva quickly rushed to her side to see her little sister already crying, but as soon as she had examined her closer she was glad to see that it was mostly the shock that had made her cry.

However there was now a rather large scratch on her forehead and even though it didn't seem to be a deep cut it still bled slightly.
She gently cradled her sister into her lap and started soothing her.
"Does your head hurt Tali?" Ziva whispered into her ear. Even though she was still rather young herself she knew how to calm down her little sister.
"A little, here." Tali now pointed at the spot where the scratch was.
"Let us get you home so we can wash it and put a band-aid on it, alright?" Slightly tousling her hair always seemed to help and with that they went off to go home.

Standing in front of their door fear crept up in both of them.
"Zi? What will daddy say?" Her voice was oh so small all of a sudden and Ziva wished it wouldn't be this way.
"I don't know, but don't worry, I will protect you. Always." She planted a reassuring kiss on her sister's cheek.
Holding onto each other's hand they both entered the house and started looking around if someone was at home.

Ziva quickly made her way over to the bathroom while Tali followed her lead.
They weren't fast enough though because their father appeared in the doorway as soon as they got into the room.
"What have you two been up to again?" He now demanded to know as both of them looked at him with wide eyes.
"Tali fell off the monkey bars. I tried to help her down, but…" Ziva couldn't finish her explanation as her father had already seen the scratch on Tali's forehead.

"I thought I told you to take care of your sister Ziva. Do you see now why I told you this?" She guiltily nodded in reply and knew what was coming next.
"Tali, let your mother take care of this. Ziva, you come with me." His tone was harsh and Ziva almost choked on her fear.
She obediently followed him down the hall towards her bedroom, hoping he wouldn't be too hard on her.

When Tali walked into their bedroom few minutes later she saw Ziva stiffly lying on her bed as tiny sobs escaped her lips.
She quickly crossed the room and curled up next to her sister while looping one of her tiny arms around her sister as good as possible.
"I'm sorry Ziva, so sorry." She now cried a little as well.

It was always the same when Ziva was being punished. Once their father was done spanking her Tali would come to comfort her and say sorry for something that wasn't her fault. It was just what they did, always hoping it would help and would bring some peace into their lives.

Ziva was still staring into the air several minutes later and Tony began to worry about her.
"Zi? Is everything ok?" He gently placed a hand on her shoulder trying to get her out of her flashback.
As soon as she realized where she was Tony was met with watery eyes and he couldn't help but pull her into a gentle hug.

"Aren't playgrounds supposed to be places where children can be carefree and happy?" Her voice was muffled by his jacket but he nevertheless understood what she had said and wondered which memories she had about playgrounds. It couldn't be a fond memory he thought.

"You are right, they are." He quietly agreed and hoped the demons of the past would soon leave her again.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Tony slightly pulled back to look into her eyes again.
"Maybe when we're home." She whispered in reply and Tony nodded, glad that she was willing to talk about whatever was plaguing her.
At the same time there was one thing he kept asking himself: Would the past always catch up on her anew?