Present: Echo

Shepard let go of Kate's hand only so he could scoop up Arthur. He wrapped his arms around his son and pressed the boy's head against his shoulder, closing his eyes to keep from crying. For a few moments, Shepard ignored the rest of the world and reassured himself that everything was all right.

"Down, Dad!" Arthur finally protested, squirming. Although Shepard ignored the request for a moment, he ultimately gave in and lowered Arthur to the ground. The instant his feet touched the ground, Arthur ran off, not moving especially quickly but determined.

"I'll watch him, Dad!" Kate chased after her brother, with such eagerness that Shepard stifled a smile. She was clearly trying to delay the coming lecture on leaving Arthur alone with strangers. Strangers... Shepard hadn't even glanced at the woman who'd been watching Arthur yet. He wasn't sure if he should thank her or—

"I know I sound surprised, even though it's not surprising, but you're a good father. And I've gotta say, Shepard, watching you panic over Arthur like that was adorable."

It can't be. Shepard whirled, facing the woman on the bench and really looking at her for the first time.

"Hey, Shepard," Ashley's mouth twitched in the slightest suggestion of a smirk. He knew he must have been staring. He could feel himself staring. He always stared at Ashley. "Long time."

Only seven years. Shepard jammed his hands into pockets to keep from running them over his hair. He didn't care how he looked. "Ash—uh, Williams? What are you doing here?"

"Oh, you know. I had some leave time and thought…" she broke off and shrugged. "Remember that last day on the first Normandy? You told me you came here every year to see your family. After you…" died, "…I took some of my leave and came to see them for you. Even after you came back, I—I kept coming. Paying my respects, I guess. Looks like we overlapped this year."

Shepard sat down on the bench. "You come every year? Why?"

Ashley shrugged again. "I'm still a marine, Shepard. Once I get into a routine, I stick to it."

"I guess."

The two of them watched Kate talk Arthur into accepting a piggyback ride. "That's not going to end well, is it?" Shepard asked. "Kate, be careful! Don't hurt your back!"

"You worry too much. They're on the grass. Even if they fall, they'll be fine."

"I guess."

They sat in awkward silence.

"You don't have to stay, you know," Shepard said finally.

"I know."

Then why don't you leave?

Author's Note: An extra thank you to Tryvozhna, who pointed out a lot of places where this chapter needed help, and then stuck with me until they were better.