They drove the ride back to his parents house in silence, Danny holding Linda's hand so tightly, as if it was the only thing keeping him together. As they pulled up on the familiar street, Danny turned to Linda.
"I cant do this. I can't go in there. Its not fair. My brothers and sister were here, they watched her suffer. I should have been here." he said, his voice shaking.
"Danny, listen to me, they don't blame you for not being here. If anything they feel for you, for being away, suffering alone."
He took what she said to heart and slowly opened his door and started walking. He paused when he reached the front door, it'd been so long, he didn't know what to do. Questioning himself, do I knock or just enter? Linda stepped up behind him, placed one arm around him and swung open the door with the other arm. "Don't be scared," she whispered "this is your home." They walked into the house together.
Frank hearing the car doors shut, but no one entering the house was standing at the door ready to answer when it knocked. It took him by surprise, and brought instant tears to his eyes when he realized it was his son. He didn't say a word, just opened his arms and pulled his eldest into a strong hug. Both men were crying as Danny clung to the back of his father's shirt as if his life depended on it, his father was holding him up in the embrace. Finally Danny spoke, relieving the silence. "I'm so sorry" he choked out.
" Nonsense." said Frank sternly gripping him by the shoulders but holding him out to look at him. "Son, you have nothing to apologize for." That was all it took for Danny's heart wrenching sobs to take over again. Danny allowed his father to lead him to the couch where they sat together. Frank holding his oldest son, his wife's baby, rocking him until his tears stopped.