Chapter 8: One Door Opens The Other Closes

Trigger warning

There is a child drug overdose scene in this chapter. It is the final scene. So for those who may not be able to handle it, you can skip it.

"Dad."

"So you're getting ready to leave?"

"Yeah. You got anything to say, sir?"

"I got a few things to say to you, son."

"Is this about me and Mom?" Rick looked down. His uneagerness for discussion was apparent.

"Yes, among other things. You are a grown man. There ain't much I can tell you about your life. Even if you hit your head many times."

"You say all this to go on and comment on my choices?"

"Watch yourself, boy, I ain't Daryl." Arthur stopped brushing the horse. "I've said nothing. Nothing regarding you and your mother. Nothing regarding you and Lori. Nothing regarding you and Michonne. I understand that the Lori situation was out of control… to an extent, of course, but everything else is all you."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"You gone and made yourself an idiot too? You don't treat your mother like your mother… No more like a family friend; that's the kind of man you are, boy. And my grandsons... They don't even got the Grimes name and you even brought another one in toe…Hmm."

"My divorce is being finalised; after it's done and behind me, I'll make sure everything falls into place. I've already started putting things in order. You can't blame me for the boys. I wasn't even at their birth; how could I sign their birth certificate? And I tried after; I did, but it didn't work out. Chonne and I are planning to get married soon. We talked about this a long time ago… We're planning to keep it small—just close family and friends; after that, we'll change the boy's documentation."

"Pregnant?"

"Pregnant or not, we aren't delaying things any longer; as for Mom, I'll deal with it. You got any more concerns?"

"No. And even if I did, it's your life. I can't change your choices, but I want you to know this, son; you are selfish."

"I know."

"You know…" Arthur chuckled at his son's brazenness. "You and Maggie are cut from the same cloth."

"We're blood."

"And look at where she is now... A goddamn tragedy. Thirty-six is still young, but I'll give it time. You're a slow learner, but you'll learn, boy; you will." Rick took a deep breath at his father's words.

"I need to take my family home."

"Hmm"

With that, Rick sorted out Michonne and the twins so they could go on their way. He was tired of being at the farm. There was nothing for him there. If he hadn't gotten shot or started his own family, he would never be here as often. He respected his parents and cared about the family he grew up with, but they never felt like home to him. His cold war and the severing of his relationship with his mother didn't help either. Before, he'd only come for a day or two, but he and his mother would get into it and they'd both say things, deteriorating the relationship more. Communication is much better now, though not ideal. When he woke up, they were there for him at every step of the way and he would never forget, but that didn't make him come back to them or try to be what they wanted from him. Rick still lived on his own away from them until Michonne came back permanently from New York with his sons. She found family to be one of the most important things that a person could hold. She wanted their children to have it and Rick made sure they did. He didn't understand why she was so insistent at first, but starting one with her without conflict from his mother made him see just how special it could be. He wanted that for his twins. They loved their cousins and grandparents to the moon and back and no one could come between them. It was different from people who only visited their extended family once in a while or on some special occasion. The more he realised this, the more bitter he became. Carl didn't get this as a child, as he should've. He visited and spent time at the farm, but that was it. After he was born, Rick still held on to his mother's words, and though she tried to be civil at times for Carl, she was still against what he built with Lori. He was tossed like garbage and he didn't want his wife and child, especially his child, to bear witness to the obvious and visceral disapproval she displayed without prejudice. The conversation with his father made him remember, knowing Carl was blocked from a healthier childhood, the full one he was entitled to just like his brothers; even Judith had more of that than him.

Lori aside, I can't just let it go. I can't give the old man what he wants and I sure damn can't forget. Guess I ain't mature enough.

"Chonne, you guys ready? Had your talk with Maggie?"

"Yes and yes! I haven't given your good old dad my goodbyes yet, so…"

"Don't bother. He's with his horses and he knows we're leaving."

"You sure, Cowboy?"

"Don't worry about it. Come on, let's get going… Those mice in the car are getting restless." He hit her with one of his dazzling smiles and hopped in the car, which she followed after the rolling of her big brown eyes.

"Baby?"

"Hmm?"

"You've been eager to leave for days…"

"So…"

"So…"

"That rigid man you call father isn't there. It's just us, the kids, and your mom. It'll be quiet and it'll be fun." Michonne couldn't help but giggle at his words.

"You do know that he left to deal with business, right? He'll be back in a week or two, tops! He might even come to my birthday party, he'll definitely be there for the boys."

"Yeah, but it's a well-needed break. We don't have to pretend around each other."

"Careful, the boys are in the car too."

"They're not listening." He cast his attention on the twins for a bit. "RJ, stop trying to get out of your car seat. Behave you two or no ice cream. I mean it."

"Don't look at me; you heard Daddy." Michonne made sure to shut down any rebellion. "Rick, you know, with a third kid in, we can do better."

"You mean I ain't been trying?"

"No, you haven't. Not recently… I say this because he's been so well-behaved lately."

"If you mean a constant stink eye is behaving, then by all means. The only reason he kept quiet for the most part is because your mother has the old fox wrapped around her finger. It don't change things, though, and when his little vacation comes to an end, I won't have to see him till the wedding."

"The wedding?" Rick put his hand on her thigh and stared at her.

"Yeah, the wedding."

"Keep your eyes on the road, officer."

"What can I say? You distract me by just existing."

"Is that so, old man?"

"Old! Old?"

"All that grey that's coming in, it's DILFY though."

"I'm a fast greyer; I didn't think this would happen at thirty-six, But you clearly got a kink for the classics, so how about when we get home, see just what this old man can do?" Michonne began to cough as she felt the blood rush to her face.

"Boys, How were Hana and Herschel? Did you help them feel better?" André perked up, ready to talk his mouth off, while RJ sucked his thumb, keeping him at ease.

"Hana played with us, but Herschel was mean! He made Hana cry too! And then he pushed me and ran away!"

"Oh, that's too bad, baby? I'm sorry that happened and he shouldn't have done that, but you have to remember that he didn't really mean to. He's just sad that Uncle Glen isn't coming back."

"So! But he still pushed me, mommy! Next time, I'll push him back! I shouldn't let anyone bully me, right, Daddy?"

"Right!" Rick looked at Michonne with a proud smile on his face.

"That is your son. Through and through, tit for tat. I'm glad RJ, at least, isn't as petty as you two." Rick chuckled.

"Daddy, do we still get ice cream?"

"If you and RJ continue to behave, you'll get your ice cream."

"I want chocolate marshmallow and sprinkles and whipped cream! No, I want two ice creams! Daddy, can I have two ice creams?"

André went on and on talking about what flavour he wanted and somehow ended up on the topic of climbing a tree in the park. He couldn't even climb a tree with his little body, but such was the imagination of a young child and he was in heaven. Michonne looked back to see that RJ was asleep with his thumb still lodged in his mouth. All children were lively souls, but each child was different. Rick and Michonne saw it most with the twins. Unlike André, RJ didn't talk much and was better behaved, kind and gentle. He often followed his older twin's lead, but if there was something that he didn't like or even someone, he would even acknowledge it or them and no one could force him to. André, on the other hand, was hyper-active, loving, protective and talkative; he liked people, and he liked the outside. Even though children often said things without a filter, he was way more blunt, to the point that strangers would think him rude.

Michonne took in each of her boys, from the sleeping youngest to the one driving the car.

…

A week later, Maggie called Rick to help her move back to her and Glen's house. She used movers to take everything they owned, but let Rick help her with the in-home moving of the furniture and decorations. She was basically his foreman, ordering where she wanted things and what she wanted while Michonne babysat for her for the day. After the shooting, Maggie was less of a cousin and more of a friend. This amplified the moment she and Michonne grew close. They worked all day and when they were finally done, Rick sat at the kitchen counter while Maggie poured him a glass of Bourbon she had stolen from Herschel's stash before she left.

"God, I wish I could goddamn drink. This is so dumb."

"Your pregnancy is a good thing; you can't wallow in moonshine to dull the pain."

"Now you're sounding like Herschel. Have you ever seen a more judgmental father?"

"Arthur lives with you, Maggie. And you've met Reynard."

"Uncle is fair, okay? Stern but fair. You just fuck up a lot! As for old Rey... I'd need to drink every day with him on my back. Look at Michonne! How can anyone be disappointed in that? Hershel dick-rides her every chance he gets and part of me doesn't even blame him."

"Well, In my father-in-law's defence, it's more that he's disappointed in her choice of being with me than he is of her, so…"

"Fuck it. Maybe we're just terrible partners."

"Oh? Are you saying Lori is my fault?" He asked teasingly.

"No! Where she's concerned, you're in the clear." She hit him with her elbow and laughed, then went quiet for a bit. "Chonne is a good person and Glen was too."

"Mhmm."

"It's true… What they say about never knowing the value of something till it's gone." Maggie laughed some more. "After everything you put her through, somehow you guys are still together; she's a steelhouse, that woman."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Have you ever wondered if she'd just walk away? If she'll ever, I don't know, one day wake up and think, 'You're not worth it'?"

"No." Rick put his glass on the table, eyeing Maggie down.

"Never?" chuckling, she turned to face her cousin. "I have to admit, Ricky... whatever you did to hold on to her, keep doing it; she can't seem to let you go."

"I wouldn't allow it even if she tried. She's stuck with me. She was the second she bashed those big brown eyes."

"I wonder if Glen ever felt that way with me…"

"He did."

"That don't make me feel no better, since I was planning to leave him."

"Maggie…"

"But it don't matter. Not anymore. He's gone and that's that. I called Michonne to drop off the kids, pick you up. She should be here soon."

…

Two weeks later Michonne was window shopping for baby things and clothes for her and Rick when she heard someone call out to her from behind. She knew that thick, deep French accent anywhere. He had on long, black dress pants with black leather shoes, a soft, white button-up satin shirt rolled up at his sleeves and a silver Cartier watch on his wrist. She hadn't seen him in so long. His eyes were stuck on her after searching her body from head to toe. She wore a white, mini, 1950s-styled, sleeveless vintage dress with an orange Lino Perros sling bag and orange pumps to match. Though she had already begun to show, it wasn't noticeable in her dress, given that it was an airy fit.

"Chonne."

"Hi… Mike… It's been a long time." Her voice went up two octaves.

"Yes! You look... gorgeous; bewitching even."

"Thank you. You look great too. So you're in America."

"Uh, yes, didn't you get my calls? Still the same number, right?"

"Yes. I, uh, I did... Life's been hectic; I was going to call you. Are you visiting?"

"No, actually, I'm moving to the States permanently. I'll continue my practise here! My father is also moving his base of operations since he's expanding, so…"

"Congrats to him… In Georgia?"

"Oh, no. He, New York, same as your father."

"Oh, that makes sense."

"I'll be in Atlanta."

"Oh, good for you."

"So… How's America treating you? Though I saw your mother a few months ago, you haven't been to France; going on what, five years, I think?"

"You saw my mother?"

"Uh, Yes. She and my mother still talk."

"They do? I didn't know that. That's good; that's very good! I guess it has been a long time. Like I said, life keeps me busy." She did her best to give a genuine smile at the information.

"Would you like to grab a coffee? If you have time, of course!"

"Uh, okay… Let me just make a call first."

"Oui, oui…"

Michonne gave Mike a light smile before tightening her hold on her purse, turning on her heel and stepping away to make her call, which he couldn't hear.

"Sasha, Can you do me a favour and pick up the boys? Yeah… No, I just need you to drop them off… mom's home… She was supposed to hold them anyway, since Rick and I have doctor's appointments after his therapy session. I would have dropped them off myself but something came up… Yeah, we're going for the first time together, or trying to." She giggled "Rick wants a girl but I think it's another boy... You can go for another round. In fact, I dreamed of fish last night and it isn't me or Mags." She laughed only to turn around just enough to see Mike, remembering that she was keeping him waiting. "Oh, hey Sash, I have to go, I'll call you later and thanks… love you too."

She was going to call Rick but decided against it since he was in his session, opting to text him to let him know everything instead. She walked back to Mike, ready to have their discussion. Grinning brightly from the height of her call with her cousin, she knew that her kids wouldn't have to wait at the daycare longer than necessary, which put her at ease as they strolled to the coffee shop two stores down.

"Sorry about that; I had to talk to my cousin, Sasha. You remember her, right?"

"Last I heard, she got married."

"Yes! He's a great guy; they even have a son, Noah!"

"I'm happy for her. What does she do now?"

"She's a novel writer. Pen name, though. She likes her privacy."

"Oh, anything I know?"

"The Grey Oasis?"

"Oui! I know it well. Good read! It deserves its award!"

"I'll tell her you said that."

The two entered and made their way to sit down when a barista with long red hair came to ask them what they wanted. She was probably new, as Michonne couldn't recognise her even though she'd come here whenever she was in the area.

"Decaf Salted Caramel Mocha and a slice of vanilla cake, please." She gave a warm smile.

"I will just take black coffee, thank you."

"You haven't changed at all."

"You have! Decaf? You hate Decaf! No chocolate?"

"I learned to love it and I still very much enjoy chocolate…"

"Even the way you dress is different."

"Well, I'm not twenty-three anymore, Mike. People change."

"Don't get me wrong! It is not a bad change. You seem more settled, more calm. For one, you are even more beautiful than the last time I saw you…"

"Mike I—"

Just then, the barista came back with their order. Michonne nodded at the red-headed girl in appreciation and Mike did the same when she left Michonne went back to the conversation.

"Mike I wanted to apologise. For how things went between us... for what I did." She took a moment as she began tugging at her dress with her right hand. "I know it probably doesn't mean anything to you and that it's much too late, but I have wanted to tell you that for a long time. I had a lot of issues that I needed to work through, and I wasn't mature enough to deal with them at the time. This isn't an excuse for all of it; I just wanted you to understand why I did it." Her eyes were glossy as she tried to convey what she needed.

"You don't have to apologise, Chonne. I know. And even if I was embarrassed, I never blamed you. It was unfair of me to rush you into marriage. When we met, you had just turned twenty-one; you were so young. At twenty-three, how could I expect you to make such a life-changing commitment? I should have waited. Twenty-three and twenty-six doesn't sound like a large gap but it is when you have two people in their 20s at different stages in their lives." He reached out and placed his right hand over hers left on the table, then started rubbing it. "Besides, I know. Your father might've had something to do with it."

"Mike, you—"

"Hey, darling." Rick kissed her cheek from behind her back, catching her off guard.

"Rick, you're here. I didn't expect you to get here so soon." She took a quick glance at the time on her phone. "You still have an hour on your session."

"We finished early." Knowing she was sceptical, he continued. "Told her about the appointment. Who's this? You gonna introduce me?"

Michonne knew he was full of it but opted for a smile and a raised eyebrow, not wanting to expose her little liar in front of her ex. It was 2:00 o'clock, his session ended at 3:00 o'clock and their appointment was at 3:45 p.m.

You are so full of shit, but you're cute, so I'll leave you be... for now… You petty bastard.

"Rick, this is my ex, Michael Anthony. Mike for short. Mike, this is my partner, Richard Grimes. Rick for short."

"Ah Mike… I think I've heard of you. I can't say for sure, though."

"We were engaged at one point, right, Chonne?"

"Right! Rick, baby, you've heard of him." She stroked his chest as a gentle warning. "Right?"

"Hmm. No, I don't think so. Engaged? That's a funny coincidence! We're about to get hitched too!"

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah! We're even expecting!"

"You're… pregnant?" Mike's voice cracked as he couldn't hide his surprise.

"Yeah, actually—"

"This is our third kid; we're hoping for a girl. Already got two climbers running around, boys!"

"Yeah, I meant to tell you, but Mr. Excited here did it for me."

"Oh, I guess congratulations are in order."

"Yes! They are. So, what are we having, darling?"

"Cake and a decaf Mocha."

He thinks I would have straight-up caffeine? I forgot one time! Well, there was the glass of wine that one time so I'll let it slide.

"I should really get going, Michonne." He stared at Rick, then at her again. "I'll call you."

"It was good seeing you, Mike."

"It was nice meeting you, Michael." Rick shook his hand with force and smiled as he watched him leave. "I thought he'd never leave. Damn it!"

"What the hell, Rick? That was so unnecessary and petty! You made him so uncomfortable."

"Good! That was kinda the point. He made me uncomfortable by being here, stroking your hand, all that jazz."

"You act like he was going to try and screw me on the table, Richard." He simply raised his left eyebrow.

"Don't be mad. Don't be mad, darling. I actually come bearing great news." He held her hands in his and kissed them. His smile was actually blinding from how bright it was.

"What has you this happy?" she laughed, affected by his ecstatic mood.

"You don't wanna guess?"

"No! Tell me!"

"As of four days ago, I'm an officially divorced man."

"Really?"

"Yep! Andrea got the finalisation today; she'll send it to me as soon as possible. She called me on my way here."

"Oh my gosh!" She covered her mouth in shock for a while. "I didn't—I don't think—wow."

"After we check on the baby, we should celebrate!" He was giddy. "I mean, this calls for celebration! We should go somewhere with the boys! As a family!" He kissed her hands once more and squeezed them together.

"We should not today. Tonight, I just want it to be us. Just you and me?"

"I like that. I want that. Let's do that… I love you."

"I love you…" Rick gave her a deep kiss and cupped her face, then kissed her forehead.

…

Rick was so elated, he could fly to the moon and back. He didn't have a care in the world. This was the first child with his beloved that he would and could be here for. He mourned that he couldn't be with André and RJ and though he was there at every step with Carl, it wasn't a happy time. With Judith, it was better, as he was trying to make it work with Lori and she with him, but now, knowing what he knew, those somewhat decent and fond memories became tainted. Hearing the heartbeat, cheerfulness made his eyes glimmer and his face hurt from how much he was smiling. Michonne's eyes were also alight with joy. She was relaxed, telling jokes to Rick, and smiling freely. She was happy for them both.

"Everything appears to be in good condition! You want to have a go with the gender. You're far enough along at 15 weeks to find out, albeit it's not 100% correct. We normally recommend deferring your anatomy scan ultrasound until weeks 19-20 in order to determine your correct gender."

"Rick?"

"What do you want to do? I'll follow your lead, sweetheart."

"I think we should wait. It's only a few more weeks and I don't want you to be disappointed."

"We can wait, but boy or girl, it doesn't matter."

"That's sweet of you to say, but we both know you want a little girl."

"Maybe a little."

"We'll wait doc."

…

Since Maggie moved back to her and Glen's place, Michonne visited her more often since she was much closer—half-an-hour drive, to be exact, unlike the long hour-and-a-half to two-hour dive to the farm. Sometimes she'd bring the twins so they could play with their cousins. Today it was just her, though. She had bought lunch since Maggie asked her to. It was a good neighbourhood with old trees, a good school, and a nice big park for the kids to run around in. The people were friendly for the most part but ultimately kept to themselves, something she knew Maggie would appreciate. Glen put a lot of love and thought behind his choice and that realisation made Michonne smile sadly. He was an amazing man, even with his faults. He was kind, patient, open-minded and loving, but he was gone. Michonne was about to pull up in front of the house when she saw a familiar face that had no business being there. She pulled out of the driveway, not attempting to make a lick of eye contact or acknowledgement towards her.

Is that… No! Why would the governor of Georgia be here, of all places? Who the hell was that?

She got out of the car and entered the gate, only to see Maggie already at the front door. Michonne knew the code and would always let herself in so she knew Maggie was seeing off that man.

"Maggie? Is that who I think it is?"

"Philip Blake."

"How the hell did you two even meet?" Michonne shook her head. "When did this even happen? Hold the phone! What?"

"Two weeks ago, when I went to hand in the documentation, he was there on some business." She said, turning her back away from Michonne. "He makes me feel good."

"Maggie is a married man—a married politician no less. He may be a piece of shit, but he has a child and a very loving wife. Maggie, I've met them. This is wrong!"

"I thought you of all people would've understood!"

"This isn't anything like me and Rick and you know that! When you said you were moving back to Glen's house, I thought that you did prevent his parents from fighting for it or that you wanted the kids to live in the house he intended to, but now I see, you just wanted this to be your house of flesh because you couldn't do it at the farm!"

"My goddamn husband died! I'm a fucking widow in my twenties! Is it wrong for me to want to feel good? To feel something? Am I not allowed to?"

"You are allowed! But when it comes to making shitty decisions, Glen dying isn't an excuse. You brought him into your home after two weeks? Around your kids?" Stroking her temples, she quickly quieted herself. "You know what... I just came to drop off food for the kids. It's your life and it's not my place. Plus, they should be listening to this shit anyway. I just hope you know what you're doing… Here, the box for the kids is at the top."

…

Maggie was in the kitchen a week later, preparing lunch for her kids. Dealing with her own emotions, she had become selfish in her grief and guilt and been distant from her kids. She needed to get her shit together and be a proper mother to her kids. Michonne's words stung, but she was right. Sleeping with a married politician was probably one of the lowest decisions she had ever made. Herschel had walked in on her and Philip. That had been the biggest wake-up call. If she had to go for therapy, she would. She was at the point where she was fed up with herself. She was going to change and be better. When she was finished cooking, she went to fetch the kids so that they could have lunch. Her son was in the living room but her daughter Hana was nowhere in sight. She asked Herschel, and he informed her that she had gone to the potty, so Maggie went to her.

"Hana, baby? Lunch is ready! Han? Pumpkin?"

When Maggie got to the bathroom, she saw her daughter lying on the floor, convulsing and foaming at the mouth, with a packet of white powder next to her.

"Hana!" Her voice shook.

Her chest grew so tight as she ran to her and pulled out her cell phone to call 911, elevating the girl to avoid her choking. When she heard the call connect, she rattled off everything that was happening as clearly as she could during all her crying

"How old is the child, Miss?"

"She's four; she'll be five in three months; she's small for her age! What do I do?"

"Miss I know this is hard for you but I need you to stay calm. Help is on the way, but I need you to do some stuff while they get there. You did a good job with her head but I need you to lay her on the side of the floor, don't try to restrain her when the seizures start; make sure there's nothing that could hit her head or limbs.

"Okay, I've done it!

"Good! Now, get a cold compress for the forehead, side and back of her neck, and at her wrists, to reduce her body temperature." Maggie dashed as quickly as possible.

"I got it! What else?"

"Good, When you're done, You stay with her and wait until she gets to the hospital."

Maggie didn't even notice her son standing around quietly doing all of it as the only thing on her brain was keeping her child alive. After waiting for another five minutes the ambulance finally got there. She called her family to let everyone know what was happening and they met her at the hospital, Rick and Michonne being the first. She sat, afraid for her daughter's life the police came to arrest her. She wasn't shocked and knew this would be the consequence of negligence. She believed she deserved to be punished, she didn't want to leave her girl. Being put in handcuffs all she did was look at her family with pleading eyes.

…

Placed in holding, she wallowed in silence for a while, then decided to cash in on her phone call. She called her older cousin to find out what was going on with her daughter.

"How is she? How's my little girl?"

"She'll live." His tone was heavy but flat.

"Oh, thank God. Rick."

"Michonne's been working to get you out on bail as soon as possible and been trying to let child protective services give the kids to Herschel."

"That's good! That great! That way, they're not gonna be with strangers."

"Junior's been asking for you. What do you want me to tell him?"

"Tell him that his sister is gonna be okay and that I'll be there soon."

"Maggie, what the fuck was that? Cocaine? Really?" Maggie could hear his voice shake with rage. "Hana might be brain-dead, have microvascular damage, have respiratory failure, and may even be stuck in a fucking coma, but she'll live."

"Rick, I swear I got nothing to do with it! I didn't even know it was there. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" She broke down even more. "I swear, I would do that to my babies."

"It was in your house, Maggie! Who the hell are you tryna fool? And the pregnancy—you just don't care, do you?"

"I swear I didn't! I didn't even know he brought this into my house! You know me, Rick! I wouldn't! I couldn't! I didn't even know he left that stuff there."

"Fine. I'll believe you." He took a second. "But this is a mess. Chonne said Glen's folks could use this against you; take the kids like they wanted. I need you to think about that. I gotta go."

Realising the call was over, the officer put her back into holding. She laid on the bed, pounding on her chest as she gasped between her choking cries. All night, she'd fought back the emotion, but she couldn't do it any longer. In her sadness, there was also a lot of anger. Anger at Philip for hiding drugs at her place; anger at Glen for leaving her a single mom; anger at the world for taking him. She felt so angry but in the end, the person she was most angry at was undoubtedly herself.

…

…

…

Author's note

I heard the feedback and most people prefer the longer 5000-7000 chapters every two weeks so that's the plan. That doesn't mean I'll never do the weekly thing. You might get it as a gift! Always enjoy the feedback. I see some thoughts on Maggie and Rick and I already know how most of you feel about Bigdaddy Rey or As I saw the nickname Judgy judge and I think Cleo said he reminded her of Papa Pope from scandal. I definitely see the Papa Pope. I know that you guys are gonna have some strong thoughts on this chapter I look forward to it! Thank you to all reading this, it does actually mean a lot hearing that you enjoyed it.