When you're sad, it's right to talk to the ones who care about you.
"Mom... why did you have to go?"
Lin recognized the look in Serenity's eyes. She'd seen it before in the eyes of both her daughters.
Luckily, she knew how to approach her as she entered the kitchen.
"Serenity?"
"Shit!" she yelped nearly dropping the glass she'd been cleaning. "Did you...?"
"Yep, I was right there."
Serenity scratched the back of her head, embarrassed... and ashamed.
"Sorry about that. It's just... every time I think it's gonna be okay, it... it keeps creeping back in." Lin gently took her hand and lead her to the table so they both could sit down. "I was so young, I barely remember her name or what she even looks like. I just wish I could understand."
"Have you asked your father?" Lin suggested. "Surely, he'd give you some answers."
Serenity shook her head. "I stopped trying a long time ago, he never liked to talk about it."
"I'm sure he'd want you to be strong. I know Striker does."
"Yeah... I wish he could've met him..."
Lin nodded, understanding her pain. Serenity's father had died in his sleep from heart attack. This was shortly after she and Striker had come back home to Wrath; the latter had been working on fixing up his old home while she went to see him and, unfortunately, had to say goodbye. He'd been the only other person she could turn to when she was troubled. Lin, herself, couldn't imagine what she'd do if she didn't have Joe or any of the kids.
"You're more than welcome to talk to me about anything, you know that, right?"
"Of course I do. And I'm glad you're here with me now, you're like the mother I always wanted."
"Aww, sweetie, no need to thank me. I'm here for ya anytime."
The younger woman smiled as Lin gently pulled her into an embrace.
"And believe me, if that bitch has the nerve to show up here, I'll kill her myself!"
Serenity couldn't find it in her to laugh at that statement. She was perfectly content with being in the comfort of the older woman's arms.