Two days after Davy's death, Bret was sitting in the office of the Chief of the Denver Fire Department, Jerry Lawler. They were going over the arrangements for Davy's funeral. It would be a full, nearly military style event.

An antique fire truck would carry Davy's flag draped casket from Station 40 to the big cathedral downtown, then to Fairmount Cemetery where many of Denver's Firefighters were buried. It was where the D.F.D. Memorial was as well. The men who weren't on duty would march and the joint Fire and Police Pipe and Drum corps would march as well. Davy would also be given a three-volley salute. Five firefighters would fire three rifle shots each. The tradition dated back to the first formal burial of a fireman in the 1800's, somewhere in Europe.

All of it was what Davy had requested. Filling out the forms for burial instructions was one of the first things done when hired by the Department. Bret would have the same kind of funeral someday. He bought the plot next to Davy's, it was just a fact of life.

"Jerry, I can't thank you enough for doing all this. It would make Davy proud. He loved his job and this department. He often said, the New York Fire Department might be more famous, but the Denver Department was the greatest. Neither of us could ever imagine working anywhere else. Oh, I almost forgot..." Bret paused and pulled a neatly engraved funeral attendance reply card from the pocket of the navy blue uniform coat he wore.

He handed the card to the Chief, then continued, "Doctor Adam Copeland agreed to come. He is the Doctor that first saw Davy. Seat him with the Helmsley's please. He's a nice kid, he lives at the Helmsley's, in the carriage house," Bret explained. Adam had just returned the card that morning.

When Bret had invited Adam and Chris, the young man seemed pleased to be asked, but said he'd have to talk it over with Jericho. Jericho said he was sorry, but too busy. It caused and argument between them, but in the end, Adam decided to go; alone.

"Do you have the final count on your family?" Jerry asked, pen in hand. The entire Hart family could almost fill the church, if they all came.

"I said no need for them all to come. Smith, Bruce, Ellie and Allison are coming and of course Owen and Margaret. None of the kids will be there and dad is too frail. We'll have a private memorial when I go to Calgary to visit. Nothing they can do, so, just those I listed. So, it's Saturday, at one?" Bret explained. He was okay with only four of his siblings being there. Fights always broke out when too many Hart's were in one place at the same time. This was not the time or place for that.

"Yes. On Saturday downtown nearly shuts down at noon. Mayor McMahon and Governor Layfield will both give short speeches. I told them Davy didn't want anything long and drawn out. Afters at the Station?" Jerry asked as he made a few more notes. He was expert at this after twenty-five years in the Department.

"Yes. Friday night wake at the Helmsley's, but please, it's just a drop in. After the... um service will be the big gathering at Forty. Is that all? I'm, no more Jerry, please... I am exhausted. I trust you to get it right," Bret was done. His resolve to get through the meeting was fading and it was only Monday. So long to wait, a whole week. Bret understood though. It took a lot of work and planning with the city, police, out-of-town guests and such.

"Alright son. Don't worry about a thing. You know how good the Funeral Committee is, you served on it for three years. Let us take care of you now. Go home and relax. You're off duty for thirty days," Chief Lawler said in a loving, fatherly tone. Bret and Davy had always been like sons to him. He'd even stood up as Davy's best man. He was grieving deeply as well.

Bret and Jerry hugged tightly, then Bret left. He just wanted to get back to his sanctuary at Shawn and Hunter's. Only a few people knew where he was and he wanted it that way. He'd been given two mailbags of cards and telegrams. They came from fellow firefighters from all over, even over seas. The Firefighters and Police Officers were a tightly bonded brotherhood.

The Denver Fire Department had three secretaries that did one thing, scanned for every possible news or social media for Firefighter deaths and sent cards of condolences. It was, sadly, a full-time job.

Forty minutes later, Bret pulled into the Helmsley's driveway. He frowned, Jericho's Jaguar was parked behind Adam's Mustang, he'd hoped to have a coffee with Adam. He shook his head as he walked past the garage to the back door. He heard Adam moaning in unmistakable sexual pleasure. Damn the warm weather and open windows. He just hoped Chris loved Adam as much as Adam loved Chris. Well, it wasn't really any of his business.

Hart also felt bad about Shawn and Hunter. Even though Hunter was the Head of the Emergency Department and Shawn the Head Nurse, they were both pulling two days of double shifts so they could be off duty from Wednesday through Sunday. Adam would pull a triple starting tonight to do the same. They were doing it just for him, to help him through the funeral.

Bret decided he would do something nice for the three men. Maybe those golf clubs Hunter had drooled over. A nice piece of jewelery for Shawn and Adam, as well as an expensive dinner at Denver's number one restaurant, Frasca Food and Wine.

The Captain went into the welcome sanctuary of the Helmsley house. He found a note addressed to him on the kitchen counter.

"Buddy, Hope it all went well. I am sorry Hunter and I couldn't be there with you. Call me if you need to talk. There's some left over roast beef to make a sandwich with. We both love you, Bret. We'll be with you soon. Take care, Heartbreaker"

Bret smiled, he folded the note and put it in his pocket. He went upstairs and changed out of his dress blue uniform. He slipped into a pair of jeans and one of Davy's t-shirts. It was a little big for him, but he didn't care, it smelled like him and it made Bret feel like he had his arms around his husband.

The hard part was finding something to keep his mind occupied. He wasn't hungry, but he went down to the kitchen. He was startled, Adam was sitting at the kitchen table, crying softly, a stack of mail was askew in front of him.

Bret approached the young doctor, he placed a hand on Adam's shoulder, "Hey, what's wrong?" he voice was full of concern.

Adam took a big sniff, grabbed a napkin from the holder on the table and wiped his eyes, "Sorry. Chris, never stays anymore. He always leaves, after. I, miss him," his words came out between hesitated sniffs.

"I'm sorry. I'm sure he just wants you to get some good sleep. You told me he's been really busy lately. I'm sure he doesn't mean to upset you," Bret spoke warmly. As he spoke, he'd put the tea kettle on to boil. A good cup of tea cured anything, at least according to Davy. Peppermint was always soothing.

Adam nodded as he blew his nose, "I know, bu I always sleep better with him. They are busy and the new drummer, Evan is having problems learning some of the material. Chris is really stressed, he needs the sleep too," the physician smiled as Bret placed a fragrant cup of hot, peppermint tea in front of him.

"I wouldn't worry about it. Everything will even out, it always does. Now, drink your tea like a good boy. Want a roast beef sandwich?" Bret asked, his brow raised. His hand rested on the handle of the refrigerator.

Adam gave a small laugh and nodded. Soon both men were sitting at the table munching on sandwiches. Bret had used horseradish, roast beef, red onions, tomatoes, lettuce and a bit of blue cheese, they were delicious.

"Thanks, Bret. This is great, I was hungry. A full belly will help me sleep. Long, long shift later," Adam said as he took another bite of the huge sandwich. Bret had made them big, he was used to feeding his muscular spouse. Davy always ate like a starving dog, but kept himself fit.

"I feel bad about that; all of you working so hard just to have... thanks for that Adam. You certainly don't have to do it, you barely know me," Bret said with a sigh. Shawn and Hunter he understood, but why would Adam bother?

"No problem. People would do it for me. Shawn needs my help on Friday. I am helping him with the... gathering," Adam hated the word "wake", so he said the next best word he could think of.

"I appreciate it very much. Shawn does too, I'm sure. Feeling better now?" Bret asked as he finished off his sandwich.

"Yes, I do. Thanks. I shouldn't, my issues are nothing compared to what you're going through. I'm a selfish bastard, I'm sorry Bret," Adam's tone was full of guilt. He knew he was being stupid about Chris, while Bret was grieving for his dead husband.

"No you're not, don't say that, honey. You have a right to your problems. My Davy is gone, but Chris is alive, a pain in your ass, but alive. Don't let the little things eat at you. Just talk to him, always be honest and don't hold things in," Bret spoke firmly but softly and above all, honestly.

Adam's brow raised as Bret called him "honey", oh well, after all Shawn called him that a lot too. "That's sound advice. I do tend to, cling a bit. It's a bad habit; trust issues," the younger man explained to the older.

"Bad relationship? No, wait, sorry none of my business. Just talk to him, it will be alright. You should get some sleep," Bret spoke as he cleaned up their cups and plates. He loaded them into the dishwasher and started the machine, it was full from dinner and breakfast.

"Yeah, I'd better; hard alone though. Yeah, last boyfriend, he... " Adam's voice trailed off sadly, he sighed deeply and continued. "Sorry. Thanks for lunch, it was good. I'll see you later," Adam got up from the table and moved to the door.

"Um, you can sleep here if you want. I have to do some work up in my room, at least you wouldn't be alone, if.. you," Bret's voice halted. What was he doing? He shook himself, he was helping a friend, nothing more, nothing less.

Adam flushed, "I would like that. If you really don't mind, I would sleep better. But, I am a big boy, a doctor, not a child," his last few words sounded more like he was thinking out loud, he hadn't meant to say it.

"Of course you are. Listen we all have problems or issues about one thing or another. No big deal, come on," Bret said warmly as he started up the stairs.

Soon Adam was fast asleep, he slept in the sweats and t-shirt he'd thrown on after Chris left. He told Bret to wake him at nine. He was snuggled under the covers of Bret's bed, snoring softly.

Bret smiled, if giving Adam some comfortable sleep was something he could do, he was pleased to do it. Adam had become a good friend and was very easy to talk to. The firefighter found his own pain was lessened around the pretty, blond doctor.

The Captain sat at the card table Hunter had set up for a desk in the corner of the bedroom, by a large window. He was slowly making his way through all the cards, letters and telegrams of sympathy. What amazed Bret the most was the number of letters and cards sent by ordinary members of the public. Many of them had cash or checks given in memory of David. Bret kept a special record of them and tucked the funds away.

The donations would all go to the fund for widows, widowers and children of firemen killed in the line of duty. The fund provided for anything from helping pay bills or college educations. Some of the funds paid for the annual picnic held in memory of those lost. There was talk about starting a summer camp for the kids, Davy had been on that committee. Bret decided he would take the now vacant place, Davy would like that.

Four hours later, Bret's attention was diverted from the papers on his desk. Adam was whimpering and restless in his sleep. When it got worse, he got up and went to the bed.

Hart sat on the bed and gently rubbed Adam's back. Bret saw it helped calm the younger man, but when he stopped, the whimpers started anew. Bret slid on to the bed and rested his back against the headboard and crossed his legs at the ankle. He kept rubbing the broad back, sending Adam back into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Adam's internal alarm cock reached into the depths of his brain and began the process of waking up his conscious. He smiled, he felt Chris' arms around him as his ear picked up the steady beat of his heart as his head rested on his fiance's chest. Adam's hazel eyes opened slowly. He sat up with a sudden start, knocking away the arms that had been around him. The owner of the arms was awake instantly. Bret and Adam just stared at each other, pink coloring blushed over their faces.

"I'm, wow, I didn't mean to fall asleep. You were dreaming. I came to rub your back for just a few minutes and, apparently I fell asleep. I'm so sorry," Bret explained as Adam listened.

"Oh, well, thanks. I um didn't mean to disturb you. I sleep talk, when I'm overly tired. Ma or Jay used to rub my back, that's why it helps so much. I haven't slept that deeply in a long time," Adam responded as he got out of bed. He truly felt more rested and refreshed for the first time in weeks.

"Hey, if helping you sleep was something I could do, then I am glad. Go get ready for work, I'll make you a quick bite to eat. Come back when you're ready. No protesting, not after all you've done for and will be doing for me," Bret spoke firmly as he could see Adam was indeed about to protest.

Adam smiled and consented with a thank you. He went to his apartment over the garage. He took a shower, did his grooming and dried his long, blond hair. He brushed it into a neat pony tail and wrapped it tightly with an elastic band. Adam pulled on a pair of royal blue surgical scrubs, then slipped into his long white doctor's coat. Sometimes he wore scrubs, sometimes a button down and slacks. This was a scrubs kind of shift.

He tucked his stethoscope, a present from Jay, into his pocket, along with a pen and note pad. Lastly he slipped on his special watch, it was highly accurate for taking the pulse. It had been a gift from Shawn and Hunter. He picked up his briefcase, cell phone and keys then went back over to the main house.

Bret had made French toast, he remembered Adam liked it and a pot of coffee. He was just wrapping another roast beef sandwich he'd made for Adam to take to work. The French toast was keeping warm in the oven.

When Adam walked in he smiled, the warm maple syrup smelled so good as did the French toast and coffee. He sat down and began to eat the food Bret placed in front of him. Bret joined the doctor, he was hungry for the first time in days.

"Best French toast, I've ever had. You put vanilla in the batter didn't you? Ma used to do that. Tastes like Sunday morning in Canada," Adam spoke with a smile, as he licked a drop of syrup from the corner of his mouth.

"Mine too. Must be a Canadian touch. Glad you're enjoying it, little piggy," Bret said with a real laugh as Adam's tongue traced over more drips of syrup, with a blush of his cheeks. "Made a sandwich for you, I assume you have a fridge in the break room?" Bret asked as he put the sandwich in a paper bag and laid it next to Adam's briefcase.

They finished eating and with a lot of thank yous, Adam left for work. Bret suddenly felt more lonely than ever. Maybe it wasn't so wise to depend on Adam so much, after all he was going to marry and make a life with Jericho.

Hart cleaned up the mess, unloaded the washed dishes and put in the new dirty ones. Another thing he could do to repay Shawn in a small way. Next, with nothing else to do, he went to the laundry room and started washing the clothes, towels and sheets piled in the baskets. With working so much, Shawn hadn't had the time to do it himself.

By three am, all the laundry was done, folded and ironed, and as much as possible, put away. The house sparkled from top to bottom, Bret sighed, now what could he do. He contemplated washing his car, but the hour of the night/morning stopped him.

The week crawled by. It was finally Friday night and the Helmsley house was full of people. It was Davy's wake, the celebration of his life and his send off to eternity. The vast majority of the guests were fellow Firefighters or Police Officers. Most did the "drop in" thing. They greeted Bret, spoke a few words of condolence, had a few bites of finger food, visited with Bret again, then left. A few that were closer to the couple stayed longer. Owen and Margret were there and stayed close to Bret.

Bret was glad his sister-in-law was there. She had a way of keeping things moving if someone was too much for her brother-in-law. It was just that she knew Bret was mentally exhausted and didn't need people constantly throwing Davy in his face for long periods.

In the old days, the casket would have been set up in the house, then would come the funeral. Those days were long gone, so instead of the casket, Shawn had set up a beautiful memorial on a table.

Shawn put a black silk damask cloth over a library table under the front "picture" glass window. He put a red silk damask cloth crossways on the table to represent the Fire Department. In the center was a picture of David looking so handsome in his dress uniform. Next to the picture on either side were to vases of mixed color carnations, Davy's favorite flower.

In front of the vases were to two red candles. The condolence book and a pen sat to the left. A basket for donations to the widows, widowers and children's fund sat on the right. Hunter had to empty the basket several times over the course of the evening. People were very generous and eager to help their own.

After a couple of hours, Bret had enough. He needed a breath of fresh air, he went to the kitchen to use the back door. He smiled, Adam was artfully placing hors 'd oeuvres on one of Shawn's antique serving platters. The tip of Adam's tongue stuck out as he concentrated, he looked, adorable, especially in the "frilly" apron he wore.

The physician jumped when Bret spoke, "Looks pretty. Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted a bit of air. Thanks for doing all this," the Fireman said with a smile.

"It's okay, Bret. Thanks, I'm a bit of a "Martha Stewart" sometimes, it's a good thing, you know," Adam chuckled as he finished with the hors 'd oeuvres.

Bret laughed a bit as well, he liked the young doctor's sense of humor. "I'll be right back. Adam, seriously, thank you. I couldn't have gotten through all this without your help," Bret said honestly as he opened the back door and stepped out. The western sky still held a tinge of pinkish orange as the vast Rocky Mountains hid the fading sun set.

The sunset was always their favorite time of the day. Many times it was spent on the deck of their house, Davy held tightly in Bret's arms as the sky faded, the shades of pink were their favorite. They stole passionate kisses and tender touches, it was always a beautiful and precious time. Bret treasured the memories now, more than ever. A few tears fell down his cheeks as the color of the sky faded to black. A symbol of his future without Davy.

Bret and Owen rode in the back seat of the Chief's car. They were behind the antique fire truck that carried David Smith-Hart's flag draped coffin. They were making their way from the cathedral in downtown Denver to Fairmont Cemetery.

The Fairmont Cemetery was founded in 1890 and is Denver's second oldest cemetery. A plot of land was purchased by the Denver Firefighters. In 1913, Denver citizens erected a monument to the Denver Firefighters buried there. The monument states: "In memory of the Firemen that died in performance of their duty, 1913." There was still room for many more firefighters to rest there.

Not every fireman killed was buried there, but those that chose to be could be. In Bret's case, he bought two plots, they had agreed to be buried with their brethren.

The service at the church had been simple but nice. Both the Mayor and Governor spoke, not only of Davy's heroism, but that of all people who dedicated their lives to the city of Denver and the Colorado. The joint choirs of the Fire and Police Departments sang, "Nearer My God To Thee". A lone bagpiper played "Amazing Grace". It was perfect.

As the funeral "parade" progressed to the cemetery, several people lined the streets at various points along the route. Women bowed their heads, men saluted and boys removed their caps. Many held flags representing the, U.S., Colorado or D.F.D. It wasn't because they knew Davy, it was because in their eyes, he was a fallen soldier. No, he didn't carry a weapon on foreign soil, but he carried an axe and fought fires that threatened lives. To the people it didn't matter, a hero was a hero.

Behind the Chief's car was a limo that carried Mayor Vincent Kennedy McMahon and Governor John Bradshaw Layfield. Next came another limo, Hunter, Shawn, Adam, Martha and their two children, Owen Junior and Mary, along with Bret and Owen's four brothers and sisters. Then came the cars of the off duty firefighters from Stations 40 and 51.

For the trip to the cemetery, the joint Pipe and Drum Corps rode in a chartered city bus. The rest of the cars were full of Officers from each of Denver's Fire Departments. The very last car was a City of Denver SUV that transported the five special shooters that would give the three-volley salute.

Bret had asked Shawn to preside over the cemetery service. What few people knew, was that only was Shawn a registered nurse, he was a fully licensed non-denominational pastor, in the Colorado. Shawn had been torn between nursing and theology. He finally decided he could do both. By being a nurse, he could help heal their bodies and by being a pastor, he could help heal their souls. He was very good at both jobs.

After the SUV pulled through the cemetery gates, two police cars blocked the entrance. The burial was not for the public at Bret's request. The public had been allowed into the church, and they had filled it. The media was turned away at the cemetery as well. The police helicopter kept the air space blocked as well. For the most part, the media complied, they weren't always as pushy as their reputations suggested.

Six of Davy's best friends at Station 40 acted as pall bearers. They carefully removed the flag draped coffin from the old fire truck. They carried the casket to a brass stand next to the open grave. Several chairs were set up for Bret and the other family members. By chance, Adam stood right behind Captain Hart.

After everyone was settled, Shawn began the simple service by reading the Twenty-Third Psalm. He then asked Chief Lawler to speak.

The Chief came to the front, he cleared his throat and read:

"Rest now my fallen brother

Lay soft your suffering back

Rest well and forever

Your memory shall not lack

Rest your tired hands

Wipe clean your weary brow

Rest with Saint Florian

Your spirit now endowed

Rest here your breaking heart

We know you gave your all

Rest easy, you've done your part

You've answered your last call

Rest knowing that in God we sought

Oh Lord, watch over another who just fell

Rest assured your troubled thought

As we ring the final bell"

As soon as Chief Lawler finished, Chief Ross reached up and rang the bell of the antique fire truck ten times. It brought tears to nearly every eye in the cemetery.

Shawn invited the Mayor to speak. Mayor McMahon stood and went to the front. He spoke briefly about Davy and all the work he did with the children of fallen firemen.

Governor Layfield spoke next, he too was brief, but his speech surprised Bret. "... and so, because of David Smith-Hart's efforts, the new camp will be called The David Hart Memorial Camp. All the donations taken in Davy's name will go to funding and building the camp," Layfield handed Bret a rolled up sheet of parchment. It was the Official Declaration for the naming of the camp.

Bret was so proud and he knew Davy would be too. He smiled, for a man who'd first hated camping, Davy had sure come a long way.

Shawn then finished the funeral service by leading the recitation of The Lord's Prayer. When he finished, a lone piper again played "Amazing Grace". Only this time it was from a distance, which gave it an even more hauntingly beautiful sound. After the first verse and chorus of the beloved hymn, the rest of the bagpipes and drums joined in.

When that happened, the six pall bearers lifted the flag from the casket and began to fold it into a triangle. When they finished, they handed the folded flag triangle to Chief Lawler. Together, Chiefs Lawler and Ross presented the flag to Bret. It was an emotional moment as the music faded back to the lone piper to end the hymn.

The Chief then gave the signal for the Police Chief in charge of the five man Three-volley shot team. "Ready... Aim... Fire" he commanded. The five shots sounded as one loud bang. The command was given two more times. A total of fifteen shots were fired in honor of David Smith-Hart.

With that, the funeral service was over. As the casket was lowered into the ground, a line formed. First they shook hands with Bret, then threw a flower or handful of dirt into the grave with the casket.

Soon all that were left were Hunter, Shawn, Adam, Owen and Bret. The other members of the Hart family had gone back to the limo.

Owen hugged his brother, then threw in a white carnation, he went to join his family in the car. Hunter and Shawn followed suit. Adam took his turn, then started back to the car.

"Adam, please; stay," Bret said simply. He didn't want to be alone as he said his final good-bye. Adam had become his zone of comfort.

Shawn and Hunter were standing at the rear of the limo. "He is really becoming dependent on Adam," Hunter said quietly to his husband.

"Yes, and it worries me a bit. I'm glad Adam has been a comfort to him, but soon, Chris is going to get all Adam's attention again. I'm not sure how Bret will handle that," Shawn replied just as softly, but in a worried tone.

"Jerkicho doesn't deserve Adam's attention. He never stays over any more, you notice. He just, gets some ass and leaves poor Adam alone," the bigger man growled softly.

"Hunter Helmsley, please! Remember where we are, watch your mouth! I have noticed and that bothers me too. I know Chris is busy, they are trying to launch their first record. Give Christopher a chance, they love each other," Shawn hissed in quiet response.

"Sorry dear. I'm about tired of giving him chances. Why won't he let Adam set a date? I swear if I didn't know better, I'd say Chris was..." Hunter didn't get a chance to finish before Shawn spoke.

"Having an affair? No, Hunt, just no. Chris wouldn't do that. He may be... obnoxious from time to time, but that's his "rocker" image. He loves Adam, you've seen them together, they can't keep their hands off each other," Shawn said in a sure tone. He knew Chris was a good man, even if a bit, snobbish.

"I hope you're right, my little copperhead. I can't afford to have Adam falling apart at work because of a bust up," Hunter said firmly.

"Just give it time Hunt. A lot of upset has been going on. Give things time to settle, once the record is done, Chris will calm down. Just wait, you'll see, but this time next year, Adam and Chris will be happily married," Shawn said with a kiss to his husband's cheek.

"We'll see, we'll see. I'm more worried about Buddy just now. I know this hasn't fully hit him yet. When it does he will crash and crash hard," Hunter's tone was more Doctor like and serious. He was truly worried about Bret.

"I know, I'm worried too. We will just have to make sure we're there to pick up the pieces. At least he'd never been a drinker," Shawn's words escaped his mouth with a sigh.

"Yes, he learned that lesson the hard way. He saw what his older brother Dean went through with that. Um babe, do you um, think um, Bret likes Adam?" Hunter asked, his brow raised in curiosity.

"Thank God Dean is clean and sober now, too bad he couldn't have been here. You mean as in like in love? No. Think Hunter, he just lost Davy, where is your head? Adam has just become a good friend, that's all. Now let's get in the car," Shawn said with a shake of his head. He wondered where Hunter's thoughts wandered to sometimes. He pulled his husband towards the limo door by his sleeve.

"You're right. Okay, let's go," Hunter replied as he let Shawn lead him to the limo door. The Doctor and his nurse husband opened the door and slipped inside the limo. It was full, but there was still plenty of room for Bret and Adam.

Adam stood close by as Bret approached his fallen husband's grave, he was holding a bubble gum pink carnation. He'd asked Adam to hold the flag. Bret looked down into the grave, the casket was covered with flowers and crumbs of earth.

Captain Hart knelt, he tossed the bright pink flower into the hole. It landed close to where Davy's heart would be. He sighed deeply. "You would have liked everything baby. I hope you were watching. I can imagine you, at sunset, sitting on some pink cloud. I bet you have an amazing view..." Bret paused as he moved to sit cross-legged. He plucked at the grass like a kid would do, he spoke again.

"I can't believe you're gone. Why Davy, why did you leave me? I thought you loved me. Oh God, what am I saying! You didn't choose to leave me. Oh Davy, you saved Oje and look at the reward you got for it. It's not fair!" Bret's voice filled with anger, it was finally starting, the stages of grief were hitting him like a hammer.

"I am so angry! It's not fair! You saved Oje and wound up in a grave! I hate this! How can I go on without you? You were my life, please baby, please come back," Bret's tears flowed like rain.

Adam's heart broke for his friend. As a doctor thought, he was relieved. Finally Bret was having the break down his mind needed. The mind had to go through stages before life could go on. There was denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. Sometimes they all hit at once and sometimes it took weeks even months. When acceptance finally came, life could go back to "normal" whatever that was.

After a while, the flood of tears turned to a slow drip, "I have to say good-bye, at least for now. I'll try to keep our promise, but you will always be in my heart, forever. I'll try to make you proud of me at work. I'll make sure the camp gets built. I love you and I am so damn proud of you. Thank you for saving Owen, I can never repay you for that. I love you so much. Rest with the angels and enjoy your pink cloud. I'll be watching for you in the sunsets. Farewell my love, I'll see you again someday. I love you. Good bye," Bret stood up. He had to leave, he couldn't take anymore. His life with Davy was over, he had to figure out how to move on.

Bret walked toward the limo. Adam followed, still holding the flag. He knew Bret as far from being okay. He promised he would be there for his new friend; no matter what.