Page 13 of Pieces: A Companion Piece

From Lucas

This entry was the last one Lane and I worked on. As in, I’ve written and rewritten it a dozen times; I even erased two. For the same reason Cam did. It’s understandable, of course, that we all have the same wish. We want you to come home safe and sound. We believe in you—and in your strength.

How many have called you a fighter by now?

I could do a word search, but…

To follow Cam’s lead in an attempt to sound less repetitive, I hope you’ll cry a lot upon your return. I hope you’ll keep your guard down and let it all out. I hope you’ll let yourself grieve. I hope you’ll have an outlet for pent-up anger and hurt.

Knowing River and Reese, you do. Don’t shut them out. They love you so, so much. You are as important as the air that they breathe. I know that for certain, Shay.

As Corey said, I also believe you’ve undergone a big change. How can something horrific like this not change someone irrevocably? But we are looking forward to meeting the new version. I’m sure you will be as amazing and extraordinary as the first one.

Just different.

Kit and I went out and bought you something too. It was Kit’s idea, so I will let him tell you about it in his entry.

Love,

Lucas

From Kit

Hiiii, Shay. Daddy Lucas and I bought you a gift! Daddy Colt wanted to come with, but he was busy building tech stuff with Ty.

Before I joined House Mclean, I was lonely a lot. I had nightmares sometimes too. And I found that wearing headphones with music at night helped me a teensy bit. Those headphones that look like a headband so that your ears don’t hurt? Yeah, those. We bought you a pair! So, if the nightmares become too much, maybe you can listen to music when you sleep?

If you need a song, you can borrow my Daddies’ wedding song that they danced to. It’s called “Grave” by Thomas Rhett. It makes me smile a lot.

EDIT: Lane suggested “You Got Me” by Gavin DeGraw. It’s also good! That was nice of him. The lyrics are very lovey-dovey, though.

Last but not least, I wrote you a poem!

Here it is.

HUGS,

Kit

From Colt

Hey, kiddo.

It’s much easier to write to you now.

I know where you are. Help is real close.

Hang in there just a few more hours.

You’re coming home.

At long fucking last.

Now, when I hug you next time, I will have just finished chopping at least four onions, okay?

See you soon,

Colt