Sorry for the delay in writting. My father passed away so its been a hard few weeks trying to process this.


Adam awoke the next morning alone. He saw the sheets a mess, the pillows missing and her side of the bed cold. He moved to her side seeing blankets on the floor with pillows but no Kim. He groaned getting up heading out to look for her. He checked the kids room first seeing them asleep but Gunner was gone. Adam headed down the stairs seeing the front door open. He looked out seeing Kim sitting on a large rock looking at the sun. He smiled fondly watching her. Adam opened the door moving outside feeling the warmer air. "Hey good morning." He watched her smile but never looked away. "Morning." Kim felt the warm air and was loving the oddly warmer temperatures. "How long have you been out here?" He asked watching her. "I dont even know. I just couldnt sleep so I came outside with Gunner. I figured this was better. Gunner has been loving playing in the leaves." Kim shrugged a bit. "Well Im sorry you couldnt sleep. And we know the sunshine is good for you." Adam walked over to her which was tricky with all the rocks but he wanted to hold her.

"What time is it?" Kim asked unsure about everything. "Little after 7. Whatcha thinking?" He wrapped his arm around her best he could, holding her tight. "Um. Michael is golfing already. So how about we take the kids to breakfast, then you take the kids back here while I head to the hospital?" Kim offered enjoying the embrace. "Sounds good to me. Do you have a place in mind?" Adam was happy she was looking to eat even with all the stress. "Yeah a local place not far here. We have to be there when they open to get a table. It fills up quick." Kim explained but never moved from his embrace. "Okay well lets get moving then." Adam helped her off the rock, moving them into the house again. Gunner running free again. "Lets get ypu showered. I can wash the kids later." Adam moved her to their room again. Kim jumped in the shower right away hoping to melt away the tension.

Adam was a few minutes behind her as he grabbed under garments for them both. He could see the tension in her body. The stiff posture, her unsteady breathing, her body shaking a bit. "I get it. Just try to relax some." He hugged her body from behind. "This is insane. I just have no idea how to process this. How to handle this. Im not prepared for this. And I honestly think he's not going to get better. He looked so bad last night." Kim sighed heavily. "I hate to say this but I kind of agree with you. Lets not get ahead of ourselves though. Just see how he is today. Maybe he has improved overnight." Adam highly doubted it but he had to have hope for Kim. "Hes not vaccinated for either. He has become so paranoid about everything and believed the vaccines were garbage. He was pissed off that Bailey was forced to get the Covid vaccine to keep his job. He felt like that should be against the law. But to me it made sense. Especially since Im immunocompromised. Covid and asthma is deadly." Kim sighed again.

"Makes lots of sense to me. It was mandatory for us to get them too. Especially when you work around the public. They proved day in and day out that it spread through the air so wearing masks helped. And it was proven the vaccine reduced death rates. Its just too bad he watched the fake news. Hopefully this is a lesson to your family." Adam had no idea what to really say. It was a shitty situation. "I want to do the right thing. Whatever that is. This hurts. Im spinning, lost in a sea of questions with no answers. But maybe I can get some answers during this. Thats the most I can hope for." Kim washed off sighing heavily. It was keeping the tears at bay. "I agree. Just keep breathing, keep staying focused. We got this together." Adam kissed her sweetly letting her get outvof the shower. They needed to move at this point. Kim dried off quickly then dressed in legging and a longer shirt. She put on her favorite flip flops and headed off to wake the kids.

Adam was right behind her trying to get hos family moving. He started to laugh when ne saw Milo running towards him. "Morning bud! I guess its potty time with you squirming around so much." Adam brought him into their bathroom assuming Mia was using the other. "Thanks daddy!" Milo really needed to potty so he was happy for the relief. "You are welcome. Mommy has breakfast planned so lets get moving." Adam helped him to wash his hands and sent him back to his room. Mia was joining them as they entered the room. "Morning my sweet!" Adam scooped her up hugging her tight. "Hey daddy!" Mia was happy getting dressed for the day. "Lets move! Breakfast is waiting!" The kids cheered as the finished dressing the kids. "You drive one car and I drive the other. We will meet up there." Kim stated as they moved down the stairs. "Works for me." Adam was happy to get moving to the restaurant. He was starving. They moved to the driveway getting the kids settled. Kim drove out first, Adam followed behind her.

The kids talking away as Adam drove. Adam was amused but worried about Kim. He could only imagine what she was thinking during her drive. It was a fairly short drive as they pulled into a pretty ghetto shopping center. Adam got out looking around slightly worried about safety. Kim jumped out excited for breakfast. "I know its in a bad area but the food is amazing! I promise!" Kim laughed picking up Milo as Adam picked up Mia walking them inside. "Kim its not open yet." Adam watched as she opened the door. "Its open to me. Trust me." Kim moved inside the restaurant. "Morning." Kim called out seeing several regulars and the owners. "Hey! Welcome back! Good to see you." Dean came over to great them all. "Good to see you too! Couldnt come here without a trip to visit yall." Kim smiled happily. "We are happy to have you. Two booster seats?" Dean asked. "Yes please." Kim helped get Adam a menu and chalkboards for the kids. "Kim black tea okay?" Dean asked. "Yeah thats perfect." Kim sat with the kids waiting. "Sir coffee? Pumpkin or regular?" Den offered knowing Adam was new to the restaurant.

"Regular please. Im not a pumpkin freak like Kim." Adam joked a bit. "Whatever. How about we order for the kids then you can decide what you want." Adam nodded along looking over the menu Kim had handed him. "Kim want do you for the kids today?" Dean asked standing by the computer. "2 kids sized pancake specials, 1 order of chicken sausage and two fruit cups. Plus milk for each please." Kim knew they would be thrilled. The order was placed and the kids colored as Kim tried to stay in the moment. "Thinking the breakfast burger?" Adam asked unsure about the menu. "I hear its good. Not my thing you know." Kim smiled a bit. "True. Im hungry so that seems like the way to go." Adam watched her nod. "Save room for some pancake. I doubt I will eat the full thing." Kim smirked knowing it was large and she never finished it by herself. "What is the pancake special you ordered for the kids?" He asked unaware of what it was. "Chocolate chip with a peanut butter, camarel syrup. I love her peanut butter. Its homemade, no chemicals. Its soo good." Kim shimmied in her seat.

"Sounds super sugary! Where is the closest park?" Adam cringed thinking about the sugar high both kids would have later. "Echo park is nice. Good for the kids and the dog." Kim laughed a bit. "Great! They are going to need it after this." Adam shook his head before ordering his breakfast and hers. "Kiddos your breakfast is here." Kim helped get the settled with their food. Kim cut up the pancakes and Adam cut up the sausage for the kids. "Eat up kids." Adam watched them digging in. Adam did sneak a bite when the kids werent looking. "That is really good Kim. I like this place. Im happy we came here." He squeezed her hand. "Yeah I love it here. Good food, fresh made, relaxed atmosphere and the owners are hysterical when Holly gets going. They literally have a local tables." Kim pointed to the table closest to the kitchen.

"Thats great. We should come here again." Adam suggested. "Yeah they open again on Thursday. So next weekend we can come back if we are still here." Kim shrugged a bit not wanting to admit they would still be here. No one wanted to face that fact. It was too hard. As the adults ate their breakfast Kim made small talk with other customers she knew as well as the staff. Adam was surprised she knew so many people by first names in this small breakfast restaurant. When breakfast was over Kim paid the bill and the family headed back out to the parking lot. "Okay my babies have fun with Daddy and Gunner. Behave and take your nap without complaint. I will see you later for lunch time." Kim asked looking at them closely. "Okay mommy! Love you!" Both kids hugged her tight. "Love you too babies." Kim helped getting them into the car.

"Be safe darling! Call if you need me. I love you." Adam hugged her and kissed her softly. "Love you too! Have fun at the park." Kim took a deep breathe before getting into the car. She was nervous but this had to be done. She headed out watching Adam drive back towards the house to get Gunner. Kim turned the radio up and rolled the windows down some as she headed to the hospital. It was roughly a 20 minute ride before she was sitting in front of the hospital again. She felt sick but she pushed through. Grabbing a mask before getting into the elevator, heading to the secind floor again. From outside his room she could see he was alone which she was thankful for. She wanted to be gone before her family showed up. Right away she could see the decline from just the night before. "Hey dad." Kim whispered unsure if he was asleep or not. He didnt respond so Kim grabbed a chair to sit in watching her father sleep.

Adam was sending photos from the park of the kids and the dog having a good time. It helped pass the time while he slept. Roughly an hour passed before a woman entered the room. "Hi. Im here to do another swallow test." The woman stated. "Thats great. Hes been asleep the whole time I have been here. But hopefully it works today." Kim knew it wouldnt but she held out hope. As they woke her father he was obviously groggy and a little miffed about being woken. "Joe can you tell me who is with you today?" The woman asked looking towards Kim. Joe looked at Kim for a moment. "My daughter...Kimberly." Joe answered with difficulty. "Do you have other children?" She asked again. "No." Joe shook his head. Kims eyes going wide. As they talked longer they got to the discussion about medicines he was on. One Kim had never heard of and it was determined it was used for anxiety and depression. "That makes sense. Hes been depressed for years." Kim interjected. "I wish I never...stopped...taking them." Joe stated. "Taking what dad? Did you go off your meds?" Kim looked panicked. "That started...all of this." He looed between Kim and the doctor.

"So you stopped taking your meds? Was that around the time you tried to kill yourself?" Kim asked shocked by what she heard. Joe just nodded. "Why did you stop taking them?" Kim asked trying to figure it all out. "I felt better so...I didnt need them." Joe answered not looking at Kim. "Dad you felt better because you were on the meds. We all need help in life. Its okay to take meds to help you feel better and to think more clear." Kim was shocked. She didnt know what to say. The woman who was the speech therapist sat with them longer talking about taking meds properly and maybe even having them made into oral medication so he could get them in. As she got ready to leave she asked to see Kim in the hallway. "So I saw your eyes at different points. What does he not remember?" She asked seeing Kim in distress. "Well I have a sister. And he claims Im an only child. Plus its news to me that he stopped taking his meds and thats how he ended up in the hospital last time." Kim just shook her head taking her mask off. "So cognitive decline. How long has he had the tremors?" She asked hoping to get a bigger picture. "Um at least 10 years. Not this bad but its been a long time. The doctors have wanted him to get tested for Parkinson's but he has refused every time. And we cant force him. But I think he has it based on what I see. And from my little experience with it." Kim explained unsure if this person knew the full story.

"Gotcha. I would tend to agree he should he tested but you are right, we cant force him. For now we need to get him over Covid and pneumonia then wecqm try again with the neurology testing." The woman spoke a bit longer before they both left. Adam was across town at the park with the kids. He decided to call Kevin to give him the update. Adam knew everyone was worried for their friend. "Hey man! How's our girl doing?" Kevin answered right away almost like he was waiting for the call. "Hey um not great. She is putting on a brave face for the kids but she sees how bad it is. Admitted this morning hes not going to make it. Even if he gets stronger hes not going home. He cant swallow, cant stand, cant walk. He's basically bed ridden at this point with no food the last few days because he cant swallow. Its killing her inside. I can see, I can feel it. It's brutal." Adam answered trying to explain the unthinkable. "Sounds bad! Whats the next steps?" Kevin asked wanting all the details. "Not sure. They want to see if he improves with the antibiotics and do another swallow test today. Which I already know he will fail. Kim thought we were in the wrong room last night. She was awake super early spinning out but at least ate breakfast with us before heading to the hospital again." Adam sighed.

"Shit. That really sucks. Did he know she was there at least?" Kevin asked. "Yeah. They talked. It was difficult for him to make full sentences but they spoke. He opened up some about his childhood. Kim cried saying she didnt know how to fix this, fix them without therapy. He said they did the best they could. Not sure I agree since Kim was beaten as punishment but I wasnt going to argue with him." Adam shrugged a bit. "Wow I had no idea they beat her. Thats insane. She really is a angel for standing by him now. I dont think everyone would or could." Kevin was shocked she had never mentioned it. "Now it wasnt all the time and for no reason. But they still could have done better than a wooden spoon or a belt. Thats abuse. But she still loves them. So we wait and see how it all goes." Adam smiled seeing the kids playing a game with the dog. "Thats rough. I can see why she left. She had to save herself. Crazy. Well keep us posted. I can hear the kids laughing so enjoy time with them while you can." Kevin knew Adam needed to pay attention so he would let him go for now.

After the call ended Adam joined the game the kids were playong which was basically tag but its hard to play when you only have 2 people. Adam and the kids played till noon when they started to crash out. It was perfect timing too. Kim was headed home as others wanted to visit her dad and she didnt want to be around for that. "Kiddos lets start heading back to Michaels. Moms on her way and you two are exhausted already." Adam watched as they huffed but headed back to the car. Gunner was dragging as well so this was well needed. They arrived home just about the same time. Kim helped get the kids out of the car and up into bed. She smiled the whole time but Adam knew better. After the kids fully crashed out the couple headed to the sunroom to enjoy the weather but be covered from the sun. "How was it?" Adam asked holding her close. "Bad. He failed again. Told the speech therapist that I was an only child. He admitted to stopping his meds at one point. Figured out it was his SSRI. He went cold turkey which explains why he wanted to harm himself. Said he stopped taking them since he felt fine. He felt fine because of the meds. I'm pretty shocked right now." Kim sighed closing her eyes.

"Wow. Thats crazy! But you are right that explains a lot. Huh." Adam just held her letting her rest since she hadnt slept well at all. He could tell she was awake but zoned out. Which was fine. She didn't have to talk at this point. He did take the time to respond to text messages from the team. Kevin had let them know the update so it was less for Adam to do. He was focused on Kim and the kids. That was enough to worry about. He also texted with his sister trying to get the house packed up and moved into the new house. While they had time on thier lease they would he pushing it with this unexpected emergency. While Kim relaxed Adam found something on tv for Kim to listen to. Adam knew background noise would help bring her out of her spinning. Her brain heard all the conversations around the room. That was how she was built, that was how she worked. It was a horribly small tv for the size of the room but it worked for her needs at the moment. He saw her eyes starting to focus more on the tv, laughing every few minutes.

"Feeling any better?" Adam asked as she adjusted her position. "Maybe? I dont know. I feel surprised and shocked by what he said. Frustrated that my mom let him go off his meds. That she didn't see the withdrawal symptoms. Its insane! I let everyone know that he said I was an only child just so they were aware when they visited today. Not sure who all is going to visit but I was there the rest is up to them today." Kim looked over at Adam for the first time in a bit. "You look like you are feeling a bit lighter. Should we start making lunch for the kids?" Adam asked holding her hands. "Yeah we probably should. Im not hungry. Still full from breakfast." Kim shrugged a bit. "I hear ya. But you still need to eat something even if its smaller." Adam helped her up so they could move to the kitchen. "The kids will be starved they played hard at the park." Adam laughed a bit. "Im sure they did. They love that park." Kim smiled thinking about it.

"Maybe we could go for a walk after lunch? Like I dont want to do Bushkill Falls but maybe the track at Mt. Nebo Park? Its pretty easy and its around the lake." Kim suggested trying to get some fresh air and exercise but also something fun for the kids. "Sounds good to me. The weather has been a nice surprise. I didnt think it would be this different from Chicago. But its great and Mia is happy again." Adam laughed a bit thinking of Mia running around in her flip flops all day. "It has been nice. Its Indian Summer. Its crazy, some days we get all 4 season in one day. But I will enjoy it while I can." Kim shrugged as she cut up fruit and veggies for the kids. "That sounds nuts. I can only imagine how crazy that must be. But yes lets all enjoy it while we can." Adam kissed her head as he finished making the sandwiches. Kim got the table set as Adam headed up to get the kids. He could hear them laughing already. "Well hello kiddos. You both look happier now that you napped some." He watched them run into his arms for hugs.

"Bathroom then downstairs for lunch." Adam led them to the bathroom to potty then down the stairs to see Kim waiting for them. "Mommy!" Both kids yelled as they ran towards her. "Hey babies! How was your nap?" Kim asked hugging them tight. "It was good. Thank you!" Mia was much happier now that they napped. "Awesome. Lets eat then head to a different park to walk the trail around the lake." Kim knew they would be fine with a walk outside. "Do they have swings?" Milo asked. "You know I dont think so. I think its just a lake, a trail around the lake and picnic area. We can always go back to Echo Park after the walk." Kim offered trying to keep them busy and having fun while away. "Sounds good." Mia added while eating her lunch. "Sound be interesting to see how Gunner does on the trails. Though he is normally very well behaved." Adam looked over to see the dog laying in the sunshine out in the sunroom. "He didnt chase the deer this morning. He just watched them almost confused by what they were. They are getting scruffy looking now going into winter." Kim wasnt sure how much Adam knew about deer.

"I guess they need to blend in now. It is still hunting season?" He asked unsure how that worked. "I dont think so. Im not worried though. Not too much hunting around here. Next county over has more hunting. Is it strange that I can tell the difference between human decomp and deer decomp by the smell?" Kim asked unsure if that was strange or not. "Maybe? I guess thats a skill." Adam laughed a bit. "Well I can also tell the difference in horse poop, cow poop and chicken poop by smell." Kim laughed as did Adam. "Lovely skill set darling!" Not one Adam wanted but it may come in handy some day. "Well when you have lived all over the east coast you pick up different skills. Some I appreciate, some I dont. Being able to recognize the smell of the mushroom fields of Kennett without seeing them is not something I care for." Kim hated that smell. "Does the smell cause a reaction for you or only ingesting them?" Adam wasnt sure. "Just eating them. I tend not to touch them either just in case. But that was actually one that I liked so becoming allergic was annoying." Kim rolled her eyes a bit.

"Sounds horrid! I cant imagine not being able to eat something that I like or love. Pure torture." Adam cringed. "I guess it wasnt so bad since my parents didnt eat them so it wasnt like they had to make special food for just me." Kim shrugged but was thinking a bit. Adam could tell she was processing something. "Whatcha thinking about?" He asked seeing her lost. "Everything, nothing, trying to focus but I am lost a bit. I do want to show you all some photos while we finish up." Kim got up moving to the small entertainment center. Adam was watching her but keeping an eye on the kids. Kim returned with a clear 12x12 plastic container. Adam could see it was full of photos. "So these all came out of her house." Kim made a face making it clear she was referring to Bitchinia. "Okay. Whats that smell?" Adam turned up his nose a bit. "The smell from her house. Moth balls. Its nasty I know." Kim flipped through the photos finding one of the earliest ones of her. She handed it to Adam.

"Wait? This is you? Your hair is almost white!" Adam stared at the photo shocked since her hair was black at this point. He showed the kids the photo but was still shocked. "Its great right. Now here is probably 2 years later." Kim handed him the next one shocking him again. "It has gotten darker each year? Thats crazy. But I love this photo. It's absolutely adorable. Im taking photos of these to save them. I guess this explains why Milo has lighter hair even with his more tan skin. Craziness. Can I see more?" Adam asked so Kim handed the whole pile over. She didnt mind at all. "Wow your dad looks so healthy here. And strong. Its kind of crazy." Adam showed the kids the photos too. "Yeah he actually used to have the Nordic Track skiier machine. He used it almost everyday for 30 minutes for a year or so. He was still working and it helped with his blood pressure. But it didnt last long. My mom has never really been into exercise for as long as I can remember. She did all the fad diets but nothing stuck long term." Kim watched the photos flip before her.

"Is this your grandmom?" Adam asked holding up a drawing. "Yup. My grandfather actually drew that for her. The pencil drawing is framed in my parent's office. I had it custom framed for Christmas that year." Adam finished looking at the photos. "Lets clean up and then head out to the park for a walk." Adam helped the kids down then started to clean up the plates. Kim had closen to use paper plates so it was less to clean up. Kim got the photos put away again before joining the kids in the sun room. "I love it out here. It's beautiful." Kim sighed looking around the room. "We do to mommy!" Mia loved it since they were basically in nature. 3 walls all windows looking into the woods. It was perfect. "My family enjoying it out here." Adam asked watching them from the doorway. "Yes!" Both kids cheered. "Awesome! Lets head out to the park. Its going to be fun but you both need sneakers with all the rocks and branches." Adam watched Mia's face turn to anger. "After we leave you can change back to flops okay? We just want you safe on the trails." Kim tried to calm her down but it only somewhat worked.

"Fine." Mia huffed heading for her shoes. Kim smirked a bit following the kids. "Lord help us." Adam shook his head stunned a bit. "Lets go before she gets sassier." Kim moved helping the kids with their shoes. Adam moved the kids and the dog to the car as Kim grabbed water bottles and a few snacks just in case. Kim was last in the car but it was the driver seat. "Ready?" Kim asked as she turned the car on. "Yeah lets go." Adam was excited to get outside again. Kim started to drive towards the park. It was close by but up a twisty turny road. "This road is awful!" Adam was surprised how steep it was but also how sharp the turns were. "Yup! I cant be the passenger on this road. Sorry." She really didnt feel bad but she tried to make it sound good. "Interesting looking resort here. Lots if tiny cabins it looks like." Adam was looking around as Kim continued to drive. "Its the only exclusive LBTQ resort in the area. Its been updated some with new owners. But its on a scary part of the road. Even at night there isnt enough lights to make it safe to cross the road to the cabins." Kim shrugged as they pulled into the parking lot.

"This looks like a nice walk." Adam jumped out getting the kids out as Kim got the dog out letting him potty quickly. She also grabbed the backpack that had the drinks and snacks. "Are we ready to walk again?" Kim asked looking at the kids. "Yes let's go." Milo was excited. Mia was too just not thrilled with her shoes. The headed straight to the lake seeing lots of ducks and several people fishing. "This is pretty." Mia looked around seeing all the trees around the lake. "It is. And very peaceful." Kim took her daughter hand as they started the trail. Milo was walking in front of Adam with Gunner on the leash. Gunner was stopping often to pee and sniff all the scents. It was a lot of new smells for him and he was loving it. Half way through the trail Mia was getting tired so Adam scooped her up carrying her the rest of the way. Milo was dragging on the last leg so Kim carried him back to the car. Even Gunner was dragging. "I think we need a better stroller if we plan on doing a longer trail. Not sure ours will handle the harder trails." Kim mused as they got the kids settled again.

"Have some more water please. You could use it after all that walking." Both kids happily took the water bottles. They were very thirsty after walking so far. "I dont think I expected them to crash so hard after that trail. Maybe we dont need the other park. Maybe just chalk in the driveway?" Kim offered shocked how tired they were. "Well I like that idea. And the trail was almost 2 miles. Thats a lot for them." Adam smiled lookimg back at them. "Maybe you are right. Lets go." Kim smiled driving towards the house again. When they arrived the kids headed straight for the bathroom to potty and wash their hands aftet the long walk. "Snacks and sidewalk chalk." Adam took the kids outside to start playing while Kim made a snack for the kids. When she arrived outside she saw the kids in the shaded part of the driveway with a blanket under them keeping them clean. Gunner laying on the blanket with them.

"Well you all look happy right now." Kim placed the plates with the kids letting them snack and play at the same time. Adam was in a beach chair sitting close by watching them. Kim had texted Michael letting him know not to come up the driveway. "So what exactly am I looking at?" Adam pointed across the landscape. "So that is the Shawnee Ski Slopes. And over there is New Jersey." Kim pointed to the left. "Wow. How far is the ride into Jersey?" Adam asked looking towards here. "Less than 15 minutes." Kim shrugged a bit sitting with the kids. "Crazy!" Adam settled back letting the kids play and laugh take over his mind. He was also thrilled to see Kim happy and relaxed with the kids. Adam had been texting the team trying to keep them in the loop. And Kim was ignoring hers except for the updates on her father. She didnt have time for drama.

The night continued till Michael brought dinner home for them all. They all ate then crashed out watching a movie till the kids fell asleep. "Lets the kids into bed, then get you into bed." Adam picked up the kids carrying them to bed. Kim trailing behind them with the dog. Kim helped change the kids before tucking them in. Once they were sure both kids were sound asleep the couple retreated to their room. Kim was overly tired and Adam just wanted to hold her till she fell asleep. "Please take your meds tonight so you sleep. You desperately need it." He watched her sigh as she striped down and got into bed. Adam handed her meds and some water. After she took the meds she laid down curling into Adams embrace. "Good night darling. Rest please." Adam kissed her softly as she started to drift off. He waited till Kim was sound asleep before he drifted off as well. He held her all night. Protecting her from the whole world.