AN: I apologize for the long time between chapters. Sometimes it is due to the mental issues, sometimes the physical. Others I just plan cannot write. This time it is the fault of the government. Maybe I shouldn't say that, but since I am on SSI, well, when they want me to track down and give them information from January 2013 to January 2139 (Yes, that is right-2139), it takes a lot of time. Especially considering the type of information: Royalities from Amazon...meaning every country, every month...it took me hours! It took my mom two hours to give up and tell me to call a case worker of mine. Okay, end of rant. But anyway, this time, the delay was not my fault. Hope you enjoy! Thank you for your patience.

Shortly after Mike left, Johnny headed to bed, still exhausted from his therapy and nightmares. Roy helped him get changed into his pajamas and was about to leave when he saw the uncertainty flash across John's face. Sighing deeply, he worried that once again, the burden would be on him to reassure Johnny, but he lucked out as Jo came in to say good night. Seeing the guilt, hopelessness, and exhaustion on her husband's face, she simply pushed him towards the chair. Sitting on the bed facing towards two of the three most important males in her life, she repeated what had been said so many times before-that nothing that was happening was either's fault and that it would take time to get used to things.

I feel as though I can recite this speech in my sleep by now! Which right now, I feel as though I may be, Joanne thought sarcastically. If something doesn't give soon, I honestly am not sure how Roy or I can make it through this. I know I dealt better with sleepless nights when Chris and Jenny were born than I am now and I have no idea why. I don't know if it's because we also have to deal with more than just that, or what. I truly believe though that I can now say I know how a hamster feels when running in their wheel, but at least that animal can get off the darn thing. I feel as though right now, every day is the same. Same worries, same concerns, same everything. I hate admitting this, but I can't wait until Jenny and I leave Tuesday. Even dealing with a dozen kids will be a welcomed break.

Leaving the room, Joanne and Roy headed towards the living room, almost collapsing on the couch. Although both Jenny and Chris saw the weariness, neither wanted to disturb their parents. They had talked earlier and both agreed that things were a lot harder than they expected it to be, but the two of them also didn't want to cause any problems or questions about whether this situation was a good idea.

"What's a matter?" asked Joanne, having caught the glances between her kids.

"Nothing," mumbled Chris.

"Yeah, nothing," Jenny added quickly.

Sitting up slightly, Roy raised his eyebrow at them, "We promised that the four of us would be honest and open about things. That is the only way this can possible work. Now, spill."

Sighing, Jenny looked towards her brother, not wanting to be the one to admit to what they had talked about it. Chris just looked down at his lap, uncomfortable with the silence, but unsure what to say.

"Well, I guess, it's just harder than we thought it might be," Jenny slowly spoke. "Don't get me wrong, Chris and I are still wanting and willing to do whatever it takes to help Johnny, but…"

"You just didn't know how much you would learn about him and some of the stuff is scary, while some stuff is pretty shocking?" Jo said quietly.

Shaking their heads, the kids agreed.

"I just didn't realize how much Johnny went through as a kid," Chris admitted. "It makes me so mad, and frustrated. It's bad enough he's gotta deal with all the other stuff, but to have to more or less relive that time in his life just seems, I don't know."

He shrugged and struggled to find the right way to express his thoughts. "I guess to me, it seems as if fate is being extra cruel to him. I wish there was a way we could help him more. Jenny and I also see how much this is getting to you guys and well, we're not sure what to do there either."

Looking at their kids, Roy and Joanne moved over next to them and gathered them into their arms.

"You two are right," Roy admitted. "I know I am struggling to deal with how different things are now. It's hard to see someone you love and care about so much struggling with things they could do without thinking about. Then, hearing all the experiences John's gone through, well, it hurts, you know?"

"I've been feeling frustrated myself, since there isn't much we can do it seems. All the days seem to run together and we keep doing the same things over and over," Joanne confessed. "It's enough to make anyone angry. I honestly don't know how you two are holding it together so well."

"Well," Jenny shrugged. "You and dad taught us to take things day by day, or hour by hour, even minute by minute if we had to. That's just what me and Chris are doing."

"That and talking to people," Chris piped in. "We're mostly sad I think, 'cause we can't change anything. But it's like you two told us, if something is important, fight for it. That's what we're doing."

"And Doctor Druthers is showing us what we can do so we're not always thinking about stuff. You two make sure we get out of here almost every day and keep up what we normally do. It helps a lot. We just wish that there was more we could do to help and that there was something that could be done so you could have more time away," Jenny finished.

"I know you think you two aren't doing much," Jo said softly, fighting back tears as her heart broke for Chris and Jenny. Somehow, her two babies had grown-up without her knowing and had wisdom that even they as adults were struggling to find. Maybe it was just the fact things were simpler for them, who knows?

"But you are and it's not just helping out with more of the household chores. It's by the way you two are talking to each other, talking to me and dad. It's the way you're taking care of one another and Johnny. You both are being so patient, more willing to be flexible in how things are done and have given things up. Just by allowing the 51 crew to take you guys places allows us so much more time to help Johnny and give us a break, even if it is just for a few minutes."

"I really can't tell you how proud of you we both are," Roy added while his voice broke. "I know you never asked or expected this, but how you two are dealing with it is amazing. Even Doctor Druthers and Brackett are impressed."

Blushing, Chris tried to deny doing anything special, as did Jenny, but neither of their parents would hear of it. Knowing how their parents felt and that what they did do was helping was a relief for Jenny, as well as Chris. Giving their mom and dad one last hug, both turned in early and were soon asleep. Not long after, Roy and Joanne followed the example and after checking on all three of the kids, went to bed themselves. Relief spread throughout their bodies at the knowledge that despite the turmoil going on, Chris and Jenny were doing quite well. For once, all those under the DeSoto's roof slept peacefully throughout the night.

Everyone, with the exception of Johnny, finally woke up on Saturday morning at eight in the morning. After checking on Johnny and seeing he was still sleeping well, Roy decided that to let him sleep. Although the family did their best they could to keep the noise down, a half-hour later, the cow bell sounded from John's room.

Grinning as he got up from the table, Roy said, "Excuse me a moment, seems the youngest has awoken and is demanding attention."

That sent all three of the others into giggles and Joanne had to roll her eyes. Getting up, she added more bacon to the pan and got the pancakes going so Johnny could eat as soon as he came in. A pro at timing, she was just finishing up the meal as Johnny came in slowly. Assessing him, Joanne sensed something was different. Thinking about it, she shrugged mentally.

Maybe it was just the effects of a good night's rest for once. Goodness knows it has helped the mood of everyone else in here, she reflected.

Serving him his breakfast with a cheerful good morning, all four DeSoto's were a bit taken when he responded in kind. It took a few seconds and was said hesitantly, but still, it was said. Usually, all they received was a very shy hi or a nod with a blush. As they continued eating, each person tried not to look, but couldn't help but glance as Johnny slowly, but surely at his breakfast without prompts. When given his medications, his face fell, but again, he took them without question. Finding this unusual, Chris and Jenny looked to their dad for answers.

Shrugging his shoulders with his eyes going wide, Roy indicated that he had no idea why Johnny was suddenly fine with accepting the food. There could be a host of reasons why; it could just be a temporary complacency, it could be the anti-depressants were working better, it could be he was just too hungry to care. Deciding that there was too many possibilities and combinations of possibilities, Roy felt it would be best just to observe Johnny casual. That way, if something was changing medically, than hopefully he'd be able to see it and either convince John to go to Rampart or Doctor Early to stop by.

"I was thinking about having a family game day," Roy said as casually as possible, glancing at Joanne.

Seeing Roy's head tilt towards Johnny, she jumped in, "I think that's a great idea. What do you kids think?"

Chris nodded, his mouth too stuffed full of pancakes to answer.

"Can we work on a puzzle instead?" Jenny pleaded.

"As long as that's okay with everyone, I don't see why not," Jo assured her, knowing her daughter was likely thinking it would be good therapy for Johnny.

"Sure, I think it'll be good," Chris answered. "What do you think, Johnny?"

"I…I…" Johnny looked down, then took a deep breathe. Seeing everyone look at him with smiles, he gathered his courage and answered, "Okay."

Rubbing his arm, Jenny whispered, "Good job, I'm proud of you for telling us what you want."

"Real?"

"Yes," Jenny simply said. "And you did good on breakfast, right mom?"

"Yes, he did," she answered, trying to hide her smile.

"No more. Too more," he whispered.

"Too much?" Roy asked, then when he saw the nod, continued. "It's okay, Aunt Jo tends to make a lot. If you get hungry later, just let us know."

"'K."

"Alright, while dad helps Johnny wash up, can you two kids help me out with clean-up in here? We need the table cleaned if we want to do the puzzle," Joanne asked.

At that, everyone went off to do as requested and met back at the table later with a 500 piece puzzle.

"Wow," Johnny breathed in amazement. "Big! Like it."

"Yeah, but don't worry kiddo, we'll help you out, alright?" Roy told him.

Nodding, Johnny sat in between two favorite people: Jenny and Uncle Roy. As promised, everyone worked together teaching him how to put a puzzle together. Often, they would hand a piece to him and point out where it would need to be placed but not in which direction. Although it would be frustrating at times, as he did each piece, Johnny grew more confident with his ability. He was also laughing, smiling, and talking more as well. An hour quickly passed and soon almost two hours came to pass. Johnny began yawning and despite the desire to order him to nap, Joanne and Roy waited to see if John would admit to needing one.

"Tired, nap please?" he finally asked, after twenty minutes since he first yawned.

"Sure, no problem, we need a break anyway," Roy said, stretching as he got up. "Need a drink or bathroom break before you go to lay down?"

"Both, plea," requested Johnny.

Once that was taken care of, Roy helped transfer John transfer into bed and tucked him in.

"Someone will wake you up for lunch," he promised, watching as John's eyes closed against his will. "Have a good rest."

Making his way back to the kitchen, he found his other family members having cookies and milk. Grabbing some himself, he sat down.

"He seems happier," Jenny spoke out loud to no one in particular.

"Yeah, it was nice," Jo said. "Hopefully, it will continue."

Both Chris and Roy shook their heads in agreement. It seemed that Johnny was somehow more content and trusted the DeSoto's more today than he had since the accident. They could only pray that it would continue and grow as well.