Several Weeks Later

TJ, Cassie, Carlos, Ashley, and Justin touched down in the basement of Dr. Oliver's beach house and were surprised to see Dimitria on the screen, "Rangers, it is good that you came so quickly," she said in an official, but very somber voice. "The time is soon near that you will be needed away from Earth."

"To rescue Zordon?" TJ asked in a concerned voice. "Dimitria, have you found out where he is?"

Dimitria sighed, "In your current state, you Rangers are not yet ready to take on Dark Spectre and his army of evil minions," she replied in a concerned voice. "You will all first need special training."

"Where?" Justin asked softly, worried about leaving Rocky while he needed friends by his side.

Dimitria was quiet for several moments and sighed, "You will be told when it is time to go," she replied in an ethereal voice as she gazed at the young Rangers. "For now, know that it is time to prepare."

"What will people say when we don't show up at school?" Cassie asked anxiously. "They'll worry."

Dimitria chuckled, "With the help of your mentor, Doctor Oliver, all will be taken care of and everyone will think you are merely in another part of the world," she replied calmly. "Do not worry, Cassie."

Deeply humbled and convinced that Dimitria did care, Cassie nodded, "Can I tell my sister about what's going on?" Ashley asked in a concerned voice. "She's been a Power Ranger, so I think she'll get it."

"Each of you may choose to tell those whom you care about, but use careful discretion," Dimitria replied in an ethereal voice. "Anyway, Rangers, you will be summoned when it is time to leave this Earth."

In a flash of light, Dimitria vanished, "We'd better get back to school before the lunch hour's over," TJ spoke up in an uneasy voice, troubled at having to leave Angel Grove soon for an uncertain future.

"I'll be along in a minute," Justin spoke up softly, wanting to be alone. "I forgot something."

One by one, TJ, Cassie, Ashley, and Carlos teleported out of the basement, but Justin silently walked over to the couch and sat down. For a moment, he was quiet and then tears formed in his eyes.

Colorful posters advertising graduation littered the many bulletin boards throughout the high school, but Tommy paid no attention to them as he lingered anxiously outside his uncle's office with his backpack slung over one shoulder, "Uncle Frank, do you have a minute?" he called out softly.

There was silence and then the door opened, revealing Dr. Oliver standing there in khakis, polo shirt, and boots with a jacket over the shirt, "Of course, Tommy, what can I do for you?" he asked gently.

"I'm wondering if I can get a pass from you to leave school?" Tommy asked in a nervous voice.

Dr. Oliver frowned and he immediately felt Tommy's forehead, "What's wrong?" he asked gently.

"I just don't feel well, Uncle Frank," Tommy replied nervously. "I haven't been sleeping well."

Nodding, Dr. Oliver stepped aside and Tommy came into the office, pulling the door closed behind him as Tommy sat on the couch, "I've been dreaming about that spell that was put on my by Prince Gasket and I don't know if it's fully gone yet," Tommy said tiredly. "I find myself wanting to start fights."

Taking a seat behind his desk, Dr. Oliver nodded, but didn't say anything, "I find myself suddenly feeling both anxious and angry whenever I'm around people," Tommy continued softly. "I've been going on long walks after school to try and keep myself from hurting anyone, but I don't know if it's working."

"Have you been hurting yourself at all, Tommy?" Dr. Oliver asked in a concerned, loving voice.

Tommy shook his head and sighed, placing a hand on his forehead as he suddenly felt a headache coming on, "Why don't you lie down for a bit in the infirmary, Tommy?" Dr. Oliver suggested in a concerned voice as he stood up and walked around the desk. "I'll walk down there with you."

Tommy, however, shook his head and laid down on the couch, "I just need some rest and quiet for a while, Uncle Frank," he replied in a trembling voice, quickly closing his eyes. "Please, just let me stay."

Fearing that Tommy was not only reeling from the aftereffects of Gasket's spell, but also from Rita's, Dr. Oliver silently reached into his pocket, took out a small healing charm he kept on him, and carefully placed it into Tommy's trembling hand. Tommy stirred slightly, but didn't wake from his sleep.

Letting out a tired sigh, Dr. Oliver gathered a few folders and left his office, quietly locking Tommy inside with keys so that he couldn't go anywhere. Dr. Oliver then silently walked off towards the office.

Colorful paper littered the large tables in the middle of the gym while several graduating students either turned scraps of it into decorations or put up different pieces of scenery for the upcoming prom. Skull, however, was seated in the far corner of the gym at a piano, quietly playing a classical piece and oblivious to all that was going on around him because he was wearing noise canceling headphones.

Jason and Adam were painting a wall of scenery while Tanya and Kat worked on putting together a small bridge where the graduates would be able to have pictures taken. Rocky and Malcolm were sitting at a table with several other students and they were filling glass vases with fake flowers and decorative stones that would be on each of the tables at the pre-graduation banquet and also at the prom.

Mr. Caplan, who had been talking to Laura about her plans for after graduation, silently entered the gym with Laura and they both walked over to the piano, "Mister Skullovitch, do you have a moment?" he asked, tapping Skull on the shoulder and causing the young man to remove his headphones nervously.

"Yes sir, Mister Caplan?" Skull asked nervously, wondering if he was in trouble for playing the piano.

Mr. Caplan, however, chuckled, "I would like to ask you if you'd play the music at the Angel Grove High School graduation ceremony this year," he replied pleasantly. "You seem to have a talent with piano."

"Of course, sir, I'd be pleased to," Skull replied in an anxious voice. "Can I ask if you've seen Bulk?"

Mr. Caplan sighed, "Mister Bulkmeier is preparing for graduation privately," he replied calmly. "Anyway, I would like you and Miss Hammond to do a special musical number to precede the valedictorian's speech and I'd also like Miss Hammond to introduce this year's valedictorian when it's revealed."

"Of course, sir," Laura replied anxiously while Skull remained silent. "Thank you for trusting us."

Mister Caplan looked delighted at the gratitude and left the gym with a smile on his face, "I'm sorta nervous about playing in front of the whole city," Skull murmured softly. "What if I mess up?"

"You won't," Laura replied gently. "Oh, Mister Caplan says that you can bring Kim to grad as your date."

Skull smiled at that, unaware that Jason had dropped his paintbrush and was walking over to them because he wanted to talk to Laura, "Laura, do you have a minute?" Jason suddenly asked gently.

"Excuse me," Skull spoke up, nervous to be around Jason since Kim had refused to talk to him.

As Skull ran off, Jason sighed and reached into his pocket, "I heard back from that school in New York I applied to," he explained, holding the letter in his hands. "I got accepted for the fall semester."

"Jason, that's wonderful," Laura replied gently. "I just got help from Mister Caplan applying to Angel Grove University because I want to stay in the area for Ashley's high school. I'm going to miss you."

Jason looked surprised at Laura's reaction, "I thought you'd be upset," he replied in a shocked voice.

"Jason, Billy's death hit you hard and I understand that this place is hurting you more than it's helping you," Laura replied in a gentle voice. "Some time away from here will help you be able to recover."

Before Jason could reply, Laura walked over to where Adam, Tanya, and Kat were working, "What can I do to help?" she asked in a gentle voice. "I just finished talking to Mister Caplan about university."

"We could use some help with painting," Adam spoke up gently. "But your clothes…"

Laura chuckled, picked up a garbage bag from the floor, and quickly put it over her clothes after putting holes in it for her head and arms, "My clothes are fine, Adam," she replied. "Can I have a brush, please?"

Amused by Laura's spunk, Adam handed her a brush while Jason wandered over to the table where Malcolm and Rocky were sitting, "Did you get accepted?" Malcolm asked, seeing the letter.

"Yeah, for fall semester," Jason replied, smiling as he sat down. "I guess I'll move during the summer."

Rocky looked surprised, but nodded calmly, "I'm thinking of applying for a job at the Youth Center to teach martial arts classes over the summer when I'll be feeling a little better," he replied in a tired voice.

Having overheard Rocky's comment, Adam walked over to the table, "Rocky, you shouldn't push yourself," he said in a quiet voice, seeing that Rocky looked tired. "Have you been sleeping at all?"

"Adam, cool it," Rocky replied in a tired voice, setting down the vase he was working on. "I gotta go."

Malcolm and Jason looked worried as Rocky stood up and silently left the gym, "Rocky doesn't sleep well at night," Adam explained, unaware that Laura, Kat, and Tanya were listening in. "I can hear him get up at two in the morning and go off to another part of the house. I'm the only one who hears him."

"Do you think Doctor Oliver knows?" Malcolm asked in a worried voice. "If not, he should be told."

Jason sighed, but sat down in the empty chair, "Rocky probably just wants some space," he commented, feeling as if Rocky was feeling overwhelmed. "He hasn't had time alone since his family was killed."

"I can't imagine how I'd feel if anything happened to my parents or to Mark," Katherine murmured, suddenly no longer in the mood to paint. "Malcolm, you're the only one who understands…"

Malcolm nodded, "If it weren't for the family I do have and my friends, I wouldn't have been able to overcome the grief," he replied pleasantly. "I think Rocky's overwhelmed about being by himself."

"Maybe a camping trip would help him be able to relax," Tanya suggested gently. "There's a long weekend coming up and we could go camping at the beach. It would be fun to have a break.

Laura nodded, "Someone should probably go after Rocky and make sure he's okay, though," she commented in a concerned voice. "He's very tired from chemotherapy and shouldn't be alone."

"I'll go," Malcolm replied, quickly standing up. "As it's been said, I understand Rocky's pain."

Malcolm silently left the gym and Jason got to work filling the decorative vases while Adam, Katherine, and Tanya resumed painting the scenery. All of them were worried for Rocky, but they couldn't do much unless Rocky wanted the help and they were also worried that they hadn't seen Tommy after class.

Feeling slightly better after a much needed rest, Tommy let himself out of his uncle's office and immediately frowned when he saw Rocky sitting on the floor with his head in his knees, "Rocky?" Tommy asked in a concerned voice as he approached Rocky. "What's wrong? You feeling okay?"

"I'm so tired," Rocky mumbled, not lifting his head. "I can't sleep and I can barely eat anything."

Tommy nodded and sat down beside Rocky just as Rocky lifted his head, "I have chemo today and I might get some sleep if I can just sleep without having to wake up for a while afterwards," Rocky explained in a tired voice. "I should probably get going if I'm going to get there on time today."

"Maybe I should give you a ride," Tommy offered gently. "I can ask my uncle if I can use his car."

Rocky sighed and slowly pulled himself to his feet, immediately leaning on the wall for support, "Thanks, Tommy," he replied in a tired voice. "Oh, can you help Malcolm hang out with Justin today. I was…"

"Going to help him with soccer?" Tommy finished gently. "I thought TJ and Carlos were doing that?"

Rocky nodded, "They are, but Justin likes it when Malcolm or I are there since sports aren't really Doctor Oliver's strength," he replied tiredly, reluctant to let go of the wall. "I can't walk real well, Tommy."

Tommy nodded and immediately helped Rocky move away from the wall by putting his arm around his friend's waist, "What's going on?" Malcolm asked as he came into view. "Rocky, are you all right?"

"I've got to get to chemo," Rocky replied in a tired voice. "Can you hang with Justin today?"

Malcolm nodded, "Tommy, Malcolm, Rocky?" Dr. Oliver asked as he came around the corner.

"Uncle Frank, can I please borrow your keys and use the car to take Rocky to his chemo session?" Tommy asked in a concerned voice. "I'm feeling a lot better, but I don't think Rocky is well."

Dr. Oliver silently reached into his pocket, took out his keys, and tossed them to Tommy, "Wait until Rocky's settled before you come pick me up," he replied calmly. "I'll come and visit him then."

"Thanks, Uncle Frank," Tommy replied in a grateful voice. "Malcolm, can you help me?"

While Malcolm and Tommy helped Rocky walk outside with his bag, Dr. Oliver closed up his office and walked to the gym to check on how the decorating was going. He was pleased to see that everyone was working hard even though most of the staff except for Mr. Caplan had gone home for the day.

"Doctor Oliver, we were just talking," Katherine spoke up, smiling as Dr. Oliver approached them. "We thought it would be nice if we all took Rocky camping at the beach over the long weekend."

Dr. Oliver was quiet for a moment and then sighed, "I think it would be better if you guys used my backyard or the Lee Scott's backyard for camping with Rocky," he replied gently. "That way, in case there's an emergency, you guys will have access to things and people that might be needed."

"Do you like how the wall is coming?" Adam asked, gesturing to the painted wall. "This is where all the baby pictures of the graduates are going to hang and people can try and guess who the person is."

Dr. Oliver chuckled, "Well, that sounds fun," he replied in an amused voice. "What else is there?"

"There's an arch for pictures, but the shop class is working on that, a bridge where people can kiss or just talk, and tables for food and mingling," Jason explained pleasantly. "Oh, I got accepted."

Dr. Oliver smiled, "Congratulations, Jason," he replied happily. "Are you going for a double major?"

"Students can take an administration course along with the training, so my dad suggested I do that too just in case there comes a time when I can't work in the field anymore," Jason explained, recalling the talk he had had with his father the night before. "It makes sense and I can do both at the same time."

Nodding, Dr. Oliver looked to Adam, Kat, Laura, and Tanya, "What about the rest of you?" he asked.

"I'm going to hopefully do the Education program at the University of Angel Grove so that I can be there for Ashley while she does her high school," Laura replied gently. "I really like Angel Grove a lot."

Tanya smiled, "I was thinking about going to school to learn how to work in radio, but I feel like I want to take some time and visit Africa first," she replied softly. "I need some time to think about things."

"What do you mean?" Adam asked in a surprised voice. "Why do you need to go to Africa, Tanya?"

Tanya smiled at Adam, "I don't know why, but I just do," she replied gently. "I'll come back."

Adam nodded, but looked worried, "Doctor Oliver, can I talk to you?" Tanya asked softly. "Alone?"

"Sure, we can go to my office," Dr. Oliver replied calmly. "You kids have fun with decorating."

As Tanya and Dr. Oliver left the gym, Laura suddenly felt as if something was going to happen in Africa that Tanya was meant to experience, but would affect them all. However, it was best not to speak.

After leaving Rocky in the hands of a capable Oncology nurse, Tommy walked out of the hospital and just happened to look at the soccer field next to the hospital. He smiled at seeing that TJ, Carlos, and Cassie playing with a Frisbee while Justin and Ashley watched from a small picnic table.

"How are you guys doing?" Tommy called out as he walked over to the field. "Good day at school?"

Justin looked up at Tommy, "What are you doing over here, Tommy?" he asked in a worried voice.

"Rocky has a treatment for his cancer today," Tommy replied gently. "I drove him to the hospital."

Justin nodded and gazed at the ground, the thought of leaving Rocky bothering him even though he was going to be protecting the Earth, "Where's Laura and Adam?" Ashley asked in a confused voice.

"They're helping decorate the gym for prom," Tommy replied calmly. "Justin, are you okay?"

Justin shrugged, but didn't say anything, "I thought Cassie hated Frisbee?" Ashley piped up.

"Cassie does hate Frisbee, but she's playing cause Justin didn't want to and Ashley wanted to sit with him," Carlos piped up as he ran over to the group to catch the landed Frisbee. "Hi there, Tommy."

Tommy smiled, "I know we have homework, but we're just playing now because we won't really have a chance once we go to Phaedos," Carlos stated, worried that Tommy was going to reprimand them.

At the mention of Phaedos, Justin grabbed his backpack off the grass and stood up, "I'm gonna go meet up with Doctor Oliver, guys," he said in a tired voice. "I've got lots of homework to take care of."

"Do you want a ride?" Tommy asked, deeply concerned by Justin's sudden change in demeanor.

Justin shook his head, "I could use the exercise," he replied softly. "Thanks for the offer, though."

Tears filled Justin's eyes as he turned away and he found himself dropping to his knees and releasing all the sadness that he had been feeling since meeting with Dimitria. Tommy silently helped Justin up.

"Can I talk to Doctor Oliver?" Justin asked in a quiet, tearful voice. "I just need to talk to him."

Tommy nodded, "Ashley, do you want a ride?" he asked gently as Justin moved closer to him.

"I'll come back by dinner," Ashley replied in a worried voice. "I want to stay and hang out."

Again, Tommy nodded and quietly led Justin to the hospital parking lot where the car was parked.

"Mister Bulkmeier, how goes the second job?" Detective Stone asked in a gentle voice as he stepped off the elevator on the Oncology floor and saw Bulk silently cleaning the floors while in a janitor uniform.

Bulk tensed slightly, "It's going all right and I'm working at Ernie's before school," he replied calmly, still hurting over the fact that he had been let go from cleaning the school due to budget issues. "If you're looking for Rocky DeSantos, Tommy Oliver dropped him off about half an hour ago and left right away."

"Thank you," Detective Stone replied, frowning when Bulk nodded and silently moved off down the hall.

Making a mental note to talk to both Bulk and Skull about their futures later, Detective Stone wandered down the hallway and spotted Rocky nestled in a chair in one of the chemotherapy suites with a pillow under his head and a blanket and textbook on his chest. He looked tired, but was trying to stay awake.

"Mister DeSantos, how are you doing?" Detective Stone asked as he entered the room and took a seat on a small chair that was by the armchair where Rocky was sitting. "I came to talk to you about your family's house and any non-sentimental thing of value. The Angel Grove shelter bought all of it."

Rocky's eyes widened slightly and Detective Stone reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper, "The shelter's owner personally wrote this check so that you don't have to worry about anything and some people are making a fund so that you can go to university without student loans," Detective Stone explained as he placed the check in Rocky's hand. "One less thing to worry about."

"Thanks," Rocky replied in a tired voice, silently groaning as he secured the check in the backpack that sat beside the chair where he was resting. "I'm just trying to read so that I don't fall asleep here."

Detective Stone nodded and was about to speak more when there was a knock on the door. He turned to see Ashley and TJ standing there with their packs and he immediately nodded that they could come.

"Hey Rocky, Tommy told us you were here," TJ said in a pleasant voice as he and Ashley came in.

Rocky nodded, "How are you feeling, Rocky?" Ashley asked in a gentle voice. "Are you comfortable?"

"As comfortable as I can be right now," Rocky replied in a tired voice. "Good day at school?"

Detective Stone silently left the room so that Rocky could talk, but he lingered in the hallway to send TJ and Ashley away when Rocky got too tired, "What's with you two?" Rocky asked in a tired voice, seeing worry in Ashley and TJ's eyes. "You look as if someone told you something you didn't want to hear."

"We met with Dimitria today," Ashley replied in a somber voice. "She's sending us to Phaedos."

Rocky frowned, "Phaedos?" he asked in a tired voice. "I guess it's to train, but when?"

"She'll let us know," TJ replied softly. "Me, Carlos, Ashley, Cassie, and Justin need to learn there."

Swallowing hard, Rocky nodded and said nothing even though his heart was breaking about losing the ability to mentor Justin and the others; he had already lost so much and soon he would lose more.

"Did you want us to get you anything, Rocky?" Ashley asked softly. "How much time left today?"

Rocky yawned, "I'm not sure," he replied sleepily. "Doctor Oliver's going to pick me up after."

"Maybe you'd feel better if you slept for a bit," Ashley suggested in a voice much like Laura's.

Rocky fell asleep so quickly that he didn't see Ashley and TJ leave, allowing him to rest in quiet.

"Africa, huh?" Dr. Oliver asked Tanya, smiling as Tanya sat on the couch in his office.

Tanya nodded and sighed, "I've been having strange dreams lately that are connected to the time I spent in Africa with Aisha and Billy," she explained in a reverent voice. "I know that Muranthias exploded and we didn't see Billy leave, but we never did find a body either. It's been unnerving."

"You want to go to Africa to search for Billy's remains?" Dr. Oliver asked worriedly. "Alone?"

Tanya shook her head, "I was going to ask Laura to go with me because she is the one who Billy entrusted the Turbo Powers with and I feel like her gifts may help," she replied. "I know she wants to stay here with Ashley, but I have a feeling that Dimitria will want the Rangers to go look for Zordon."

"Ah," Dr. Oliver replied, having had that impression himself. "Why do you want to do this, Tanya?"

Tanya was quiet for a moment, "I see Doctor Cranston from time to time and he doesn't look like a man who is at peace," she replied somberly. "Even if we found Billy's body, that would bring some closure."

"I assume you plan to go to the areas where you first met Aisha and Billy and also to the area where Muranthias used to be?" Dr. Oliver asked softly. "I'm guessing any remains would also bring all of you kids closure too, as I happen to now that you all were very close to Billy before Muranthias."

Tanya nodded, "I've been saving money and I feel like going back to those areas will bring some closure to the situation that nobody's been able to get," she replied softly. "It just feels right to do this."

Dr. Oliver nodded and sighed, "I hope you can bring closure to it," he replied in a calming voice.

Before Tanya, who had always suspected that there was more to Dr. Oliver than anyone knew, could reply, there were footsteps and a knock, "Uncle Frank, Justin wants to talk to you," a voice stated.

Frowning, Dr. Oliver got up, went to the door, and opened it only to see Tommy standing there looking worried, "Justin's over at the Youth Center," Tommy explained. "He wants to talk to you really badly."

Dr. Oliver nodded, "Can you and Tanya hang around here or the Youth Center?" he asked in a concerned voice, ushering Tanya out of his office so he could lock the door. "I'll come back as soon as I can."

Less than ten minutes later, Dr. Oliver found himself sitting across a table in the Youth Center from Justin, who looked upset and was strangely ignoring his homework-filled backpack. Tommy and Tanya had stayed at the school to help finish up the gym since graduation and prom were fast approaching.

"All right, Justin, what's wrong?" Dr. Oliver asked in a concerned voice. "You seem very upset."

Grateful that Ernie was in the back washing dishes and that the after school crowd hadn't arrived yet, Justin sighed, "Dimitria met with us today and she said that we're not strong enough to save Zordon yet," he explained in a somber voice. "She says that we need to go off to a planet called Phaedos."

"I see," Dr. Oliver replied calmly, his sudden instincts about the Rangers suddenly making sense.

Justin sighed and sniffled, "I don't know if I want to go away from Rocky because he's been so kind to me since I came here, but I'm a Power Ranger and I have a responsibility to that," he stated in a quiet voice so Ernie wouldn't overhear. "I can't let TJ, Cassie, Carlos, or Ashley down because I'm clingy."

Dr. Oliver sighed, but didn't say anything, "Oh man, I feel like I'm being torn in two," Justin commented in a sorrowful voice, resting his arms on the table and burying his face in his arms so he could cry again.

For once, Dr. Oliver wasn't sure what to say, as he could empathize with Justin, but he wasn't Justin's father and couldn't put himself in that role unless Justin let him, "I'm sorry," Justin suddenly spoke as he lifted his head and gazed at Dr. Oliver sorrowfully. "You're like a dad to me and here I am, crying…"

"Justin, never be afraid to cry or say how you feel," Dr. Oliver replied gently. "It doesn't bother me."

"What time is it?" Rocky asked in a tired voice, confused when he saw Adam and Laura carrying small TV trays into the bedroom where he was now staying and set them up near the bed. "What are those for?"

Tommy smiled encouragingly as he carried another four TV trays into the bedroom and set them up in the few chairs that had been set up while Rocky slept, "Uncle Frank said that since you're not well enough to come to dinner with us, we'll bring dinner to you," he replied in an encouraging voice.

"I don't know if I can eat anything," Rocky replied in an uncertain voice. "I can barely drink water."

Grateful that Rocky was able to sit up with the help of fluffy pillows behind his back, Laura gently patted his hand as she set a TV tray up on his lap, "You have to eat something even if it's light," she replied in a gentle, but firm voice. "We really don't mind eating in here with you and making sure you're happy."

Rocky blinked tiredly, but didn't protest when Dr. Oliver entered the room carrying a large bowl of what appeared to be a chicken stew with a ladle in it while Ashley followed him carrying bowls. Justin had spoons in his hands and he immediately planted himself on a chair at Rocky's beside with a TV tray.

Bowls and cutlery were quickly passed out and Dr. Oliver filled all the bowls with stew before setting himself in a chair near the door with his own filled bowl, "I appreciate all this, guys, but I don't know how long I'll last," Rocky commented as he slowly took a few bites. "Is this stew homemade?"

"It's a recipe I invented several years ago after I got custody of Tommy since he was a very picky eater for the first few months," Dr. Oliver replied in a pleasant voice. "It's the best thing for you right now."

Rocky nodded and took a few more tiny bites, "Hey, have any of you been prepping for prom yet?" Adam asked in a curious voice, hoping to get Rocky talking. "I was thinking of asking Tanya."

"That's cool, man," Rocky commented in a pleasant voice. "Laura, is Jason going to ask you?"

Laura shrugged, "Dunno yet," she replied hastily, unsure of the future of her and Jason's relationship.

"I don't know if I'm going to prom," Tommy commented softly. "I heard Skull is taking Kim."

Rocky's eyes narrowed slightly, "Tommy, I'm not planning to go, but you should go and maybe someone will lend you their girl for a few dances," he replied in a tired voice. "I don't have the energy or desire."

"Don't give up on the idea entirely," Dr. Oliver piped up gently. "Just see how you feel by then."

Shrugging, Rocky ate two more bites and timidly placed the bowl on the bedside table before folding the tray and setting it on the floor, "I'm sorry, but I don't think I can eat any more right now," he commented tiredly, suddenly wanting to do nothing more than sleep. "I'm getting really tired."

Dinner was finished quickly and in silence and while Tommy, Ashley, Justin, and Dr. Oliver took the extra chairs, trays, bowls, and spoons away, Adam and Laura sat on the edges of Rocky's bed, "Thanks for having dinner with me," Rocky said in a tired voice as he slowly removed the extra pillow and tossed it on the floor so he could lie in bed comfortably. "Since my family died, you all have been so kind."

"I've known you for a long time, bro," Adam replied calmly, seeing that Rocky was drifting off.

Letting out a tired sigh, Rocky carefully nestled under his blankets as Adam and Laura stood up and moved towards the door, "We'll look in on you later, all right?" Laura suggested in a gentle voice.

Nodding, Rocky closed his eyes and feigned sleep until Adam and Laura left. Once he was alone, he opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling; the fact of even more losses coming kept him wide awake.

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