So, part 2: you've had 'Show', now it's 'Tell'. Again, bit of an experiment, this one. I'm trying to expand my writing repertoire into all genres, so...

Thanks for all the reviews, favourites, follows, views - you're all amazing.

For Vicky, with whom I have the wackiest of conversations at the oddest of times

I don't own anything you recognise.


"Matt brought Dad, I've got Mom." Joe high-fived both his dad and his brother as they exchanged places. "Matt and I decided that one of us would do 'Show', and the other 'Tell'. He showed our dad, so it's my go to tell you about Mom." The previously excited, bubbly class was quiet. The air with which Joe took a deep breath sent a wave of seriousness into the room, and one or two kids shivered.

"Mom and Dad met ages ago," he began. "Like Matt said, Dad shadowed Mom at work. She was a homicide detective with the NYPD, and he wanted a new idea for his book. I don't know all about back then, but Aunt Lanie says it took them four years to realise they belonged together. Then they got married, and had our brothers and us. Matt told you about Dad's biggest scar, and Uncle Kevin. My mom and dad both got shot that day. That was the scariest night of our lives." The young boy's voice shook.

"They were in hospital for ages. We had to stay with Nate the whole time. A while later, Dad was allowed out." Joe gulped. He crossed his arms and subconsciously drummed the fingers of one hand against the opposite arm.

"Mom-" he cleared his throat and started again, his voice shaking. "Mom didn't come out." There was silence. The only movement came from the boy at the front of the room who looked to his father for reassurance. Rick nodded encouragingly, discretely wiping the back of his hand across his eyes. No one noticed the lone tear escape and run down his stubbled cheek.

"Matt and I don't remember much about her," Joseph whispered. "I can remember her singing to us, and the way she would always know what we were up to, and how she would roll her eyes at us, and she'd call us all her boys and at Christmas we would wake her up by jumping on her, and I remember that she always said she loved us right before we went to sleep. That's all I can remember."

Joe took another deep breath and produced a photo of a smiling woman crouched next to a man, a baby in each of their arms with three older boys stood behind them.

"Everyone says she was kind, and passionate, and the best detective on the force, and always cared about the victim and their family, and always looked for justice. But I don't know that. I've only been told that. The only thing I remember - the only thing I know-" He looked up and gave a sad smile. "Is that I love her."


How'd I do?

This is the last chapter for at least a week, folks - I'm going on camp :D Although, if you're all your usual lovely selves and review, I might be able to get one out on Thursday before I leave... (sorry. That's mean. But hey - there are 45 of you who have this on alert, so...)

Have a wonderful summer, and if you feel like it, drop me a PM! I'd love to talk to some of you :)

~wolfergirl