Exton

Alise falls silent for a moment and Stoney pulls her close. “Allie, is something wrong? You are so quiet suddenly..”

“I was just thinking about Keon and Grace.” She snuggles in close to her husband. “Rowan says Grace will be lucky to live through the summer. The children all love her, it will be hard to explain to them. And Keon, he must be so heartbroken, I cant imagine what he is going through. At least he must know how much Star loves Mera. So much sadness, I think I feel guilty, I am so happy and content with our lives.”

“Oh Allie,” Stoney runs a hand over her cheek and kisses the top of her head. “Dont you think we have more than earned our happiness? So many times it was lost to us. Dont feel bad for being happy. The children will have to learn that there is happiness in the world as well as sadness, good as well as evil, life and death. It is the way of things, we cannot change it.”

Slow tears trail down Alises cheeks. “I know Chiot. Its just that Keon and Cassie were so happy. It breaks my heart...”

Stoney holds her close, knowing there is nothing else he can say. Alise feels deeply for those she cares about and he knows it is best to let her feel it and get past it if she can. He can feel Sarah shift suddenly and feels the ache in Alises back.

“Would a shower help mon amour? I can tell your back is hurting you...”

Alise sits up slowly, trying to ease the pain in her back. She nods, “Yes, I think that might help”

Grinning, Stoney asks, “Do you need any help? The twins are fast asleep..”

Smiling through her tears and laughing softly, “Give me a few minutes to wash my hair, then yes, there is nothing I would like better than your 'help'.”