Chapter 3

Sailor woke up, as she blinked awake, glancing back at me at certain intervals. She looked to be in her element. I was in mine. I smiled down at her, as she glanced up at me, awake.

"Hey, sweetie". I said, gently with kindness. Sailor glanced up at me, yawning. "...yes?". She said, faintly, as I chuckled a bit. "You woke up, you must've been tired back there". I said, gently. "But I'm happy you're awake". "You did get some good sleep". I smiled a kind smile, stroking Sailor's forehead, gently. "I know". Sailor said. "How are you, turtledove?". I asked, kindly. Sailor nodded, as she yawned a bit, struggling with some fervor to wake up. "I'm doing ok". Sailor said.

I smiled a gentle smile, still continuing to stroke her forehead. "You look a bit tired, turtledove". "Did you have an arduous evening, last night?". I asked, kindly. "Kind of". Sailor said. "I kept thinking about my family….it was a lot for me". Sailor sniffled as she glanced around. "I understand". I said, gently. "Thinking about family is the most tumultuous thing in the grieving process". "But I know one day, you'll come to know just how special the memories were, and how loving your family was". I smiled a gentle smile.

"My family was loving". Sailor said. "I guess….now that they are gone, I still think that…it's terrible what happened". "I have accepted it….but…it's just hard".

"It is hard at first…but we come to accept that no one can replace our loved ones". "We may find someone special to make the time worthwhile, but the deceased can never be replaced, fully". I said, kindly. Sailor nodded, glancing upwards, as I stroked her forehead. "Is it true that you're a widower?". Sailor asked. "I am indeed". I said, kindly with softness. "You remember my wife, Clara". "She was someone….she was very…headstrong". "She had her own opinions, and she was…very ebullient, yet I didn't mind her, or being subservient to her".

Sailor nodded. "I guess". Sailor said. "I think I did meet her…she was kind of…nasty". "I don't know…she just bossed you around a lot, and she was mean to me, she was a cruel person".

"Mmm". I nodded. "Well, she did have her moments, and while she was a bit spirited towards you, and everyone else, me, especially, I know she meant well, and our love lives on, in heaven, and furthermore, in the hereafter". "I will continue to love her just as well". I said, gently.

"When she passed away, I was devastated". "I didn't think I'd find another woman, or another person that I'd be happy with, and I respected my place as a widower". "I knew being without a wife was hard, but I did find someone, and she is perfect in every way". "The lesson we should learn here, consists of moving on, and finding happiness with friends and family". "I know what you're going through, I've been through the grieving process as well, and I've had moments where I felt sad, too". "But finding confidence, finding a person to lean on, and have those moments is very important as well". "It helps grieving become a little less stressful, and harsh". "Grieving is saddening, and disappointing". "But having someone makes it less painful". I said, gently with kindness. "We know what that's like". I whispered this, cracking a gentle smile. Sailor smiled as she nodded. "I know what it's like, too". Sailor said. We both smiled, as Sailor laughed, and woke up. We both were on a better trajectory, knowing we were in a good place. Sailor glanced around, as she yawned a bit. "Where are my mom and dad?". Sailor asked, with innocence behind her voice. I glanced down, stroking Sailor's forehead, gently. "Are they going to come back?". Sailor asked. I looked solemn, as I stroked her cheeks, gently. "I don't believe they are, honey". I said, softly with gentleness. "When mom and dad pass away, they go to a different place known as heaven". "Heaven is where everyone who's good, goes". "It is a magical place for souls, not bodies, where everything is beautiful, everyone is nice, and there are many things to do, and many people to see". "Heaven is a special place for good people, such as your parents". "In heaven, The Lord will protect them, and give them a safe place to stay, and a safe prayer every morning, and an opportunity to visit you in your prayers every morning". "The Lord is an amazing deity, with an amazing place where all of his children stay". "One day, when you fulfill the Lord's wish on Earth, you'll go to heaven as well". I stroked Sailor's cheeks, kindly, kissing both of her cheeks.

"I hope so". Sailor said. I smiled a gentle smile, as Sailor glanced up, with a warmth, and a happiness on her face. "One day, I'll see my mom and dad again". "We'll all be happy". Sailor said. "Everything will be ok". A single tear streamed down Sailor's cheek, as she glanced upwards. "It definitely will, honey". "Remember to be positive". I reminded, kindly. I nuzzled Sailor gently, kissing her nose. "Let's go see what we can make for dinner". I said, gently.

Sailor got up from her spot on the couch, off of her turtle pillow, walking with me to the kitchen. "Let's see if we can make this chicken as tender as we can, being that it is a white meat". I reminded, kindly. Sailor and I laughed. "Now, do you remember what we always do before we cook?". I asked, gently with cuddly kindness. "We wash our hands". Sailor said. "That's very much correct". I said, gently, giving Sailor a kiss on the cheek. "While you attend to that, I'll refill your drinking cup". I said, gently. "That way you feel comfy while you cook and bake, and you never become thirsty". I smiled a gentle smile, wearing my pink chef's apron, with a pair of magenta pink lips decorated on the front. It was a woman's apron, but I didn't mind it.

"Here we are, my best friend". "Some more Oat Milk". I said, gently. Sailor nodded, as she took her Oat Milk sippy cup. I dipped each slice of raw chicken in breading batter, and set it out. "Now, what temperature do we preheat the oven to?". I prompted Sailor, kindly. "375 degrees". Sailor said. "Very good". I said, gently, as I smiled. "We preheat the oven, just like this, and wait until it goes to its temperature before putting the chicken in". "Can you type the numbers, 375 in there, for me?". I asked, kindly. "Sure". Sailor said. "Thank you, sweetie". I said, gently. Sailor typed the numbers in, as the oven rose to the appropriate temperature. Sailor watched as the oven hummed to life, bringing about some heat as it warmed up. I smiled a gentle smile, seeing Sailor look at the oven. She was learning how to cook.

"Very good, honey". "You're learning very quickly". "One of these days, we'll have to make chocolate mousse, or red velvet cake". I said, gently with dreaminess to my voice. "That would be good, or flambé". Sailor suggested. "Mm, flambe might be hazardous to make, but chocolate raspberry cupcakes, or cookies would be easy, and fun to make". I said, gently. "They would". Sailor said. "One day….when you're not busy with school, or Interact club, or youth group, or your academic quiz bowl teams". "Not to mention your singing as well". I said, kindly, setting aside the rice cooker for some rice. "You are so busy these days….I never see you anymore, or get to snuggle with you, anymore". "Life has grabbed you by the unicorn horns". She and I laughed at that. "Well, I guess I do have a lot….but I have a week off of school this week for Thanksgiving break". "We can bake all week". Sailor said. "That's nice…are your activities still going on, or is everything on hiatus until after the break ends?". I asked, gently. "They're still on hiatus, but I am really busy with them". Sailor said. "That's nice". I said, kindly. "Well, I'm proud of you, Sailor". "You're very busy for someone your age". "And there are a lot of similarities between the activities I used to be involved in, and your activities". "I was very much into academics as well when I was young". I smiled a gentle smile.

"Like quiz bowl, and book club…and math team?". Sailor asked. "Very much so". I said, gently. "I was on math team for 5 years in a row when I was your age". "We won a lot of competitions, moved on to finals, we were very involved". "I was also a part of book club when I was your age as well".

I smiled a gentle smile, helping Sailor stir the mashed potatoes. "But book club was nice". "We did a lot of great things with that, long into our high school years". I said, gently. "When I was your age, I was involved with academics as well". "To a high degree".

Sailor nodded. "I remember that". Sailor said. "I guess…I like school because I love learning, and I love researching". "One day, I'd like to be a chemist, or a biologist".

"That's what I love doing as well". I said, gently. "I eventually got into chemistry, and biological studies, and while I never received my doctorate, I eventually received my Masters". "I chose to marry so young, that it was a lot to have a job, and go to school". "When I became widowed, I had to pay off a lot of mortgages, and death payments, I never quite reached my doctorate, but I do work in a lab, I work with stem cells, I work with counter-substances, I work with quite a bit".

"That's cool". Sailor replied. "I work with microscopes, and small microscope slides, and right now, I'm learning about working in a real lab, as well as real lab etiquette, and what to do in the lab". "I'm starting to look at real organisms in the lab, too".

I smiled a kind smile. "That's wonderful, honey". "Maybe one day, I can take you into my laboratory, and we can look at some specimens, I'll show you some research, we'll look at dye-casts". "We might do that this week". I said, gently. "You…are an amazing blossoming scientist". "You can do anything you put your mind to". Sailor and I chuckled.

"Thank you". Sailor said. I smiled a gentle smile, as I heard the microwave begin to beep. "One day, you'll make an amazing scientist". I said, kindly. "Thank you". Sailor said. We both smiled, as I kissed Sailor on the nose.

"Did you know that dietetics chemists are formulating a compound that's similar in taste to salt, but doesn't have the calories, or the additives that can cause high blood pressure?". Sailor said. "I was reading about that". "They have to get it approved by the FDA before they can do anything". "They'll do it"". I said, gently. "One day, they will". Sailor said, as she stirred the rice. "The chicken looks like it's baking nicely". "It might have another 3 minutes, but it'll survive". I said, gently. I stirred some rice, setting it aside. The oven, come to think of it, dinged, as the chicken was fully baked. "Mm, it looks good". I said, gently. "I'll take it out, let it sit for a few minutes, and prepare for our meal". "Looks good, huh?".

"It does". Sailor said. She and I smiled. While I put on the oven mitts, I took the chicken out, setting it down on the stovetop. "The oven does feel cool enough, but it might need to be cleaned". I remarked, as I closed the oven door. "It was installed a long time ago, but it needs constant cleaning". "It self cleans, but it's not all the way done". "It may need to be replaced, but, it is what it is". I said, gently. "I guess". Sailor said. There was a pause as we got out the plates, and the forks. "You've had a lot of good moments in school, perhaps like when you won the spelling bee, and you sang for everyone". "Remember that?". I said, gently. Sailor nodded.

"I do, and everyone in school cheered for me". Sailor said. "Everyone in school loved you". I said, gently. "You were a superstar then, and a superstar now". "You can do anything, Sails". We both chuckled. "I'm so proud of you, honey". I said, gently. Sailor nodded. I smiled a gentle smile, setting out some plates. Nazz came home, as she set her bag down. "Wow…everything looks prepared". "I'm proud of us, guys". Nazz said, as the three of us giggled. "It was as if Sailor was a wise teacher, and I was her student". I said, gently. I put an arm around Sailor, kindly. "I think it may be the other way around….but hey, credit is given where credit is due". Sailor said, as we all laughed. "I like your spirited sense of humor, girlfriend". Nazz said, gently.

"I made us the perfect dessert to go with our chicken and rice". "It's dark chocolate creme brulee". Nazz said, gently. "That, and some hot cocoa, because it is getting cold out there".

"I've noticed". I said, kindly. "But thanks, darling". I said, as I kissed Nazz's lips. We kissed, as the plates were set out, as well as the forks, and dinner was served.

"This looks good, guys". "I'm in awe, and inspiration". Nazz said, gently. We sat down to eat, as forks clinked against the plates, chicken and rice were there in front of us as we ate. "Mm, so how was your day?". "Did you do anything interesting?". Nazz asked, gently. "We didn't do much of anything except relax". I said, nicely. "We just relaxed as of today". "We were very relaxed here on the couch".

"I'm sure". Nazz said, gently. "Work was alright". "We're doing research for cancer cells, and for cancer prevention".

"That's nice". I said, gently as we ate. "Sailor and I just made this dinner, and we hung out". "We didn't do anything big".

"That's still nice". Nazz said, kindly. We both laughed, as Nazz ate what was on the plate. "I have a bit of a surprise for us…if we're interested". Nazz said, kindly. "I originally had it for Sailor, but it can be for all of us".

"That's nice". I said, gently. "I'm really happy we have this life together….we're doing really well".

"We are". Nazz agreed. "So, what is the surprise?". I asked, secretively. "I can't tell you now, otherwise it wouldn't be a surprise". Nazz said, as she giggled. "Oh, yes, of course". I replied, kindly. Nazz smiled a kind smile, as forks clinked over plates for our dinner. "This is a wonderful meal, you guys". "I'm so happy you went out of your way to make it". Nazz said, kindly. "It was delicious, but I owe credit where credit is due". I replied, kindly. "I have to thank Sailor for helping me to make it". "She knew the ingredients, she knew how to mix, and use the oven, as well as bake". "She's a natural chef".

Nazz and Sailor giggled. "Yes, she did do extremely well with her meal preparation". "I'm happy for her…my amazing chef". Nazz said, kindly. She and Sailor giggled again. "Thank you". Sailor said. Nazz smiled a kind smile. "So, I was meaning to tell you, the lab team is doing stem cell research, and experiments in the lab one day this week". "If you and Sailor wish to participate….they're looking for help". Nazz said, kindly. "Sailor and I would love to, and it sounds like a lovely opportunity, but I think we love being cozy just the same…and we find our coziness to be quite compelling". I replied, gently.

While my late wife could be quite abrasive…Nazz was actually the opposite in an aspect all her own. She….was alright with it. "That sounds lovely, honey…I understand". Nazz said, kindly. "Oh…are you sure you're alright?". "We can come in if you'd like us to…". I replied. "I'm fine, dear". "I know my Sailor's feeling a bit under the weather right now…I can wait". Nazz said, kindly. She and I smiled, with understanding. Sailor ate her food, while her eyes remained red with tiredness. "Is everything alright, darling?". I asked Sailor, kindly as she blinked back tiredness on her second plate. "Kind of…I feel kind of tired…and my eyes itch a lot". Sailor said, with some exhausted tiredness, and some emotionally taxed fervor to her statement. "I understand, darling". I said, kindly. "My, your eyes are becoming red, hmm…?". "You do look tired, sweetie". "Would you like a bubble bath, and some warm sheets to lay down on?".

Sailor nodded, drinking the last of her milk. I could tell she had finished her plate…she finished the salads, as well as her chicken and rice. She looked worn, and vulnerable now. "I don't think I can have dessert….I'm so full, and I've eaten an awful lot today". Sailor said, as she yawned, tiredly. I nodded, kindly as I saw Sailor drink the last of her milk. My Sailor's throat must have hurt so much from being under the weather. "Can I have more milk?". Sailor asked in a small voice. "Of course, darling". I said, gently with kindness. When the meal had ended, and the dishes had been put away, Sailor walked around…looking for her sippy cup. "Sweet pea, let's get you some more milk". I said, kindly with cuddly softness behind a gentle voice.

Sailor waited, with the blanket around her, and her sippy cup in hand as she looked up at me with saddened eyes. "Here we are, darling". "Some Oat Milk for help with the liver and digestive system". "And some antibiotics". I said, gently. Sailor nodded, shyly, as she took her medicine. "You seem very tired today, darling". "I was looking for some medicine to help us, love". I said, kindly. "Thank you". Sailor said, quietly. "I haven't been sick in a long time". "I don't know what it is that makes me sick….and it's not like I haven't been through enough". "I just….I don't know what to do anymore". Sailor sounded dismal in her voice. "Well, sweetie…I think, perchance, positivity is something we can both benefit from". "Optimism is something that never leaves us even when we're at our worst". "We need optimism, and love to keep us stable, and quaint". I said, kindly with gentleness in my voice. "Try to be optimistic for me….try to smile, and know that you're with the good that you see". "Everything will be ok, my darling". I said, gently with softness. Sailor nodded, as she looked upwards, receiving her medicine. "Yes, but…how can I smile knowing that I'm not….I'm not….I'm not in a good place, healthwise…and that it's been a hard year?". "I've been through a lot". Sailor said. "I understand, darling". I said, kindly with softness as I helped Sailor swallow her medicine. "I know it has been a hard year…but you've been so fervent, and loving with it…you've been so strong, and I know one day you'll find happiness again". "One day, you will find love, and understanding". "You just have to be optimistic, my darling girl". I said, gently with kindness.

"How will I find it?". Sailor asked. "Sometimes, the best way to find it, is to have a bit of hope within you". "When you find that bit of hope within, you begin to understand who it is that you are, and what your needs should be". "You have hope within you, darling". "I've seen it within you many a time". I said, kindly. "I…I do?". Sailor asked, as she glanced up at me. "You do, my love". "And I have seen you be someone I know can change the world". "You always have, and you always will". I said, gently. Sailor nodded as we both shared a glance. "There is hope within you, darling". "It's there, we just need to find it in the best way we can". I said, gently. Sailor nodded. I smiled a kind smile, tickling Sailor's cheeks. "You have hope….my baby girl has hope". "I know she does". I said, kindly. We both exchanged a laugh at that moment.

"Let's go upstairs now, and get a bath". I said, gently with kindness. Sailor nodded. I smiled a kind smile, as we went upstairs, while a hot bath was drawn in the bathtub. Sailor knew at this point, that it was a time to get comfortable, and enjoy the bath….however it was drawn. The bathtub wasn't that luxurious, but it was a nice Jacuzzi. Sailor got in…feeling the warmth of the water, and the luxurious undertones of the soap surrounding the bathwater. "There you are, darling". "Some bath time to feel at ease". I said, gently with kindness. "Would you like me to massage your back, and shampoo your hair?". "I love shampooing the scalp". I smiled a kind smile while Sailor undressed. "That might be nice". Sailor said, as she got in the tub. "Let's get a bit of water down your back….then we'll massage….nice and gentle". I said, kindly. Sailor nodded, as she felt my hands massage her back, kindly. While I massaged, I shampooed her hair, kindly with gentle essence down her scalp. She managed to find the comfort of massage, relaxing. "There we are, darling". "Nice and steady hands". "I might use this somewhere in the near future". I said, gently with kindness. While Sailor felt the massage of my scalp, her vulnerable, damaged eyes looked up at me, with sadness, it seemed. It was as if there was something she wanted to express, but couldn't.

"Is everything alright, darling?". "You seem a bit troubled this evening….what happened, love?". I asked, kindly with softness. "Nothing really….I'm just kind of….sad is all". Sailor said, dismally. "What's wrong, sweet pea?". I asked, softly with kindness. "Tell me, I promise to keep it a secret".

"It's just been a hard year is all". Sailor said, sadly. "Besides losing my parents….and moving to a different school, being bullied, and having the police called on me….it's been rough".

I nodded at this. "Yes, I know it has been a hard year….it's been difficult for most of us, unfortunately". "But what can one person do to cure everyone of suffering, except be kind, and accept everyone regardless of their differences". "I know it's not easy, but what we do need to keep in mind is that everyone is different….and everyone has their time". I said, kindly. Sailor nodded. "Why did you have the police called on you, darling?". I asked, softly with gentleness. "Well, what happened was….there was a lady at a public pool who saw me talking to someone….I guess I was also talking to myself, and she assumed I was in crisis, and called the police, attempting to make the situation worse". Sailor said. "Oh….no". I said, softly with kindness. "Did it get better for you, eventually?".

"Kind of…". Sailor said, sniffling. "I'm sorry that happened, sweet pea". "I'm sorry you had to experience something that terrible". "Well, not to worry as of now because I'm always beside you to protect you….from anything". "We don't need to worry about anything else". I said, softly with cuddly gentleness. Sailor nodded. I smiled a kind smile, massaging Sailor's back in gentleness. "Is everything alright?". "How are you sleeping as of now?". I asked, kindly with gentleness. "I'm sleeping just fine". Sailor said. "Kind of….I still have nightmares every once in a while". Sailor sniffled. "Did you have a nightmare last night…?". "I'm so sorry, sweet pea". I said, with cuddly softness. "Yes, I did have a nightmare….it wasn't bad….it was just….kind of whatever it was". "I always have nightmares to the point where I'm afraid of going to sleep". Sailor said, sniffling. "Nightmares are common…even and especially after the death of parents". "I know your nightmares were pretty bad for a while". I said, kindly. "You loved your parents a lot, hmm?".

"I did….and I guess it was so bad after I lost them that….I couldn't sleep for a long time". "I had insomnia for a long time…and it wouldn't go away". "I didn't know what to do". Sailor said. "I know it's hard having nightmares….it's hard losing parents….especially after you've been with them your whole life….you were adopted at an early age, you and your sister were in the best place". "Sometimes, trauma is hard to come by". I said, gently. "But I promise you, that one day, you'll find happiness with us, or with whomever you wish to be beside". "Life will be alright now….because you're being strong, and being positive". "You'll be alright, darling". "I promise you, you will".

Sailor nodded as she sniffled. "It'll be alright now, darling". "Don't cry….don't be sad". "I'm right here beside you". I whispered, gently. I stroked Sailor's cheeks, kindly as I kissed both of them. "Shh, shh, everything is alright now…..I love you, truly and magnificently". "I will always need you….because you are my love". I whispered, kindly. Sailor nodded, sniffling with some vulnerable, worn, exhausted emotional battery to her. She looked as if she had experienced a lot….and taken a lot of hits. I smiled a kind smile, stroking her cheeks, kissing her forehead, as I lulled her to sleep. "Don't be sad, darling". "Don't be weary….everything will be alright….I promise you". I whispered, kindly. Sailor nodded, though turning her head as if she wanted no part of it. "Don't be sad, sweetie". "Remember how much I love you". "You're my darling". I whispered gently, kissing Sailor's forehead. Sailor seemed saddened…depressed, as she sniffled. "Shh, shh….look up at me, darling". "Be positive….everything is ok, now". "It's almost time for bed, I take it". I said, kindly. Sailor nodded. I smiled a kind smile, continuing to bathe Sailor while she yawned. "Almost time for bed, darling". "Want some more milk?". I asked, softly with gentle, cuddly kindness. "I'm ok for now". Sailor said, drinking from her sippy cup. "Almost time for nighty nighties, and kisses, and cuddles". "Time for the big, soft comforter blankie". I said, gently with kindness. "And Vicks vapor rub". "Time for some Oil on your belly belly". I chuckled a bit, seeing Sailor drink more milk from the sippy cup.

"Ok". Sailor said, tiredly, as she yawned a bit more, while more swelling and redness was seen around her eyes. "Ready for nighty night, darling?". "Time to get out now…or would you like 5 more minutes?". I asked, kindly with softness. "I'm ready to get out now". Sailor said. "Let's get out now, and prepare for bed". I said, kindly with gentleness. While the water was drained, Sailor got out, and let me dry her off with a bath towel. The warm bath towel was bright orange as it covered her body. She allowed the towel to wrap around her, swimmingly as she let me put some baby powder on her body. I sprinkled it, while she rubbed it in.

"There you go, darling". "You're all ready for bed, now". "Time to sleep, you have some warm jammies to be comforted in, and you'll be snug on our trundle bed". I said, kindly with gentleness.

"So I'll be sleeping beneath you?". Sailor asked. "Pretty much…beneath and on the side, because the bed pulls out". I said, kindly with softness. "We'll cuddle, I'll rub some oil on your belly, and give you a kiss goodnight to the moon and stars". I smiled a gentle smile.

"That sounds nice". Sailor said. Sailor waited until her hair was dried, (Nazz had a dryer) then she went into our room, holding a full sippy cup of Oat Milk. "Thank you for today, Double D". Sailor said. "I really appreciate it….and I guess….I guess everything is ok now….because I have you and Nazz".

"Of course, darling". I said, gently with kindness. "I love having you with me….I love seeing you because you bring so much light into my life". "You have been amazing….and I have loved you since the beginning".

"You are my everything, darling". "You always will be". I said, kindly. "Thank you". Sailor replied, getting into her trundle bed. "I love you to the stars and back….and I will always be grateful for you". "You mean the world to me". I said, gently. Sailor nodded, while I tucked her in. "I know tomorrow will be a better day….because we have one another". I said, kindly. "It will…and…I guess throughout time, I'll learn to be better, because I've tried to work on myself a lot this year". Sailor said. "There's goals I might set in order to be better motivated, work on my emotions, and be a better person, to everyone regardless of who they are".

"Life is comprised of goals we must set". "When we set goals for ourselves, we find it better to lean into who we are, and what we want". "It's nice that you're making goals….you have a nice handle on who you wish to be". I said, kindly. "I'm proud of you, sweetie…well, I'm always proud". Sailor and I chuckled. "Thank you". Sailor said. "I guess my family's death, opened me up to who I want to be, and the person I wish to become". "I want to be a better version of myself….because it's what I'm destined to be". "It's where I see myself when I grow up".

"It'll be a nice long-term goal to set for yourself". "You'll find much happiness with it, and I'm sure as time goes on, you'll find much more peace with the person you've become". "You'll look back on it, and be happy that it happened". "I always say….don't cry because it's over….smile because it happened". "You'll find love, peace, and joy when it happens". "I promise you…one day, you'll be rewarded for it". "You'll be rewarded for the sacrifices you've made, and the obstacles you've overcome". "The Lord will reward you….and give you everything you've ever wished for". I said, kindly with gentleness. "I hope he does….and I hope he rewards us….together". Sailor said.

At that moment, it could've brought me to tears hearing the innocence, the wisdom, and the clarity of admiration behind Sailor's kind, strong voice, even if she was still a young girl. She admired me….she admired Nazz as well, and she recognized how much she wants us to be a family, and follow her to her goals. Yet, it's more than that. She created goals for us…and she wanted us to walk together towards a better future. She is so wise to know that. She is so sweet.

"He will reward us together, perhaps". I said, kindly. "He'll reward us for being so close to our goals…and for being so close to the way of family". "I agree with you, if we are better to one another, and we're better to ourselves, there's no telling what we can do". I smiled a kind smile, stroking Sailor's cheeks. "Right, because in order to better a broken world, we need to have one random act of kindness that goes on". Sailor said. I nodded, gently. "We do have to work on ourselves…and open our eyes to what could be happening". I said, kindly. "The world would be a much better place if we're kinder to one another". "Which is important for all aspects".

Sailor nodded as she glanced around….snuggling in. "I love you, darling". I said, kindly. "I love you, too". Sailor said, as she felt herself drifting off to sleep. "Which bedtime story would you like to hear?". I asked, kindly with softness, yet to my surprise….Sailor was already fast asleep, and….out…to say the least. I smiled a kind smile….stroking my Sailor's cheek as she laid down….sleeping. We were all going to sleep as I kissed both of Sailor's cheeks while getting into my own bed….laying down. Sleep was just the epitome of what it was.