Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

129. Chapter 129

Chapter 129

"How has the family been?" Natalie asked Travis when the two were sitting on the porch together. He'd spent the better part of the past few years living mostly with his tribe. He came out for patrol of course, but he'd wanted to spend time with his family.

"They're doing better," Travis said. His Uncle Quitahka had passed away not long ago and his cousin Quichaet was chief now. "I don't think Quichaet really wanted to be chief. I think he may just abdicate."

"Not to you I hope," Natalie said. "I can't lose your company to 'responsibilities'," she joked and Travis smiled.

"You don't have to worry about that. Only my cousins would be eligible. For me to become chief would require a travesty I wouldn't want to occur under any circumstances."

"Have you been seeing anyone?"

"No," Travis said. "I've tried. I really have, but I keep comparing them to Oscar. I still love him."

"I know," Natalie said and patted Travis's hand. "I wish I could have known the man. He can't be so bad as my brothers keep saying."

"No, he is," Travis answered honestly. "But I loved him anyway." Natalie reached her hand over and touched Travis's hand comfortingly. Travis smiled appreciatively and then leaned his head back on the chair. "So how's the latest grandchild coming along?"

"Any day now," Natalie answered. "Eun Mi's not in a wheelchair or anything but she jokes that she'd consider it next time she gets pregnant."

"Poor thing," Travis chuckled. "I can't believe she and JJ want more kids."

"They both want a lot of kids," Natalie said. "JJ really is his father's son."

"He is," Travis said, saddened at the memory. He squeezed Natalie's hand and she squeezed back, sharing a silent moment. "So how's Salem doing? He hasn't got into any more trouble has he?"

"Not that I've been made aware of," Natalie said. "I like to think that if I'm not hearing about anything then all's well."

"I'm proud of the boy," Travis said. "It takes a lot to be the bigger man."

"I just hope this will truly be the end of it. It really is a shame, though. Lilly was such a sweet girl. I don't know how such a monster raised such a wonderful young woman, but I suppose it can't be helped."

"He's still planning to reenlist at the end of these two years right?"

"I believe so," Natalie said. "He really is blossoming in the Navy. As much as I hate him being so far away, it really was the best thing he could have done."

"It certainly helps that he's not currently involved in a war," Travis said. "That tends to make serving the armed forces a little less trying."

"I far prefer it," Natalie said.

"Maybe next he's serving on land he'll get stationed here."

"I hope so," Natalie said.

As the remainder of summer progressed, Eun Mi's belly continued to grow more and more and Mae Sun and Jae Sun virtually never gave her a moment's peace eager to feel the baby kick and encouraging the baby to be born so they could play. JJ did what he could to keep the boys in check but Eun Mi was willing to be more lenient and let them have their fun. Then it came to be the weekend when Eun Mi started feeling the initial pains of labor. On Saturday, she had a check-up with Kyle and he told her with confidence that she'd be going into labor by the evening. So when they returned home, JJ insisted on helping Eun Mi to their room so she could relax. Or as much as she could relax with Jae Sun and Mae Sun bugging her constantly, excited for the baby's birth. Natalie brought dinner for the family and they all ate together in the bedroom, but Eun Mi didn't like the food anymore; another indicator that she was close. Natalie ended up deciding to stay the night with them so she could occupy the boys once Eun Mi went into labor. Jae Sun and Mae Sun insisted they wanted to sleep in JJ's and Eun Mi's bed, too excited to sleep in their own room. After initially refusing and the boys spending several minutes begging, JJ eventually agreed once Eun Mi agreed it was fine and they all went to bed for the night.

Eun Mi woke up on Sunday, September the 8th, at three in the morning to intense pain. JJ, Jae Sun and Mae Sun were stone cold and both boys were sleeping against her belly. As gently as possible, she got Jae Sun and Mae Sun off her so she could get out of bed and go to the bathroom, getting into the tub so she could sit up to help the pain even if only marginally. Once she was in the tub, the pain alleviated, but she assumed it had more to do with a contraction passing rather than the upward seating actually helping. She was in the tub for the better part of an hour before her water finally broke and when it did, the pain intensified considerably to the point where she was crying as she called out JJ's name. JJ woke the instant he heard Eun Mi calling him and he went right to the bathroom to help her.

"Do you want to stay in here until Uncle Kyle gets here?" JJ asked, noticing her water had broken.

"I would," Eun Mi nodded.

"I'll call Uncle Kyle. I'll wake mom and ask her to keep the boys with her," JJ said. Eun Mi only nodded as another wave of pain started. JJ nearly didn't leave her side, but she told him to hurry so he went to the phone first and foremost calling Kyle.

The commotion had woken Jae Sun and Mae Sun and they went to the bathroom ready to see if the baby had arrived yet, but JJ was quick to order them back. Natalie ended up waking up as well and came to JJ's and Eun Mi's room to get the boys and take them back to their room and try to get them back to sleep. Kyle arrived with Renesmee within 30 minutes of JJ calling them and they got the bed set up so it would be protected and helped Eun Mi into the bed so JJ could sit behind her and help keep her sitting upright. After another two and a half hours of labor, it was finally time to start pushing which was yet another challenge, but finally Eun Mi delivered another baby boy: Eun So. Renesmee got Eun So cleaned up and wrapped in a blanket once the cord was cut and handed Eun So over to Eun Mi so she and JJ could hold their baby.

"He looks the way Jae Sun and Mae Sun did," JJ said and gently touched Eun So's cheek while he was suckling his first meal. The boy had been crying but as soon as Eun Mi began breast feeding, he calmed down immediately.

"He's precious," Eun Mi said with a smile.

"He is," JJ agreed. "We'll have a girl next time; I promise."

Eun Mi's only response was to smile while she stared down at their new baby. Once things had settled down and Natalie had gotten the boys some breakfast, Jae Sun and Mae Sun were finally permitted to come into their parents' room to see the baby. Renesmee and Natalie helped to make sure the boys didn't get overly excited or grabby, but they were eager to see the new baby and began poking him and playing with his feet until Eun Mi made them stop. JJ stayed in their room with Eun Mi until he had to return to work on Monday. Jae Sun had to go to school, but Mae Sun had the luxury of staying with Eun Mi at home. Natalie remained to help her out for that Monday.

"Eun Mi had the baby," JJ said to Hailey once he got to the shop and saw Hailey in his usual spot. "We had a boy: Eun So."

"Congratulations you poor bastard," Hailey said and JJ chuckled. "Another boy, eh?"

"Yup, another boy," JJ smiled. "We were hoping for a girl this time, but there's always next time."

"Is she okay with having more kids?"

"Yeah, she wants more," JJ nodded. "Not right now, but once Eun So's a little older, we'll have another."

"Like father like son," Hailey sighed and gently shook his head. "So when shall I be meeting this latest child?"

"Give Eun Mi a few days to recover and she'll bring the boys into town so she can send a letter to Yon. You'll see Eun So then."

"Isn't So her real maiden name?"

"Yeah," JJ shrugged, "but it's not an uncommon given name or surname. At least the way I understand it. No different than someone's first name being Thomas and another person having that as their last name."

"I suppose," Hailey said. "Well, open up shop. Money doesn't make itself."

"Wise words as always, Uncle Hailey," JJ teased and Hailey waved at JJ dismissively while JJ went to get the store opened up.

It was a few days before Eun Mi was able to come into town, but she did the following Saturday after Eun So was born and brought Jae Sun and Mae Sun with her, Blu Jae joining her to help keep the boys in check. Eun Mi sent Blu Jae to the General Store and promised she'd join him after she dropped off her letter.

"You know, JJ," Blu Jae said to JJ when he came to the General Store with Jae Sun and Mae Sun, "I should start charging you for all this babysitting I do."

"They're your nephews, Birdie. I'm exempt from having to pay you."

"Says who?"

"Says me," JJ said.

"Next you'll tell him he needs to pay Eun Mi a salary for taking care of these little monsters," Hailey said, but it was affectionately. In his own way of course.

"I do," JJ said. "It's called managing all our expenses. Trips to Korea, food and clothes, our electricity, phone bill, I'm sure there's stuff I'm forgetting. Oh, and that cat."

"But dad, you like Popo," Jae Sun said.

"You shouldn't spread false information, Jae Sun," JJ said and rubbed the boy's head.

"Daddy," Mae Sun said and tugged on JJ's shirt, "Can I have some candy?"

"Let's wait until your mother gets back and we'll ask," JJ said.

"But Eomma will say no!" Mae Sun protested.

"And why would she say no?" JJ asked. "Did you already sneak a bit of candy?"

"No," Mae Sun said, but he was starting to smile.

"You shouldn't lie either, kid," JJ said.

"I'm not lying!" Mae Sun protested.

"Yes, he is," Jae Sun said. "I saw him sneak some beet candy and he wouldn't share!"

"Is that so?" JJ asked. "Sounds to me like Jae Sun deserves some candy."

"No!" Mae Sun protested. "You ate the nurungji. Jae Sun wouldn't share."

"Is that true?" JJ asked.

"No!" Jae Sun said and the two boys starting bickering in Korean, but JJ broke it up rather quick.

"Alright, that's enough," JJ said firmly. Blu Jae picked up Jae Sun while JJ picked up Mae Sun so they couldn't bicker anymore. A few patrons came to the store before Eun Mi was done at the Post Office. Given how they gushed over Eun So, JJ suspected he knew why Eun Mi's trip to the Post Office was taking so long. She did eventually come to the General Store and she looked exhausted. "How'd Eun So's parade go?"

"Ha," Eun Mi huffed with exhaustion. "Hailey, can I hand Eun So over to you for a bit?"

"Sure, give him here," Hailey said and accepted Eun So. "Good, he's asleep."

"I'm envious," Eun Mi sighed.

The remainder of the year passed without incident. When Mae Sun's birthday came, he got his special dinner that he requested – bibimbap with fish – and got a big birthday party at the Cullen house. Salem returned home for Christmas that year and was able to stay for the week of Christmas and was even able to stay through New Year's Eve. They celebrated Jae Sun's birthday Christmas afternoon after everyone got to open their presents and the last half of the day was for him and opening his presents as well as his favorite Ox Bone stew. They returned home only when Jae Sun and Mae Sun were sounds asleep having eaten themselves tired off all the Christmas treats and the special dinner. The day after, JJ and Salem spent the day together to catch up. They went up to Port Angeles for a change of scenery and talked for hours.

"You haven't been getting into any more trouble have you?" JJ asked.

"If I had, I would have told you," Salem smiled. "I haven't seen Lilly since we ended things. I wish things had gone differently with her, but you were right: it just wasn't worth it."

"You did the mature thing," JJ said.

"I guess," Salem shrugged and sipped his beer.

"Have you been seeing anyone else since then?"

"No one special," Salem said. "I was with one girl for a month, but she started trying to get me to take these….aw shit, what did she say they were? Something about…auditing! That's what it was."

"Auditing?" JJ asked. "What do you have to audit? You don't really have much in the way of assets."

"It's not for assets. It's a thing Scientologists do."

"What the fuck is a Scientologist?"

"I don't want to go into it," Salem said and waived his hand dismissively. "She tried getting me to read Dianetics and I did it to appease her. I got through 180 pages I think but I couldn't stand it anymore. It's some self-help book turned weird religion and she just wouldn't let up, so I ended it."

"Interesting," JJ shrugged.

"Oh, and fun fact: the guy that founded this shit? L. Ron Hubbard? He nearly started a war with Mexico."

"What?" JJ asked with a small laugh.

"I'm serious! I brought all this up with Captain Lake after she tried making me read Dianetics and he said, 'You know this man nearly started a war with Mexico back in '43 right'?"

"How the hell did he do that?"

"He crossed the border into Tijuana and started open firing on some islands."

"Was he court marshaled?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Salem said and chuckled. "As far as Captain Lake was aware, he'd just been put in a desk job after that."

"That's quite a slap on the wrist," JJ said. "So you're not seeing her anymore?"

"No," Salem said as he huffed a laugh. "After I stopped seeing her, I dated another girl briefly but 'briefly' is the operative word."

"Why? What was the issue there?"

"She couldn't take a hint," Salem said bluntly. "You know me: I'm honest. You might not like my answer or what I'm saying, but at least I'm being honest with you. She was no different. I told her I wasn't interested in more than a beneficial friendship and she told me she was fine with it. It didn't take long to realize she was trying to 'fix me' as Aaron put it."

"While I won't claim you don't need some fixing, what exactly do you mean?" Salem glared at JJ but was still smiling with humor while JJ chuckled.

"Fuck you," Salem said jokingly and JJ laughed just a little harder. "What I mean is she agreed we'd have the type of relationship I was asking for and within, I don't know. I think it was a week. Within a week, she was trying to suggest I meet her friends which wasn't a big deal, but she was introducing me as her 'boyfriend' but I didn't say anything. Then she tried calling me at the base when I hadn't called her in over four days which got me in a lot of trouble. I told her not to do that anymore and warned admin that if she calls, I'm not taking them because I already told her not to do that, then I find out she called four more times. She got mad at me for not taking her calls and even showed up at the beach while I was out with Aaron and Harry. The last straw was when she got mad at me when she found out I was coming home for Christmas and not spending it with her and wouldn't be meeting her parents. When she suggested I meet her parents that was it: I told her it was done. She didn't take that very well."

"Ah," JJ said. "Came on a little strong then?"

"Yeah, just a little," Salem said with a hint of sarcasm. "I've been taking a break since that falling out."

"I'd suggest it," JJ said. "You'll be going back out to sea after next year right?"

"Yeah. As to whether I'll be going back out to the Atlantic or if I'll be stationed in the Pacific I don't know. I'd like the Pacific honestly. Change of pace."

"Start breaking hearts on the other side of the world?"

"That's never my intent," Salem said. "I considered maybe just not dating anymore, but the idea of living like a Monk for God knows how long doesn't really appeal to me."

"How do you think Uncle Embry feels?" JJ joked.

"As far as I know, imprinting on a child just shuts that shit off so to speak," Salem said. "If I imprinted on a baby, I might refuse out of protest. Fuck off for eighteen years and then when she's finally an adult, then we'll talk."

"A huh," JJ chuckled. "I suppose we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed you don't then."

"No kidding," Salem said. "Sign up for 18 more years in the Navy and deal with being a suspiciously young looking Admiral."

"I don't know if you're Admiral material, but it's good to think big," JJ teased and Salem kicked JJ's leg under the table making him laugh harder.

"You know what? I'll make it up to at least a 1 star Admiral just to prove I can."

"You do that, kid," JJ answered. "You'd better get to work then. You're still just a Petty Officer."

"Shut up," Salem said and finished his beer.

Come January 1960 right after New Year, Salem returned to Florida and business as usual. The focus of 1960 became the presidential election: John F. Kennedy representing the Democratic party and Richard M. Nixon representing the Republican party. As well as Cuba's new Communist government under Fidel Castro who resented the United States for assisting Batista during the Cuban Revolution. A relationship that had started as positive very quickly devolved into Cuba ceasing previously American assets and the Eisenhower administration freezing Cuban assets on American soil, severed their diplomatic ties with Cuba and tightened the embargo on Cuba. Naturally, the situation developing in Cuba became a central concern with the election and each candidate had presented their arguments for what they'd do about the situation. Ultimately, the Democratic Party won the election very narrowly, John. F. Kennedy just barely winning the election. Natalie was far more concerned with how what was happening in Cuba would affect Salem, particularly if any military conflict would require him and she, once again, became glued to her TV or radio whenever any news broadcast was airing.

When Salem's latest orders were received, Natalie was relieved to find out he would be stationed out to the Pacific far away from the troubles of Cuba. He'd get to come back for Christmas before he'd be sent to California to board the sub that would take him through a sea tour of the Pacific. To his knowledge, their first stop would be Hawaii and then it would be off to Guam. He was already planning his tattoos, at least for Hawaii. More importantly, though, before Salem left Florida for the two year stint, Captain Lake revealed that he'd put in a recommendation for Salem to receive a promotion. If things went well on this Sea Tour, he'd be up for promotion to Lieutenant which Salem was especially eager for.

"Hardly an Admiral, but it'll do," JJ teased when Salem had told everyone the good news at dinner after he'd returned home and Salem shoved JJ playfully.

"Shut up; it's a step closer," Salem answered. "I'll even get to sail the Pacific."

"Far away from Cuba," Natalie said partly under her breath. "You're enlisted for another four years?"

"Well, yeah, of course I am," Salem smiled. "And this time, mom, I promise when I'm back on Land Duty in two years, I'll make sure I'm stationed in Seattle."

"I'll hold you to that," Natalie said.

When it was time for Salem to leave, the family saw him off at the airport where he'd fly to California to board his new sub. "Next you see me," he'd promised everyone, "I'll be a Lieutenant." As much as she hated seeing Salem leave, Natalie was very proud of him. Once the holidays were over, Heather and Levi Jr. (who'd started Kindergarten in the fall), returned to school, Tribal School went back underway and things continued as usual. Ivory would have one more school year in Washington and she decided once she graduated High School she would return to Las Vegas. As much as she loved being with her father and the tribe, she missed her mom and other tribe. She also missed the dry heat and sunshine, the city lights and endless activities and so on.

Heather remained an avid business partner to Embry, giving him what she'd earned from the last project and just watching it increase, even if it was just a tiny amount compared to the actual cost of the project. Kevin was all too happy for Heather to learn how to invest and become business savvy. Embry was happy in encourage her with it too. She even started insisting she wanted to help Embry with his projects after school. Of course, that came with strict rules such as her homework being required to be completed before she could help with any construction projects. Whatever projects Embry would let her help with anyway. On weekends, Evalynn and Caleb would always be in the city to visit and they would help out too. More appropriately, Embry would work while Heather helped a little but mostly played with Evalynn while Caleb and Levi did nothing but play together. It often slowed him down if he was the only one there and he needed to make sure the children didn't get into trouble, but he was happy to look after them nonetheless.

As the school year progressed, Heather's History lessons turned to the Second World War. The school had the latest grade appropriate text books and, as such, all the teachers had what they thought would be an excellent idea: have the fathers (and mothers that had served as nurses) come to the school for an assembly to share their stories and experiences. Heather's teacher Mrs. Edwards was especially excited for this project, having a husband that had served in the Navy during the war.

"I'm handing each of you a special note that I need you to give to your parents," Mrs. Edwards said as she handed out the little notes. "Now, those of you who's fathers and mothers did not serve in the military at this time, you do not have to worry about this and can focus on your usual homework. However, those of you who's fathers and mothers have been in the service, I would like you to ask them if they would be willing to give a presentation this coming Friday. If they agree, please let me know and I'll give you a work sheet of questions for them to answer during Friday's assembly. Does anyone have any questions?" There was a moment while some children raised their hands and asked their questions and, once they were answered, the children were dismissed for the day. As Heather was getting her bag, she was stopped by Mrs. Edwards. "Heather, dear, would you come here just a moment? I would like to speak with you privately if that's alright."

"Yes, Mrs. Edwards," Heather nodded and came to the front of the class towards Mrs. Edwards' desk. She waited for all the children to leave the class and, once they were alone, she closed the door and approached. Then she kneeled to be closer to Heather's level.

"I had a special request for you," Mrs. Edwards said. "It's my understanding that your mother is originally from Germany and your family is Jewish. Am I right?"

"Yes, Mrs. Edwards," Heather nodded.

"As far as I've been advised, your mother and grandparents are both Holocaust survivors. Is that correct?"

"My mommy and grandparents had a hard time but daddy saved my mommy. Daddy made everything okay."

"That's wonderful, dear," Mrs. Edwards smiled kindly. Then she stood, got something out of her desk drawer and handed it to Heather. "I would love very much for you to ask your father to give a presentation, but I was wondering if your mother would be able to give one as well about her experiences in the Concentration Camps. Now, if she is not able to or is not comfortable doing so, I completely understand. I've only heard of the awful things that happened, so if she doesn't want to talk about it, I completely understand. I only hope she will not mind my requesting so. Would you give this to your mother for me, dear?"

"Yes, Mrs. Edwards," Heather said and looked at the note. "Mom doesn't talk about it. I've seen her number, but she tries so hard to hide it. So do grandma and grandpa." Heather was silent and thoughtful a moment. "I don't know if mommy would be okay with it."

"And if she's not, that is alright," Mrs. Edwards reassured. "I only wish to make the request. As awful as it was, she experienced a rather critical piece of history."

"I'll ask her, Mrs. Edwards."

"Thank you so much, Heather," Mrs. Edwards smiled and gently rubbed Heather's cheek. "Now you go get your butt home and work on your homework."

"Yes Ma'am," Heather smiled back and finally left the classroom. By the time she got outside, Rosalie was already outside holding Levi's tiny hand waiting.

"Heather, is something wrong?"

"Mrs. Edwards just wanted to talk to me," Heather said. Rosalie crossed her arms and then saw the notes.

"Anna Heather Renesmee Black, what did you do?"

"I didn't do anything! Honest!" she answered and extended the note to Rosalie so she could see it. Once she read it, she handed it back and appeared grave.

"I see," Rosalie said. "That will be up to your mother. I say wait until after dinner to bring it up to her, alright?"

"Okay, Aunt Rosalie," Heather nodded and then they made the walk to the latest housing project Embry was working on and spent some time there. Rosalie made sure Heather finished her homework before she helped Embry with anything while Levi ran around in the backyard. "Embry," Heather said while she was painting a corner of a room.

"Yeah, Heather Bear?" Embry asked, focused on using a roller on the walls for painting.

"On Friday, we're having a big assembly at school. Our teachers are asking us to talk to all the Veterans that we know that served in Europe. I'm going to ask daddy, but I thought since I know so many veterans, I should ask all of you!"

"I'm sorry, why do your teachers want us to attend an assembly?" Embry asked.

"They want us to learn about the war from people that served," Heather said. "They said it'll be a good learning experience."

"I see," Embry said and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, sure, I guess I could do that. Especially if your dad will be there. But let's keep this between me and your dad. I don't know if the school wants your Uncle Kyle talking about being a doctor."

"Oh no, we're encouraged to," Heather smiled. "In fact, if all of you talked at my school, I would be giving the biggest contribution! I know my teachers would appreciate it a whole bunch."

"I know, Heather, but….Look, honey, you have to understand. I know what your teachers are trying to do and it's admirable. Really, it is. But war….you're not to tell anyone I said this to you. War fucks a man's head. When your father and I served in the Trenches during the Great War, we saw things and did things that we can never unsee and undo. The Second World War was worse."

"You mean because you lost Uncle Jae?" Heather asked innocently.

"Yeah," Embry said and went completely silent. He started rubbing his eyes a little and was breathing heavily to try and keep calm. Realizing she made Embry upset, Heather went right to Embry's side and hugged him.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," Heather said. Embry smiled and patted her head.

"Its fine, Heather. Really, it is. My brother fought for his country just like we all did. He died a hero and I'll proclaim that to the whole gymnasium if you want me to. If I had to lose my little brother, I'm happy it could at least be as a hero." Embry kneeled down so he was looking Heather in the eyes. "Promise it can just be me and your dad?"

"I promise," Heather said and smiled sweetly, holding out her pinky. Embry chuckled a little and accepted her pinky finger in his own.

"Thanks, Heather Bear," Embry said. "Now let's get back to work. These walls aren't going to paint themselves."

"Yes, sir!" Heather said and went right back to work. Thankfully, Rosalie didn't come barging in over Embry's less than acceptable language, but that didn't stop her from giving him a disapproving look before they left to return to the house. Once Amber was home, Rosalie left and promised to be back again the following day. Because she'd been asked to, Heather did not bring up her teacher's request right away. At least not the one for Amber. Kevin, on the other hand, was asked near the instant he walked in the door. "Daddy! Daddy!" Heather ran to the door as Kevin was getting his keys on the table.

"The house on fire or something?" Kevin joked.

"No!" Heather pouted and held out her teacher's note. "My school is having an assembly on Friday and they want as many veterans as possible to speak at the assembly. We're learning about the Second World War."

"You don't say," Kevin said a little awkwardly. "This Friday?" He already knew since the date was listed on the request, but Heather nodded all the same.

"And Embry said he'd talk too," Heather smiled.

"Good," Kevin chuckled a little, "I'll need the support. I'll tell you what: I have meetings that day, but I'll move some things around and at least make a point to be one of the first ones to talk. That sound okay?"

"Thank you, daddy!" Heather cheered and hugged Kevin tightly.

"I hope you appreciate the things I do for you Anna Heather," Kevin teased and kneeled down to give Heather a quick kiss. He went to the kitchen to see Amber was almost done making dinner, so he helped get things to the table and they all sat down together to eat.

"Daddy," Levi said, "when you talk, can you wear your medals?"

"You want me to wear my medals?" Kevin asked.

"I want all my classmates to know my daddy's a hero!" Levi proclaimed and Heather cheered in agreement.

"Will you wear your medals, daddy? Please?"

"Well, the request did say they'd like us to wear our uniforms if we can, so I guess I can do that."

"Yay!" Heather and Levi cheered. Amber smiled pleasantly but quickly told them they needed to finish their dinner. After dinner, Heather helped Amber with the dishes while Kevin and Levi played in the living room. Heather decided, since it was after dinner, this was the best time to talk to Amber. "Mommy, my teacher gave me a note she wanted me to give you."

"To give me?" Amber asked. "Young lady, if your teacher gives you a note to give to me, you give that to me right away. You're not in trouble are you?"

"No, mommy, I'm not in trouble," Heather protested and then ran to her backpack, got the note, and ran back to the kitchen to hand it over as Amber was drying her hands. "Mrs. Edwards said it's a special note just for you. And for grandma and grandpa. It's about the assembly we're having Friday."

"Well, Heather," Amber said before accepting the note, "I don't know why she'd want to speak to me. I'm not a vet-" Amber stopped when she finally read the note.

Dear Mrs. Black,

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm Heather's teacher, Mrs. Edwards, and our school is hosting a special assembly in which we are asking for Veterans of the 2nd World War to speak of their experiences during their time of service. I also wanted to extend an invitation for you to speak at the Assembly as well. It is my understanding that you're a Holocaust survivor. It's my hope that you would be so kind as to relay your experience in those camps seeing as it is as important a detail as the experiences of our veterans. If you are not comfortable speaking, I completely understand. The school assembly will be this Friday and will start at 8 at the beginning of the school day and will end at 12. Please let me know if you will be able to speak and if so, I'll have Heather give you a copy of the questionnaire I'll be handing out.

Thank you,

Mrs. Tina Edwards

"Mommy, are you okay?" Heather asked. Amber had been so quiet for a long time and when Heather broke the silence, it startled Amber.

"Yes, Heather, I'm fine," Amber said and took a deep breath. "I'll think about it. Put this on my nightstand for me?"

Heather nodded and took the note to Amber's and Kevin's room putting it on Amber's nightstand as she'd been asked. She went to the living room to play with Kevin and Levi while Amber finished the dishes, dried them and put them away. She got Heather and Levi cleaned and put to bed while Kevin got more work done in his office downstairs. Amber went to their bedroom and saw Kevin still hadn't come upstairs. She used the quiet time to take a shower so she could think under the feel of comforting hot water. She ended up being in there much longer than she thought when the door to the bathroom opened. Amber didn't notice until Kevin let himself into the shower and jumped a little.

"Jesus, Amber, the water's freezing," Kevin said and started fiddling with the knob to try and make the water hot again. It worked for a moment only to go cold again. "Are you clean?"

"Yeah," Amber mumbled.

"Alright. I'll turn off the water then. I can shower in the morning." Kevin turned off the water and the two of them stepped out to dry off. "So did Amber tell you about the assembly her school's having?"

"Yes, she did," Amber said.

"I'll have to move some things around but I promised her I'll make a presentation for her. I made clear that I need to talk in the morning so I don't change my appointments too drastically. I'll talk to Lisa in the morning and get everything arranged."

"Heather will be happy," Amber mumbled.

"Is something wrong?" Kevin asked. He hung his towel and walked over to Amber who was holding her own towel but wasn't drying herself off at all. "Heather's teacher asked if I would speak to the kids about the camps. She thinks since what I went through was such a big part of the war it would be good for me to tell my side of it."

"Are you comfortable doing that?" Kevin asked in a serious tone.

"I don't know yet," Amber said. "I told Heather I'll think about it. She isn't pushing like she is with you and Embry."

"She knows this isn't exactly something you like talking about," Kevin said. "Then again, we hardly like to talk about the war, but it was such a decisive 'good vs. evil' that we're being put on pedestals."

"Heather would do that regardless," Amber managed a gentle smile. "I'll sleep on it."

"Alright," Kevin said and leaned down to give her a quick kiss, "and if you decide you want to present, I'll close up my day."

"You don't have to do that," Amber said.

"No, I want to," Kevin said. "No matter what, I'll be there to hold your hand if you need me. And if you decide you want to stop and don't want to talk about it anymore, you can stop. Make that clear to her. If at any point you can't stand to talk anymore, you can stop." Amber looked up at Kevin and instantly felt much better about the proposition.

"That would mean a lot," Amber admitted. Kevin smiled back at her and took the towel so he could start drying her off. Once she was dry, the two of them started hugging one another. Kevin put Amber's towel on its hook and lifted her into his arms so the two of them could get to bed.

Once they were in bed, Kevin held Amber through the night. It made her decision much easier. In the morning, she woke up to Kevin giving her a kiss and telling her he was getting out of bed to take a shower. When she was alone in their bed, she stared at her number carved messily into her wrist. She went out of her way to hide it most times and had considered so many times asking Carlisle to just cut it off her. Yet, somehow, that seemed like the wrong thing to do. Amber got herself dressed and started getting breakfast ready while she made coffee. Once she had everyone's breakfast prepared, Kevin came downstairs to get down his coffee and eat while Amber went upstairs to get the kids awake and ready for school. Kevin was able to say goodbye to Heather and Levi before he had to leave, promising Heather he'd be moving some things around and that he'd put her signed teacher's note in her backpack. Amber filled out her own reply and gave it to Heather, telling her to give the message to her teacher. Once at school, Heather and all the other children that had veteran parents handed in their replies from their parents and Mrs. Edwards reviewed them while the children were at recess.

"Before you all go home," Mrs. Edwards said to the children as they were getting packed to go home. "I have the worksheets for the parents that have volunteered their time for this coming Friday. Please ensure you extend to your parents my deepest appreciation." She reached Amber's desk and handed her two questionnaires, one slightly different. "And you tell your mother I'm especially grateful for her time."

Heather accepted the questionnaires while Mrs. Edwards continued to hand the remainder out. Later that evening, she gave them to her parents which were labeled accordingly. Kevin took both and put them in his office saying he and Amber would work on them later. Once Heather and Levi were in bed, Amber and Kevin met in his office to look at the questionnaires.

"How do your questions differ?" Kevin asked after he read through them. "I would hope she didn't ask you what made you decide to enlist."

"No," Amber said. "They're broad questions. She's asking how my family were captured, what we experienced and how we escaped."

"I guess you can keep your answers short then," Kevin said. "Or is she asking you for detail?"

"She isn't but I would think it's implied," Amber said and sighed a little.

"Amber, if you're not comfortable –"

"It's alright," Amber interrupted, took a deep breath and started thinking about the questions. There were much fewer than what Kevin had been given but her questions could have potentially loaded answers.

"What did Anna say when you told her? Or did you not tell her?"

"I told her I would need Friday off because I'm doing a presentation at Heather's school," Amber said. "I didn't go into any more detail than that." Amber looked through the questions again, sighed a little and grabbed one of Kevin's pens writing very brief answers to everything. "If she asks me to elaborate on something, I will."

"I think that's fair," Kevin smiled reassuringly and took Amber's hand. "I'll be there the whole time."

"I know," Amber smiled gently and leaned over so the two of them could kiss.

For the remainder of the week, Amber braced herself for the school assembly but she didn't think too much about her experience. Thursday before the event, Amber went to Anna's and Levi's house with Kevin and the children for dinner. Heather and Levi Jr. were given strict instructions that they were not to bring up the assembly and when Anna and Levi Sr. brought it up, Kevin made a point to do all the talking. Amber was relieved for Kevin's efforts to keep the topic as much on the Veterans rather than her as possible. They all returned home after Amber and Anna finished the dishes and the children were getting tired and needed to be put to bed. Once the children were put to bed, Kevin and Amber went to bed together and he wrapped his arms around her as soon as she was under the covers.

"Are you sure about tomorrow?" Kevin asked.

"No," Amber said, "but maybe this will be a good thing. Maybe they can learn something from what I went through."

"I'll be with you the whole time," Kevin reassured again and kissed her shoulder. "I'll hold your hand, too."

Amber smiled a little and turned her head to give Kevin a kiss. "Thank you," she said. "Now, sleep. We'll have a busy morning tomorrow."

Kevin continued to hold her through the night and fell asleep right away, but Amber was not so lucky. She had a hard time falling asleep. She was nervous about tomorrow. She stared at the number on her wrist again, remembering when it was put on her in vivid detail. She glanced at her bracelets on her nightstand as if to remind herself that it was in the past now. Her scalp even burned from the memory of when they'd been brought to the camps. She shivered and put everything from her mind and tried again to make herself fall asleep. When she did finally sleep, it wasn't very good. She woke up groggy and tired and Kevin offered to make an excuse for her, but she insisted she'd already promised to present and would go. She got the children up and eating their breakfast while Kevin showered and got himself in his uniform. With the kids occupied with breakfast, Amber went upstairs to see Kevin dressed wearing his medals just as Levi had asked and she smiled.

"Handsome as ever," Amber said.

"Really?" Kevin said with a light chuckle and took a moment to straighten his collar. Amber walked over and smoothed it out.

"Just as I remember you from our wedding day," Amber smiled. "It still feels like yesterday."

"It does," Kevin agreed and leaned down to give her a kiss. "You take that shower and I'll keep the kids out of trouble. Embry's meeting us here and we'll walk to school together."

"Sounds like a plan," Amber agreed and went to take a shower while Kevin was downstairs. She got herself especially presentable in a lavender dress and got her hair into a wave. She overheard Kevin let Embry into the house and heard them talking while they waited. She went to put on her bracelets and, again, saw the number. She took a deep breath, told herself to be brave, and then put on her bracelets before going downstairs.

"You look pretty, Mommy," Heather said when Amber came downstairs.

"As always," Kevin said.

"Thank you," Amber smiled back.

"Let's get going," Embry said, also wearing his uniform. "I'm confident they want us there before eight."

The five of them all walked to the school together and were greeted by a large group of people. Some weren't, but most were in their uniforms. Especially those that had been injured. Heather was alarmed to see so many men that were either missing an arm, fingers, a leg and in a wheelchair, or any manner of injuries. Some mothers were there in their formal uniforms from their time serving as nurses and most of them were paired with a veteran, though some seemed not to have their husbands there.

"Daddy, Embry, do you know all these people?" Heather asked.

"No, I don't think so," Kevin said. Mrs. Edwards and several other teachers were among the group ushering all the veterans and nurses to the gymnasium where they would present. When Mrs. Edwards saw Amber, she ran right over to her.

"Mrs. Black," Mrs. Edwards said, "thank you so much again for agreeing to speak. I can't imagine what you went through, but I know it will be good for the children to learn from you."

"Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Edwards," Amber said.

"Please, follow me to the gymnasium. Oh, and Mr. Black, you will be one of the first to speak as you requested."

"That's Lieutenant Black, Mrs. Edwards," Heather said proudly and Kevin laughed, patting Heather's head.

"Mr. Black is just fine," Kevin said.

"Oh, no, no, Lt. Black. My mistake," Mrs. Edwards smiled. "What is your name sir?"

"Corporal Embry Call, ma'am," Embry said.

"Oh! You're Heather's business partner I keep hearing about," Mrs. Edwards giggled.

"Yes, she's a stickler, but the best investor anyone could ask for," Embry teased.

"Tina!" one of the teachers called, "we need to get everyone in the gym for the assembly!"

"Yes, I'm so sorry, just one moment," she called back. "If you would all follow me please?"

They all followed Mrs. Edwards to the gym and she led Heather and Levi to their appropriate groups so they were with their classmates. All the youngest children were up front and the seating went from youngest in the front and oldest in the back. All the veterans and nurses were surrounded by the kids and close so they could all hear. There was one microphone up front and once everyone was seated, the principle started the assembly. Amber sat right beside Kevin and, as he'd promised, he held her hand the whole time.

"Let us start, children, by hearing from Lt. Kevin William Black," the principle announced after his brief speech and the children were encouraged to clap for him as he stood and went to the microphone and then waited for the sound to die down.

"Well, I guess I should start with the 'Tater' story," Kevin started.

"Don't you dare!" Embry barked making Kevin start laughing.

"You're right. I'll save that for the parents while the kids are at recess," Kevin said. "Alright, so to speak seriously. You kids might not believe this but I'm old." All the kids giggled a little at his joke. "No, I'm serious, I'm really old. I'd originally joined the Army at the tender age of 13. I lied about my age and fought in the Trenches during the Great War." That seemed to take a few people by surprise. "Back then, I'd joined the army for opportunity. It turned out to be the best decision I'd ever made. I'd won a Medal of Honor saving two of my commanding officers from No Man's Land which earned me the rank of Sergeant and one of those officers saving a spot at Yale for me so I could study Law. All by the time I was fifteen. True story. More importantly, though, it's how my wife and I had met. She was a baby at the time and I'd given her over to a Synagogue who adopted her to a good family, but I'd kept in touch.

Anyway, the reason I'd joined in the fight against the Germans was because I was looking for my wife. She'd been in Germany when Hitler came to power and had been captured. That was why I'd enlisted the second time around." Kevin glanced as his questionnaire and moved on to the next question on the list. "Is there something I'm most proud of?" he repeated the question. "I wasn't sure how to answer this one. I was proud that we'd won the war." Kevin glanced at the questions again. He'd never felt so awkward presenting to people. "What's the scariest experience you remember?" Kevin repeated. "Not knowing where my wife was. For me, that was the worst of it."

"Lieutenant?" one of the teachers asked. "Did you happen to fight on D-Day?"

"Yes, ma'am, I did," Kevin said.

"Would you be able to tell the children a little about that?" she asked and then looked at the other veterans. "In fact, any that had helped to take the Beach of Normandy, would you be so kind as to come forward?"

Those that applied stood and came forward or, in the case of one man, wheeled himself forward. The teacher took that time to have the children ask questions as a way to test if they remembered anything they'd discussed in the classroom previously. Kevin wondered if it was as strange for the others to talk about this as it was for him. They couldn't let their details get too gruesome or graphic. Most of them stuck to just the facts as much as possible unless they had an injury in which case they would go into that briefly. Now having a better plan of execution, the same teacher asked those that had served in particular battles to stand and talk about those battles. If they'd not fought, they sat out that part of the discussion. When the teacher had a small handful of men discuss the war in the Pacific, Kevin took the time to hold Amber's hand and keep her nerves steeled. She was getting more and more nervous as the time passed. Eventually, that teacher had led the discussion more or less through the entire war and when she had, Mrs. Edwards stepped in. She went to the microphone and gently cleared her throat before speaking.

"Children, now that we've heard from our Veterans, I think we owe them a show of gratitude," she said and then had the children all clap for them. Once it was quiet again, she continued. "I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a special guest. She is a survivor of Hitler's Holocaust and she has been kind enough to speak with you about her experiences. I want you all to pay very close attention and be considerate while she speaks. If you have any questions, as always, you raise your hand and wait for her to call on you. Without further delay, please welcome Mrs. Amber Black."

The children applauded for her and, now that it was her turn, Amber felt a little dizzy and like she might vomit. Kevin squeezed her hand and stood up with her staying by her side as he promised he would. She went up to the microphone and for a moment she was silent while the children's applause died down. She glanced at her questionnaire but suddenly it seemed meaningless to her. Once it was quiet, it took a moment for Amber to finally gather her thoughts.

"I don't even know where to start," Amber admitted. There was silence as everyone waited patiently for her. "I guess I'll start by saying I was born July 1918 in Chateau Thierry. My birth mother had died and Kevin, my husband, had found me. He saw my birth mother's Star of David necklace and took me to the Synagogue. I was adopted by a German couple and spent most of my childhood in Munich." Amber was quiet a moment before she continued. "I remember, when I was a girl, there was a great deal of animosity. Germany had lost the war and we was broke from having to pay war reparations. It caused a jump in political factions, particularly a group called the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or the National Socialists German Worker's Party. Or Nazis as they're more commonly known. I remember when I was a girl, there was a man that spoke on behalf of this political party. His name was Adolf Hitler. One day, when daddy was walking me to school, Hitler had led a group of his supporters in an attempt to overthrow the Bavarian government. He'd been met by the army. I remember hearing gunshots and screams before my father dragged me home. We started packing that day and made arrangements to flee to Berlin where we could escape the Nazi party.

"Things were alright in Berlin for a time, but as things escalated over the years and the Nazis gained more and more political power, things just got worse. I remember he'd become very popular after the Stock Market Crash in 1929. America had started asking for their money back from all the help they'd offered Germany to pay the war reparations. The Mark became virtually useless. I remember children playing with coins because they had absolutely no buying power. The last straw came when a brick had been thrown through our window. The Nazi party was taking over the Reichstag and were becoming more and more aggressive, especially towards Jewish businesses. We'd fled to Paris after the brick with the threatening note was thrown through our window. From there we'd fled to Paris and took the steps to become American citizens. Then, when we got on the St. Louis and made the trip, we were refused entry into Cuba even though we had our paperwork. We tried docking in Florida, but we weren't given entry and we were sent back to France."

Amber was starting to shake a little and Kevin squeezed her hand, pushing the thought into her mind that if she wanted to stop, she need only say so, but she shook her head, took a deep breath and continued. Even now, the memory of watching that boat sail away was enough to send Kevin in a bitter rage, but he kept quiet and stayed calm.

"After that, we had to go into hiding. We stayed in France trying to avoid the Nazi party. But then Germany invaded France and started searching for Jews." The memory came back to Amber like a punch to the face and she needed to take another deep breath before she continued. "We stayed with a farmer. Monsieur Louis De Gent was his name. We weren't the first he'd offered refuge to. He had a space under his house where we would sleep and he'd give food to those visiting until we would leave. We'd stayed a few days with a few other families trying to figure out what to do. Most were planning to flee to Israel as I recall. Daddy was considering doing the same so we could at least be safe and try getting into America again." She was about to continue before a teacher raised her hand.

"Forgive me for interrupting, Mrs. Black, but you mention fleeing to Israel. Would you happen to know why that was the end goal for a number of people in your position?"

"It, um," Amber started and greatly accepted the moment on a different topic, "A place of refuge was established in Jerusalem. It was our holy land. Many had already fled Europe escaping persecution and it was considered a safe place for Jews. We never made it to Jerusalem, though." Amber was quiet again for a moment and then continued. "One morning, we woke up to the sound of Monsieur De Gent answering the door. We were all under the floorboards when an SS officer came into the cottage and started asking Monsieur De Gent questions. Rumors had spread that he was harboring us. Monsieur De Gent answered so calmly. I could never understand how he'd managed it." For a moment, the memory played in her head again in vivid detail and she was quiet.

"Amber," Kevin said gently. He was about to ask if she wanted to stop, but Amber shook her head before he could ask.

"While he'd been questioning Monsieur De Gent, I remember the officer walking around the cottage. He kept tapping his foot. I still remember the sound of his shoe tapping on the wood. Then…he came upon where we were hiding. He'd tapped on the wood and the sound was different. I'd noticed it and I knew he had too, but we stayed quiet. He didn't do anything for a while. I'd begun to think maybe he'd not noticed the change in sound, but…..then he'd fired his gun into the floor…the young woman standing next to me was shot through the eye and she screamed…..then he forced the wood away and saw at least thirty of us hiding down there." Amber felt Kevin squeeze her hand while she shivered. Kevin never took his eyes off her, but he noticed the teachers appear as though they were trying desperately to stay calm. He wondered if the younger kids even fully understood what Amber was telling them. "Monsieur De Gent was shot in his kitchen," Amber finally continued remembering the screams when the SS officer had shot the man right through the head and his blood splattered all over his kitchen and pooled onto the floor. "We were dragged from under the floorboards and put on trucks.

"They took us to a ghetto, but I don't know where. We weren't there for very long. My mother, father and I were taken to Auschwitz from there." Amber took her hand away from Kevin so she could remove her bracelets and showed the number to the children. They all stared at it in awe. "When we arrived, we were broken up into groups. My father was forced away from us and made to stand with the men while my mother and I were made to stand with the women. All the elderly and children were rounded up. I remember hearing gunfire and screams after that. They took us to a barrack on site where they…" Amber stopped a moment as she remembered. "They put the numbers in our wrists as a way to keep track of us. We were divided into ethnic groups and made to wear symbols that distinguished what we were. All the Jews had to wear yellow stars. They cut my hair, stole gold teeth from anyone that had it, they took our jewelry…" Amber stopped again.

It came back as clearly as if it'd happened yesterday. She remembered being dragged into that barrack. She remembered screaming and crying as they forced her ring off her finger but she'd screamed the loudest when they'd taken her bracelets; the very ones Kevin had made for her. She remembered fighting and begging for them back only to be dragged to a table and forcefully held down while her number was carved into her wrist. She still remembered the tug from them pulling on her hair to carve it off her. She'd been cut on so many spots as had several others. Then they'd been given a uniform with their number and symbol on it and were immediately put to work.

"They made us work immediately," Amber finally continued after what she could only imagine had been a deafening silence. "All the elderly and children that had been shot…they made us carry them to a mass grave in wheel barrels. I remember so many babies in that pile," Amber trembled almost violently. Kevin took back her hand, holding her bracelets in the other hand for her. She was staring at the floor now as she spoke. She couldn't stand to look at everyone. She could only imagine the looks they were giving her. One of the teachers raised their hands almost timidly.

"How long were you there?" the teacher asked once Amber finally looked at her.

"I don't know," Amber said. "I remember working. I remember we were all given one metal bowl and we had to use that bowl to eat and for…..other bodily needs. In the winter, people would put snow in that bowl hoping to get water. You had to guard your bowl because it was the only one you were given. If you lost your bowl, you would starve to death. I used to give my mother all my food. She needed it more than me. Then, one day, she started coughing." Amber stopped there. Kevin knew exactly what she was talking about and when he looked at Amber, the blank, mile long stare scared him. "The officers noticed. I tried to cough louder to cover it up, but they took us both. My mother and I as well as a large group of other people that were coughing were forced into a large room. It looked like a shower but…..I heard a whistling sound. They were pumping gas into the room. I panicked and…..many of us," Amber managed to say, "forced the door open and got ourselves out but a number of the people that had been in that building were executed later. My mother was almost one of them." Amber was quiet again for a moment. Everything flashed through her mind: her coming to and begging for her mother's life, memories of Schneider. "I begged for her life," Amber finally said. "One of the guards agreed to spare my mother's life, but," Amber stopped again.

The event flashed before her eyes with the same frightening clarity as all the other memories she'd run through. She remembered agreeing to anything Officer Schneider wanted so long as he spared her mother. He'd dragged her to his office that very day through the camps while she had still been naked. She'd cried the whole way. She remembered how she kept thinking of Kevin and wishing for him. She remembered wishing that, at any moment, he'd barge in through the door to save her, but he never came. She knew he wouldn't. He'd not known where she was. She still remembered being in her bunk at night forced into a small bed space she shared with at least ten or fifteen other inmates, the smell of shit and death suffocating her but still begging to God that Kevin would find her and get her and her parents out of there, but deep down, she always thought it wouldn't happen and she'd die. Kevin would have searched high and low for her she'd known, but he'd not find her in time. She felt herself start to feel sick as she remembered everything from that day: the slap to her face telling her to stop crying, hitting her head against the desk as she'd fallen back, being forced back to her feet only to be pushed against the desk, his hand forcing her head down against the wood of the desk and the feeling of painful rubbing from his forcible entry. She'd remembered thinking in that moment, "I'll be dead before Kevin finds me." While everything flashed before her eyes, there was silence that Kevin eventually broke.

"I think that's enough," Kevin said to the teachers. They seemed to agree and were getting ready to tell the children to stay quiet as Kevin gently pulled Amber's hand. "Let's sit down."

"No," Amber said.

"Amber, you don't have to-"

"No!" Amber said looking right at him this time. It took Kevin and everyone by surprise. He stood still as he saw her face soften in an instant, but only to return to that strange blank stare. She finally took a deep breath and looked back at the crowd of children and teachers. The children seemed so confused. Especially Levi. When she looked at him, she saw the boy seem like he knew his mother was hurting but he couldn't understand the gravity of why. "I did what I had to," Amber finally said. "It kept my mother alive. It kept the guards off her. As long as I did what I was told, they stayed away from my mother." One of the children gingerly raised their hands. A teacher was about to tell her not to, but Amber already looked at her.

"What about your dad?" the little girl asked innocently.

"After what we were put through," Amber forced through the gag forming in her throat, "I didn't want to. I hoped he was alive. My mother cried so often thinking of my father wondering if he was alright. I told her we had to have faith he was alive but…I'd assumed he was likely dead. We weren't allowed to see each other. The men were all kept at a different part of camp and we never saw him. My focus stayed on making sure my mother was okay." When Amber was quiet again, another child raised their hand. The teacher did not attempt to make the child put their hand down this time.

"How long were you there?" the boy asked.

"I lost track," Amber said, and it was true. "It was as though time stood still in that place. I wasn't always sure of the time of day much less the month or year. However long I was there, I was eventually transferred to Dachau for experimentation." She felt Kevin flinch in her hand, but she soldiered through. She couldn't give them the real reason she'd been selected, so she told part of the truth and said, "Doctors at Auschwitz considered my features favorable and there was a doctor assigned to Dachau that specialized in such experiments."

"How do you mean?" one teacher asked without raising her hand, unable to help herself.

"My features were appropriately 'Aryan'," Amber said. And it was true. The reason it had been decided that she'd be transferred at all was because of her durability and the realization that Amber wasn't 'just any Jew' as the guards had put it. When Doctor Keller had finally seen her, she remembered one man that was with him commenting about her blonde hair, fair skin and blue eyes. She could still hear that chilling voice say, "Doctor, look at her. Is she not stunning? If I didn't know better, I'd say she was most certainly uncontaminated by Jewish blood." Amber breathed before saying, "The Nazi party was obsessed with making Germans the master race. The ideal was blonde hair and blue eyes. I am blonde with blue eyes. I'd begged not to be transferred. I was scared what would happen to my mother if I wasn't there, but they refused and I was put on a train to Dachau." Once again, timidly, one of the children raised their hands.

"What did they do?" the little girl asked. She was old enough to grasp the horror of Amber's story and seemed scared to ask, but Amber could tell everyone else wanted to know the answer too. Those truly understanding the seriousness of her situation seemed to be on the edge of their seats, wondering how she'd managed to survive such horror.

"I remember very little of my time at Dachau," Amber said, and that wasn't a lie. She remembered very little. "I remember arriving and when I arrived, I was examined by Dr. Keller. His associate was always there. I remember he always wore sunglasses." Amber stopped then.

What little she did remember came flooding back. She remembered receiving a standard examination, but that had been the only time she'd received any manner of a 'normal' check-up. She remembered an inmate being thrown into her cell and being forced at gunpoint to drink the inmate's blood. At the time, she couldn't understand how they'd known her vampiric heritage, but they had. She'd refused initially and had been shot in the shoulder. When it had been proven true in that moment that she healed very quickly from such wounds, that became the status quo of dealing with her disobedience. She had finally complied to drinking that inmates blood and felt ashamed even now that the relief in her throat had been enough to stave off any guilt she'd felt at the time. But the feedings she was given were so few and far between that she quite literally lost her mind. She cared of one thing and one thing only: blood. Anything else was a blur. She remembered beatings, she remembered being poked, prodded and even being raped. She remembered seeing red and black, she remembered her cell, she remembered excruciating pain of numerous varieties always lasting either briefly or even several hours. There was only one thing she'd remembered with complete clarity. The time of day or even the year was lost on her, but she remembered being in her cell when she swore she'd heard Kevin's voice. "I'm coming, Amber!" she'd heard in her head. It forced her into reality for mere seconds but when he wasn't there, she'd cried and slipped out of sanity once again.

"I only remember swearing I'd heard Kevin's voice," Amber mumbled, almost to herself when she lost herself in the few memories she had. "It was so real. It was as though he was there, but when I couldn't see him in my cell….it must have been a dream." Kevin wanted to tell her it hadn't been a dream. He remembered being on those boats approaching Normandy. He remembered hoping with all his heart that when he pushed his thoughts visualizing Amber that she would know he was coming for her. Knowing it had reached her was an overwhelming feeling, but the knowledge that she'd convinced herself she was imagining it dashed any hope that had come with the knowledge. "Other than that, all I remember was pain. Thirst and pain. Screams seemed to be a daily part of my life. The only thing I remember now is waking up in a different cell and realizing I was no longer in the camp. I'd had a nightmare that I'd….." Amber trailed off and stopped, unable to finish her thought. She thought she remembered smelling Kevin's blood. She thought she remembered attacking and killing him. It had been so real to her but then Kevin appeared in that doorway. "By some miracle, I was lucky enough to survive long enough for the Americans to seize Dachau. I'd found out that my mother and father had managed to survive but just barely. We were finally reunited when Kevin sent me to his family here in Washington." One of the students, a girl sitting near Heather, raised her hand.

"Did you find her, Mr. Black?" the little girl asked Kevin.

Kevin took his own deep breath and answered, "I'd found her in her cell. There were at least ten locks on the door, but I don't remember for sure. I had to force the door open. The first thing I remember when entering the camp was the smell. It was overwhelming. There were dead bodies piled high and the gas chamber smelled like it had been used recently. When I found the block Amber was being kept in, the smell was worse. I didn't stop until I found her in her cell. She was delirious and couldn't remember who I was." That had been the worst part: Amber not knowing who he was. He'd remembered how she seemed to recognize him for just a moment when she'd started attacking the guards but how the smell of his blood had been enough to make even him unsafe from an attack.

"Wait a minute," one man, one of the veterans, said and sat up a little straighter, "I knew I recognized you." Kevin and Amber glanced at the man as he seemed to have a flash in his mind. "You'd interrogated one of the guards demanding to know where she was. As soon as we got in there, you started running like a bat out of hell. Your brother was with us wasn't he? So was Corporal Call. They ran after you when we heard screams. Then you came out carrying her. I remember you'd tried to put her in the car with the other survivors but they wouldn't let you. I remember you had your brother and Corporal Call search for Dr. Keller. I heard he'd been killed after he left the camp."

"He was given deserved punishment after he was taken prisoner," Kevin said coolly and that seemed to make the veteran go cold and stay quiet.

"That one soldier," Amber said, quieter so that only Kevin could hear her. "What happened to him?" She wasn't sure what had possessed her to ask, but she remembered the man she'd let go in that moment and wondered.

"You saw fit to spare the man his life. I made sure he'd be let go," Kevin answered with that same cold voice. She remembered that being his tone. He'd been so relieved to find her alive and she remembered that mere moment when she'd felt relieve, but Kevin had changed to seriousness and all business as his voice had become cold and distant. It had scared her.

"I'd been so scared," Amber said. Now she was only talking to Kevin but everyone else was staring. "I thought after everything that happened, you had….." Amber couldn't continue. She knew it wasn't true. Kevin had reassured her as much numerous times, but she remembered that fear crossing her mind that if Kevin knew what happened that he'd feel differently about her. She remembered that feeling of being undesirably. Of being used and unworthy. Worst of all, she remembered that feeling that things would never be as they were between them. Without realizing it, she'd started crying.

"Amber," Kevin said gently and was preparing to guide her to their seats and let the teachers do whatever they needed to, but Levi stood up from his group and started to approach her. He didn't fully understand Amber's story. There were simply evils that he couldn't wrap his mind around at his tender age, but he knew his mommy was hurting and he wanted to comfort her. So he walked up to her and gave her a hug. With that simple gesture, Amber was reminded just how wrong she was. Before she'd been holding back tears with a blank stare into nothing. When Levi wrapped his little arms around her, she cried harder, came back to reality and kneeled down so she was at Levi's level and hugged him tightly.

"Don't be sad, mommy," Levi said to her in his innocent little voice. There wasn't a dry eye among the adults and even some of the older kids.

Amber didn't answer Levi and, instead, sat on her knees holding the little boy in her arms while she cried. Heather left her group to go to Amber and hug her too. Kevin kneeled down so he was beside Amber and soon the whole group had surrounded Amber hoping to comfort her. It was the principle that eventually broke up the group since it was nearing the end of the time they'd designated for the assembly. He thanked all the veterans and Amber for their time and bravery.

"I'll call Lisa and tell her to cancel my appointments for today," Kevin said to Amber once they were all outside. Amber had calmed down a little but she was still holding Levi close to her in her arms while also holding Heather's hand. She wasn't ready to let go of them just yet and since it was recess for them, there was no rush.

"No, it's alright," Amber said. "That hug was just what I needed. I feel a lot better now."

"Amber, it's no trouble," Kevin insisted.

"Really, Kevin, it's fine," Amber reassured and finally looked up at him. "Lisa had it rough enough canceling your morning. Don't cancel the afternoon too and throw her to the firing squad."

Kevin managed a small smile at her joke. "Are you sure? I'll take the firing squad for her if need be."

"I'm sure," Amber said.

"Mrs. Black," Mrs. Edwards appeared behind them and Amber turned to face her. "Thank you again for agreeing to speak to us all. I knew it would be hard, but I hadn't realized how much. You're very brave. I'm happy the children could hear your story and learn from you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Edwards," Amber said, "but it wasn't bravery. There's nothing brave about what I did. I'm no different than any of the other survivors: I did what I had to so I stayed alive. Some of us were just luckier than others if I'm blunt."

"Still," Mrs. Edwards said, "I can't believe anyone can do such things; to treat people like they're less than human."

"Neither can I," Amber answered. "I'm just grateful my parents and I can count ourselves among the lucky ones."

"Indeed," Mrs. Edwards said. "Thank you again for agreeing to speak today, Mrs. Black."

"Thank you for having me," Amber said and then looked at Levi and Heather. "I guess the two of you had better enjoy your recess." Amber put Levi down, straightened his shirt a moment and then encouraged Heather and Levi to go play. They hesitated but ultimately complied. Mrs. Edwards followed Heather and Levi to the playground, waving goodbye to Amber, Kevin and Embry as she did so.

"I think I'll get back to work for today," Embry said. "I think taking a sledgehammer to something will do me some good."

"I thought you were almost done with the house," Kevin said and Embry shrugged.

"I was, but I need to smash something. I hate that wall in the kitchen anyway. I'll talk to you two later," Embry finally left so Kevin and Amber could walk back to the house together so Kevin could change. Once they arrived home, Amber insisted on making Kevin a small lunch to take with him when he left for work. Kevin went upstairs while Amber made him a sandwich and she had it packed for him by the time he came downstairs in his suit. Once downstairs, he leaned against the wall in their kitchen with a somber look on his face. When Amber finally looked at him, her expression wasn't much better. For a moment, the two of them were quiet. Deathly quiet.

"I'm sorry," Kevin finally managed.

"For what?" Amber asked quietly.

"For everything," Kevin said. Amber put the sandwich on the counter and approached him. "You didn't imagine it."

"What do you mean?"

"When you'd heard my voice telling you I was coming," Kevin said. "We were approaching Normandy. I'd clutched the Star of David you gave me and thought about you hoping that you could hear me."

"Really?" Amber asked.

"Really," Kevin nodded. He looked like he was shaking a little and Amber went on her toes to wrap her arms around Kevin's neck while his arms encircled her and Kevin shivered as he started to cry. "I'm so sorry. I should have found you sooner."

"You found me," Amber said and ran her fingers tenderly through Kevin's hair. "That's what matters now."

"I should never have lost you to begin with," Kevin continued. "I should have put my foot down with your father and forced the three of you into the country while I had the chance."

"There's no point dwelling on 'should have', Kevin," Amber said forced through her own tears. "No matter what happened to me, it's in the past now. I'm mother to two wonderful children and wife to the greatest man I've ever known." For emphasis, Amber brought her lips close to Kevin's ear so she could whisper, "You're my hero, Kevin. Always remember that."

Kevin held Amber even tighter and began to sway from side to side while she rested her face into his shoulder. He was in no hurry to leave her and didn't until they got a call from Lisa asking if everything was okay since Kevin still wasn't in the office and his 1:30 appointment had arrived. Begrudgingly, Kevin told Lisa he'd be in as soon as possible but that a family emergency had delayed him. Once he ended the call with Lisa, Amber held Kevin's face in her hands.

"We can't change the past, Kevin," Amber said, "but you've given me a future that was well worth the wait."

Kevin smiled a little. "How did a man so unworthy win the love of such a Goddess?"

"You dare question Her will?" Amber teased and finally got Kevin to release a gentle chuckle. Then she went on her toes ready to kiss him. "No mortal man has been more worthy than he who stands before me. You should know better than to question Her will."

"Please forgive me," Kevin said and pressed a kiss to her. "What must I do to repent for my sins?"

"Tell me you love me," Amber said.

"I love you," Kevin answered.

Amber smiled and kissed him back, "All is forgiven. Now get going. You have someone waiting for you."

"He can wait," Kevin said begrudgingly but kissed her cheek and released her. "I love you. I'll see you tonight."

"I love you too," Amber said and walked with him to the door handing him his lunch and waving goodbye to him as he got into his car and finally drove away.

As she had told her mother she'd be doing so, Amber remained at the house and went straight to the couch to relax. She deserved it after today. She wasn't nearly in so bad of spirits as she thought she would be, but something kept eating at her. She remembered the moment she'd heard Kevin's voice. She'd been overwhelmed, looking all around her cell for him only to feel sick to her stomach because he wasn't there, convinced it must have been her imagination. She remembered feeling her body aching from everything she'd been through and so much sorrow as she retracted back from her right mind. Now that she'd forced herself to think back on that time, she suddenly felt an emptiness she couldn't explain. She tried and tried to remember more, but that glimmer was all she could recall and it left her feeling disheartened. She kept hearing screaming but she wasn't even sure if it was her screaming or someone else. Trying to remember was making her head start to hurt. She stayed on that couch until it was nearing the end of the school day. She'd told Rosalie not to worry about it since she'd be home that day. When she came to the school and picked up her children, Mrs. Edwards was outside and waved at her. Amber waved back and walked the children back home.

"Are you feeling better, mommy?" Levi asked as they walked home.

"Much better, Levi. Thank you," Amber smiled and kneeled down to kiss him on the cheek.

"Mom," Heather said, "Why did the Nazis do those things to you?"

"It's a very long story I'm afraid. Anti-Semitism was already the norm in Europe. We were outsiders in a dominantly Christian collective of nations so whenever something went wrong, we were an easy target to blame. After Germany lost the Great War, that animosity just got worse. Hitler in particular blamed Jews for Germany losing the war and our crimes just kept mounting in his mind. The tragedy of it all is he was able to make enough people believe him. Or at least fall into line." Amber suddenly thought about the soldier she'd spared. "For some of them, it was either us or them. When a man has a family to think about, I suppose doing the right thing becomes that much harder. People are capable of horrible things when they're pushed to."

"You mean like when daddy takes cases for people he doesn't like?" Heather asked and Amber smiled gently.

"That's different," Amber defended. "Part of being a lawyer is defending people that are guilty. It comes with the work. But your father would never defend someone he couldn't defend in good conscience. He has turned away cases for that reason. Perhaps not as many as he would have liked to I'm sure, but he has."

Wanting to change the subject, Amber told Heather and Levi to tell her about what they did at school once recess had ended and she got them talking about what they learned in school. Once at the house, Amber had Heather focus on getting her homework done while she started getting dinner ready. Kevin returned home late after the children had already gone to bed for the night. Amber warmed up dinner for him and was about to sit beside him at the dinner table, but Kevin insisted he wanted to hold her and she sat in his lap while he ate dinner. Kevin insisted on doing to dishes while Amber put away the leftover food and once everything was finished downstairs, Kevin and Amber went upstairs and took a shower together.

"So how did everything go once you got to the office?" Amber asked while she lathered soap over Kevin's skin.

"Exhausting," Kevin said with a small groan. "I'd explained why I was unavailable in the morning and needed to reschedule but my clients seem to have forgotten the pecking order."

Amber smiled, "I suppose all you can do is gently remind them."

"How was the afternoon after I left?"

"Quiet until I had to pick up Heather and Levi," Amber said. "I'm so used to the children being home when I am. I forgot how nice it is to have some peace and quiet."

"Sounds like I need to swoop you off somewhere just the two of us sometime soon," Kevin smiled and took Amber's soap so he could start getting her cleaned. "How about we take two weeks in California this summer?"

"That sounds heavenly," Amber smiled, "but let's make it closer to August. The wedding rush is slowed down by that time usually."

"Alright, August it is," Kevin said. He finished lathering the soap over her body and got the soap back on its ledge before running his hands over her body to get rid of the suds. "I won't be going into the office tomorrow. How about you, me, Heather and Levi all go downtown and we'll see a movie together? Then we'll all go to the park and they can build snowmen."

"I think that sounds amazing," Amber agreed. "Maybe we'll get lucky and Sleeping Beauty is still playing."

"Dear God, no," Kevin groaned. "It came out last January, Amber. I doubt it's still out. Even if it is, I'm not watching that for a sixth time. I still have the music burned into my brain."

"I thought it was a good movie," Amber protested.

"It was fine; I just don't want to sit through it again. Heather had the songs memorized last we saw it for fuck's sake." The two of them stepped out of the shower turning off the water and Amber grabbed her towel and wrapped it around herself. Kevin was drying off his hair and then the rest of his body when he noticed Amber wasn't drying off. "What?"

"I just love you is all," Amber smiled. Kevin smiled back and went to her, taking her in his arms to hold her.

He eventually carried Amber to their bed never bothering to dress into their pajamas. Kevin held her in his arms until they finally went to sleep and waking up in the morning to the sound of Heather and Levi playing together downstairs presumably waiting for Amber to wake up and make them breakfast. When Kevin and Amber finally came downstairs, Kevin let the children know they would be going downtown for a movie and to play in the park. The news was met with cheering and eagerly waiting for breakfast to be ready so they could eat it and get going. Then Heather and Levi begged that they invite Evalynn and Caleb, so Amber called Evalina. Sadly she and Kyle would be at the hospital all day, but she relayed suggested that JJ and Eun Mi join them with Jae Sun, Mae Sun, Eun So and they brought Blu Jae to help keep an eye on the kids. Within another two hours, JJ and Eun Mi made it to Kevin's and Amber's house with all the kids and from there, they all went downtown together to the movie theatre. It took a lot of convincing, but JJ got Amber and Eun Mi to agree to let them all see The Mummy.

The ticket vendor was certain to remind the group that the movie was a horror, but since JJ wanted to see the movie, Jae Sun insisted he wanted to watch it and, since Jae Sun was insisting, Mae Sun, Levi and Caleb started insisting they wanted to see the movie too. Kevin got them all their tickets and they went inside managing to get seats towards the back for the best view. Eun So slept through the whole thing more or less while everyone else watched and after the movie, they all went to the park together so the children could play in the snow. Blu Jae joined the kids playing in the snow keeping an eye on them running around after the kids so they didn't wander too far while Kevin, Amber, JJ and Eun Mi sat together on the benches. Blu Jae got the kids involved in a snowball fight and, while they played, Jae Sun got himself onto a picnic bench and jumped onto Blu Jae's back and the remaining kids swarmed him and got him with their snowballs.

"I never realized Birdie was so good with kids," Kevin admitted while he chuckled watching the kids swarm him.

"I suggested Birdie should work for the school and operate a daycare and he just flipped me off," JJ smiled.

"If this is how he's treated, I suppose I understand," Amber smiled as Blu Jae got himself back to his feet while the boys were holding onto Blu Jae by his arms and not letting go even when their feet were dangling off the ground.

"So how did that assembly on Friday go?" JJ asked Kevin. "You said the school wanted to talk to some World War 2 vets right?"

"Our segment went fine," Kevin said. "Amber spoke."

"You did?" JJ asked. "I didn't realize you were asked to present."

"It went alright," Amber said. "I think once was plenty, so I hope Mrs. Edwards doesn't ask me to do something like that again."

"I would hope not," Kevin said. "Can we drop the subject?"

"Sure," JJ said, taking the hint and changing the subject.

After spending a few hours in the park, they finally left downtown together and went back to Levi's and Anna's house to all have dinner together. Not wanting to talk about it and knowing Amber didn't want to talk about it, Kevin made sure the assembly didn't come up and instead let the kids talk about The Mummy, choosing to endure Anna's brief scolding for allowing the children to see a horror movie. She didn't scold him for long regardless since the children were eager to talk about that as well as their time in the park.

"And then," Jae Sun continued, "I got on a picnic table and jumped on Birdie's back!"

"You could have hurt me, twerp," Blu Jae said.

"You were fine," JJ said. "You're more durable than you give yourself credit for, kid."

"Dad," Mae Sun said, "Did you see Birdie lift all of us on his arms?"

"Yeah, I did. Your uncle's a regular forklift to carry that much weight," JJ said and pinched Mae Sun's little cheek.

"He's calling you fat, kid," Blu Jae whispered in Mae Sun's ear.

"I'm not fat!" Mae Sun protested.

"Don't listen to Uncle Birdie, Mae Sun. I didn't call you fat," JJ said. "Your uncle's just being grumpy because he was bested by the lot of you."

"You try standing up to a hoard of children and see how well you do, hot shot," Blu Jae said. "In fact, kids, how about JJ goes up against you in a snowball fight. The six of you versus JJ."

"Can we JJ?" Heather asked eagerly.

"Yes, cousin JJ, can we? Please?" Caleb blurted, also excited for another round.

"Yeah, cousin JJ. Doesn't that sound fun?" Blu Jae taunted with a grin.

"I'll get you back for this. You realize that right?" JJ asked Blu Jae.

"I'll be waiting with bells on," Blu Jae smirked.

"At least finish your dinner before you start clamoring to go back outside," Anna said and reached over to Levi Jr. to rub some food off his lip.

"Oma," Levi Jr. whined as Anna rubbed the napkin against his bottom lip.

"Gut. Alles sauber," (Good. All clean) she said with a gentle smile and brushed her thumb affectionately over her grandson's cheek. "Beenden Sie Ihr Abendessen und dann können Sie spielen," (Finish your dinner and then you can play).

"What?" Mae Sun asked.

"She said if we finish dinner we can play," Caleb answered. Knowing their obstacle, the kids shoveled the rest of their food and, once they were done, nearly left the table but Eun Mi grabbed each and every one of them by their collars.

"You clean your dishes before you leave the table," Eun Mi said firmly and did not let go of any of them until they came back and grabbed their plates taking them to the dishwasher. Anna reassured Eun Mi that was fine so the children were given their leave. Jae Sun came over and tugged JJ's arm.

"Dad, come on! Let's have a snow ball fight!"

"Do I get to finish eating before we start?" JJ asked.

"Sorry," Jae Sun said, got back in his chair and waited, staring at JJ waiting. JJ stared at the boy a moment while he seemed happy to wait patiently even though all the other kids were getting their jackets on.

"Damn it," JJ groaned and left the table without touching the rest of his food. "Let's go outside."

Blu Jae Laughed under his breath while JJ went to the door and made sure all the kids were in warm clothes before getting into his coat and gloves and going outside with them. Eun Mi went to the window with Eun So in her arms and watched as JJ did his best to have a snowball fight outnumbered six to one. Eun So, seeing everyone outside, started making little noises and leaned forward to put his hands against the cold glass.

"How's he doing?" Kevin asked.

"He's trying," Eun Mi said and giggled when a snowball hit JJ in the shoulder only to throw the one he'd already made. It seemed that Mae Sun and Jae Sun quickly switched sides and started helping JJ against the other kids. "Anna, do you happen to have any tea?"

"I have some Earl Grey is that's alright," Anna said.

"That'll be alright," Eun Mi said. "If the boys want hot chocolate when they come back outside, just let me know where everything is and I'll make it. If that's alright."

"I don't know if I have chocolate, but I might have cocoa powder," Anna said and left the table to go into the kitchen and check.

"We have some chocolate at our house," Amber said. "If they want hot chocolate, Heather and Levi can go get the chocolate from our house."

"I'm afraid they'll have to," Anna said. "I'm out of chocolate. I'll have to buy some next I go to the store."

"Just let me know what it was and I'll pay you back," Kevin said. "The way those kids are in the winter, I'm shocked they haven't made you broke just off hot chocolate."

"Don't be silly, Kevin. It's our pleasure," Levi Sr. said.

"I'm afraid I only have regular milk," Anna said. "Will JJ be alright with just the tea?"

"It'll do until we get back," Eun Mi said. "I can make him some hot chocolate when we get home." She returned her gaze outside and kept Eun So from wobbling around in her arms too much while trying to get a good view of outside.

As Eun Mi predicted, once the children were inside, they were begging for hot chocolate and, as Amber had said, if the children wanted some, then they needed to get the chocolate at hers and Kevin's house. Caleb and Levi Jr. agreed to the trip and were out the door just as JJ was about to untie his boots. With a light groan, he stopped what he was doing and followed the boys outside to go with them to the house. By the time they returned with all the chocolate that had been in the house, Eun Mi was already heating up the milk with cinnamon sticks to give it more flavor. Eun Mi heated up some hot water was well to give JJ some tea while he finally got back to his dinner.

"So did you win?" Blu Jae asked.

"Actually, we did," JJ said. "Jae Sun and Mae Sun were on my side, so the odds weren't quite so out of my favor." Blu Jae looked less than pleased with that and JJ chuckled. "Something wrong Birdie?"

"You cheated," Blu Jae said. "I fought those kids all by myself. No one helped me out."

"I guess I have better diplomatic skills than you," JJ said and, this time, Eun Mi was the one to laugh out loud, but she stopped when she noticed everyone look at her and put her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh.

"Your wife seems to disagree," Blu Jae teased.

"She's just used to my ogre-like method towards diplomacy," JJ said and smiled at Eun Mi knowingly.

"I hope you took a different approach when making Jae Sun and Mae Sun help you," Blu Jae said.

"Dad was having a hard time, so we helped and we won!" Mae Sun said and even flexed a little.

"And where was all this courtesy when I was losing?" Blu Jae said.

"You didn't ask," Jae Sun said and sipped his hot chocolate. This time it was JJ's turn to laugh.

"I told you; I have better diplomatic skills than you," JJ said.

"Uncle Kevin," Evalynn said, "can I stay the night here?"

"Me too!" Caleb asked.

"Did your parents say it was alright?" Kevin asked.

"They'll say yes," Caleb said.

"We'll see about that," Kevin teased and went to the phone to call Evalina. As he suspected, she said it was fine so long as they were home by tomorrow evening. "You got lucky: your mother said it was alright."

By the time the children finished their hot chocolate, Amber insisted they call it a day and brought Heather, Evalynn, Levi Jr. and Caleb back to their house to be tucked in for the night while JJ got Jae Sun and Mae Sun in the back seat of the car and they all made the trip back. By the time they returned to the tribe, the boys were asleep in the back seat, Eun So was asleep in Eun Mi's arms and Eun Mi was very nearly falling asleep herself. JJ smiled and leaned over to kiss Eun Mi's cheek which woke her.

"We're home," JJ said. "I'll get Jae Sun and Mae Sun tucked in while you take care of Eun So."

"Mhm," Eun Mi moaned gently, still half asleep, and got herself out of the car and walked into the house with Eun So to get him ready for bed while JJ carried Jae Sun and Mae Sun inside.

When they came inside, they heard Popo start meowing as he bolted down the stairs going right to Eun Mi's leg, rubbing against her begging for food. Eun Mi got something prepared really quick and put that on the floor for Popo and, once the cat was attended to, went upstairs to get Eun So in his crib while JJ got Jae Sun and Mae Sun in bed, only removing their shows and taking them back downstairs to put at the door. When he returned upstairs, Eun Mi was already in bed and asleep. JJ got himself in bed with her and, a few minutes later, he could hear Popo meandering around downstairs. The next morning, JJ didn't wake until it was well into the morning. Eun Mi had already gotten downstairs, made the boys their breakfast, fed Eun So and had a pot of coffee ready and waiting for him and she was already prepping for their dinner plans with Hailey that night.

It was a lazy Sunday, just the way JJ liked it. Jae Sun and Mae Sun went outside the moment Eun Mi would let them and had them bundled up in their winter clothes, and JJ stayed inside enjoying his coffee and listening to the radio with Popo on his lap. He claimed to tolerate it, Eun Mi said, "If you say so, JJ," with a loving smile and read a book while Eun So was on a blanket on the floor playing with some toys while on his back. Eun Mi forced the boys to come back inside when it was time for lunch and promised all the nurungji to whomever got back in the house first. JJ watched with amusement as Jae Sun and Mae Sun tried to force themselves passed one another, even pushing one another at the door to be first. Jae Sun managed to force his way in first and got his ball of toasted rice from the bottom of the pot as his reward. The remainder of the afternoon stayed relaxed with the boys playing with Eun So on the floor, Eun Mi keeping a close eye on them to make sure they didn't get too rough in their play. Once it was time to leave, they got everything they needed for dinner that night in the car and made the brief drive up to Forks and to Hailey's house, parking up front.

"Do you think Hailey forgot we were coming?" Eun Mi said when they noticed the lights were off.

"No," JJ said. "He remembered when I spoke to him yesterday morning." They got out of the car and Eun Mi had the boys helping her with the food while JJ went up the steps to the house. He unlocked the door and let himself in but was stunned by the silence. "Uncle Hailey?" JJ called. He went upstairs first just as Eun Mi was coming in with Eun So in her arms while Jae Sun and Mae Sun carried the food that needed to be cooked. When JJ went into Hailey's room, he wasn't there. "Uncle Hailey?" JJ said again and glanced towards the bathroom. The door was wide open and the light wasn't on, but JJ went to check. When he turned on the light, no one was there.

"JJ!" he heard Eun Mi from downstairs and rushed down.

She was near the hallway that led to the back room, gently pushing Jae Sun and Mae Sun back. JJ rushed to the back room and when he did, he finally found Hailey. He was sitting in what had been Leah's favorite chair staring out into the wilderness with the snow on the ground. His untouched cup of coffee still on the side table. He looked as though he was sleeping. JJ approached and, shivering, finally touched Hailey's neck. He was cold to the touch and his pulse was gone. The realization Hailey was dead left him weak at the knees and he fell to a kneeling position in front of him. He heard Eun Mi say something to the boys in Korean and then heard her rush to the phone.

"Hello? Please, send help! My husband and I found Hailey dead!" There was a brief silence. "Yes, this is Eun Mi Dauer." Another brief silence. "Thank you; please hurry." After she'd gotten off the phone, JJ heard Eun Mi approaching the back room, saying something again to the boys in Korean and then finally come back where JJ still was. "I called the police. They said they're sending someone now."

JJ just nodded absently, not realizing he'd taken a hold of Hailey's hand. He felt so cold and stiff. Not like the man he remembered. For some reason, he didn't start to cry until he heard a car approach the house. When he did start to cry, Eun Mi held JJ in her arms, kneeling beside him, and rocked him back and forth like she would were she comforting their sons. Then when the cop entered the house announcing himself, it became too real all in an instant and JJ no longer bothered trying to hold back any tears, not listening to anything either the cop was saying or what Eun Mi was saying in reply.