Mike Dodds knew what day it was and debated on going into work. Of all the days out of the year, he hated this day more than any other. He tried to not wear the same suit he wore that day. Instead that suit still hung in his closet 3 years later. After crying on the way to the precinct he sat down at his desk.
"How you doing Dodds?" Liv asked, concern in her eyes before the rest of the team came in.
"As good as can be expected considering." Mike said rubbing the tears from his eyes.
Dodds didn't realize when the rest of the team came in. He opened his desk drawer and saw a picture he kept tucked away.
"What the Hell's wrong with you?" Sonny asked when he saw the tears flowing from Mike's eyes.
Mike got up from his desk wiping his eyes. He made his way into the bathroom. He couldn't take it. He knew he would have to tell the team someday. But why would it have to be on the anniversary date.
"Dodds? It's Liv. Can I come in?" Liv knocked on the bathroom door.
Mike opened the door, his face read.
"Oh Mike I'm so sorry. He didn't know." Liv said taking him in her arms.
"I just miss them so much Liv. Anna looked so beautiful carrying our twins. Michelle and Mikey, they were perfect." Mike sobbed.
"Why don't you take the day off? Get some rest, and maybe go visit them." Liv suggested.
"Your right. That sounds good." Mike said rubbing his eyes.
Mike went out and got his things and left.
"Why does he get to go home early?" Sonny whined.
"Sit down Carisi and shut up." Liv snapped. "Dodds has a hard time with this day each year."
"Why? What happened?" Amanda asked.
Liv took a deep breath.
"It's the anniversary of when Mike lost his wife." Liv explained.
"Wait what? Dodds used to be married?" Amanda asked.
"What happened to his wife?" Sonny asked, feeling bad for how he treated Dodds.
Liv didn't know how to tell them about Anna Dodds. She meant so much to Mike.
"Dodds wife Anna was pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. All three where killed in a car accident 3 years ago today." Liv started.