Coney Island

One day; Castle and Beckett were on their way with the kids to Coney Island for a day trip. Beckett had just spent the last few days juggling work with family life. So she definitely needed a break even if it was just for a day. Castle was a bit surprised that Beckett was okay with going to Coney Island for the day considering the connation it held for her.

"Thank you."

"And she hates me again."

"Yeah well, those Gemini dolls obviously meant a lot to her."

"Yeah, wonder what that story is."

"Wonder what those stories are. What are you going to do with all that stuff, Castle?"

"Well I'll give the climbing equipment to Javier and then, uh … donate the rest, I guess. It served its purpose, brought justice to his family. But it just goes to show you that everyone and everything has a story. Including your little stick man there."

"So … you want to take another shot?"

"Actually, no. I thought about what you said and you're right. Just because we've been … shaking hands … a lot … doesn't mean I have the right to pry. So when you are ready, you'll tell me."

"Coney Island."

"We um… we had a reception at our place after my mom's funeral and it was miserable. I was miserable and my dad took my hand and he said "let's get the hell out of here, Katie". And we took the Q Train and we went up to Coney Island. We walked up and down that beach, just enjoying ourselves. We were still in our funeral clothes. And the best part was that we made this little guy out of the twigs and twine that washed up on the shore."

"Does that make that day a bad memory or a good one?"

"Both. He's a reminder. That even on the worst days there's the possibility for joy."

"Nice."

"You are okay with this; right?" Castle asked as they drove to Coney Island.

The kids were in the back seat playing a game.

"Yes babe; I'm okay with all of this."

There was a pause between Castle and Beckett. The only sound was emanating from the back seat.

"Just because I have the memory of walking on the beach with my dad on the day of my mom's funeral and my dad creating the stick man; doesn't mean that the kids shouldn't have good memories of Coney Island."

"Okay."

With that the family had arrived at Coney Island and it was time for the fun to begin.