Author's note: Special thanks to a friend who gave me an idea for another bash.

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Mark’s Birthday Party

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Mark’s Birthday

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This year Mark had only wanted a small birthday celebration. With just his son, Steve and close friends Jesse and Amanda. Too many things had happened recently for Mark to want to celebrate. First and foremost had been the murder of his daughter Carol and his son-in-law whom he never had the chance to know. But Mark and Steve were trying to put their lives back together and that meant celebrating special occasions like birthdays.

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Steve had given his father a Sherlock Holmes book. It was a rare copy that he had managed to obtain by going through every used book in town and finally hitting pay dirt. The original owner probably didn’t know how valuable the book was.

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Mark thanked his son. He just loved reading mysteries.

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Then Jesse and Amanda gave Mark their presents. They had gone in together to buy Mark new roller skates and safety gear while roller skating.

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“Jess, Amanda thanks!”

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“You’re welcome Mark.” They both said.

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“You both know that my Dad can get hurt roller skating don’t you?”

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“Steve will you relax?” asked Jesse. “That’s why we bought him the protective gear.”

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“Now Mark I only agreed to go along with Jesse if you promised to always wear the safety equipment we bought for you.”

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“Yes Amanda I promise.”

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Steve sighs. “Just don’t roller skate in the house. Someone might get hurt.”

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Just then the telephone rings.

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“Excuse me.” Steve said. “I’m expecting a phone call. Dad will you transfer it to my phone downstairs?”

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“Sure Steve.”

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Steve promises to not be on the phone too long but this phone call was very important.

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“Mark while Steve’s downstairs why don’t you put on your roller skates and safety gear?”

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“Do you really think I should Jess?”

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“Why not Mark? Steve’s downstairs. What could go wrong? You deserve to have some fun on your birthday.

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“All right Jess, Amanda you’ve convinced me.”

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Mark puts on his roller skates, and the knee pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and helmet.

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He starts roller skating in the living room. Being careful at first not to run into anything.

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Meanwhile, Steve has finished his phone call and is headed upstairs. He sees his father roller skating enjoying himself. Steve smiles. It’s been so long since he’s seen his dad this happy. He decides not to say anything for a few minutes and let his dad take pleasure in recapturing his youth once more.

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Jesse and Amanda are so involved watching Mark that they don’t notice Steve either. Steve has climbed to almost the very top of the stairs.

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Just then Jesse notices Steve on the stairs and says “Steve! You’re done with your phone call already Buddy?”

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Mark who is near the stairs is surprised and stumbles. He accidentally knocks Steve down and Steve loses his balance and falls down the stairs. With Mark, Jesse, and Amanda shouting “Steve!”

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Mark managed to not fall down after his son. Jesse and Amanda have rushed down to help Steve. Mark hurriedly takes off his roller skates. Knowing it will be faster than trying to go downstairs with them on.

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“Mark!” Call an ambulance” he hears Jesse shouting. “Steve’s unconscious. He has a head wound and by the looks of things his left leg is broken.”

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Mark turns around and heads for the nearest phone. He calls 911 and gives them his address and lets them know that his son has fallen down stairs.

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Mark then rushes downstairs and sees Jesse and Amanda with his son. Steve’s head is bleeding and his left leg is at an odd angle.

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“Oh Steve what have I done!” Mark cries.

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“Steve will be ok Mark.. He has to be.” Jesse says with conviction.

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Amanda decides it would be best if someone was outside to direct the EMTs to where Steve was.

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The ambulance arrives a couple of minutes later and Amanda leads the EMTs to Steve’s apartment where Steve is lying near the bottom of the stairs.

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They all help lift Steve gently on the stretcher and Jesse tells Mark he’ll ride in the ambulance with Steve. Mark wants to go but Jesse reminds him as Steve’s doctor it’s better that he’s the one. Amanda offers to drive Mark to the hospital.

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The ambulance arrives at Community General and Jesse and the EMTs rush Steve into the trauma room.

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Amanda arrives with a shaken Mark and takes him to the doctors’ lounge to await word on Steve’s condition.

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After hours of waiting. Jesse comes in.

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“Jess how is he?” Mark says afraid of what the answer might be.

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“Mark, Amanda.. Besides Steve’s left leg being broken. He has a severe concussion…”

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“Can I see him Jesse?” Mark pleads the tears beginning to shed.

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“Mark, Steve came to briefly. He was complaining of a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, and he was sleepy. I gave him some medicine to help with his symptoms but..Mark he also seemed to be confused.”

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“What do you mean?”

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“Mark… I don’t think Steve understood where he was.. Or who I was.”

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Mark can’t stand anymore and Jesse and Amanda help guide Mark to the nearest chair.

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“Why didn’t I listen to Steve!” Mark weeps. “He told me it was dangerous to roller skate in the house.”

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“Mark” Amanda tries to soothe him “It was Jesse’s and my fault too we encouraged you.”

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“Mark, Amanda’s right. We are equally to blame. Maybe even more so. I don’t think you would have been skating in the house if wouldn’t have been there. The only thing we can do now is help Steve recover..No matter how long it takes.”

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“Jess even if Steve’s asleep I need to be with him… Amanda thanks for staying with me but you need to go back to CJ.”

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“You’re right Mark. My baby-sitter can’t wait too long. Take care of Steve. I’ll be back when I can..And Mark you take care of yourself too.”

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“I’ll try Amanda.”

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“Come on Mark I’ll take you to where Steve is.”

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Jesse leads Mark to Steve’s room. Mark looks at his son. His left leg is in a cast and there is a bandage on his head.

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Mark walks over to Steve and holds his son’s hand. He glances at his watch and notices it’s still his birthday. “Lousy way to spend my birthday…worrying about my son once again.

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Steve I’m so sorry I wasn’t more careful. I should have known not to roller skate in the house. You’d think I would have learned my lesson when I broke my leg falling off my scooter that one time.”

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Jesse whispers to Mark “Stay as long as you want to Mark. I’ve got to go on my rounds. If he wakes up before I come back have a nurse come and get me.”

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“I will Jess.”

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-----

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After about an hour Mark notices Steve showing signs of returning to consciousness. Mark steps out of the room for a few minutes and tells a nurse nearby to contact Dr. Travis and tell him that Steve Sloan is gaining consciousness again.

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Mark returns to the room and Steve has woken up.

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“Hello son, I’m sorry Steve I shouldn’t have been roller skating in the house..You were right someone could get hurt. I just never thought it would be you Steve. Believe me I’d never want to hurt you.”

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Steve gets a puzzled look on his face. “Who.. Are… you?”

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Mark knew from Jesse that it was probably true but until he heard it from his son’s own lips he didn’t want to believe it was possible that his son, the one that he loved most in this world, the only one that he had left could not remember him or the extraordinary bond that held them together.

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Jesse comes into the room and starts examining Steve. “How do you feel?”

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“My head still hurts…I feel dizzy..What’s going on?”

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“You fell down the stairs Steve.”

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“Where?”

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“At the beach house Steve. Our home.”

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“Our home?” Steve questions “Yeah right, like I still live with my old man at my age!”

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Jesse was going to let Steve know how he felt with the way Steve was treating Mark. Mark stopped him and reminded him that often there were personality changes that went along with concussions and that Steve was not to blame for how he was reacting.

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Jesse calmed down and said “Steve I know you don’t feel very well right now. I’m going to prescribe some medicine to help you get more rest.”

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“Steve I know you didn’t mean the things you said. Don’t worry son I’ll be here if you want me. I’ll leave and let you get some rest.”

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Amanda was able to convince her baby-sitter to stay longer so she could come back and see how Mark and Steve were doing. She had run into Jesse and he had told her how Steve behaved towards his father. “Mark may I come in?”

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“Of course Amanda.”

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“I’m sorry Mark this wasn’t the kind of birthday you were hoping for I know. But Steve didn’t mean what he said you know that..don’t you?”

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“Yes, Amanda don’t worry I know Steve didn’t mean those things. It’s just his concussion making him act like this. Hopefully in a few hours or days he’ll be back to normal.”

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Mark checks on Steve but he is still sleeping.

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As he’s leaving Steve’s room he runs into Captain Newman.

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“Dr. Sloan I just found out the Lieutenant’s been injured. No one tried to kill him did they?”

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“No, Captain it was an accident..Why would you think someone was after my son?”

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“Dr. Sloan..Mark, Steve is the star witness in an upcoming murder case. He’s the one that cracked the case wide-open. I was talking to Steve earlier to make sure he hadn’t received any more death threats.”

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“What do you mean ‘any more death threats’?” Steve never told me he was being threatened.” Said Mark surprised that Steve would keep something like this from him.

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“Mark don’t be too hard on Steve. He told me he wanted to keep it between us because of what’s happened recently with your daughter, and your birthday coming up. He just didn’t want to make things worse for you with you having to worry about him.”

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“But I’m his father! It’s my job to worry.”

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“I know Mark..and it’s Steve’s job to worry about you..at least he thinks it is… How will Steve be able to testify if he can’t remember?”

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“Steve’s memory should return in a couple of days, Captain but he won’t be able to return to work for a month or so with his broken leg. After it heals he’s going to need physical therapy.. Captain you never told me when the trial starts.”

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“Mark it’s due to start up in a week.”

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“A week! Just how long was my son planning to keep all of this a secret?”

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“Mark don’t be too hard on your son. After what’s happened he wanted to make sure you had as pleasant of a birthday as possible. I believe he was going to tell you a few days after your birthday.”

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“Steve’s always been the one to want to protect me. I shouldn’t be surprised he didn’t want to spoil my birthday. But after he’s feeling better the two of us better have a little talk.”

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Mark decided to wait in Steve’s room until he awoke. He was hoping to clear the air between the two of them before things got out of hand.

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A few hours later Steve awoke and saw his dad. “I thought you’d be gone.”

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“No, Steve I love you. You’re not getting rid of me that easy..All we have is each other.”

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“What do you mean?” Steve asked belligerently.

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Mark sighs “Steve your mother and sister died. We don’t have anyone else but each other.”

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“…how did they die?”

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“Steve your mother died of cancer many years ago…As for your sister, Carol she was murdered a couple of years ago.”

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“…..On my birthday.”

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“That’s right Steve.. You’re starting to remember.”

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“Maybe I don’t want to remember anything else!” Steve starts to withdraw.

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“Steve don’t do this!” Mark shouts. But Steve doesn’t listen.

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Mark steps out of the room and meets with Jesse and Amanda. They agree with Mark that although it was excellent news that Steve was starting to remember. They were equally worried about Steve withdrawing when he had remembered that his sister had been murdered on his birthday.

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“Mark,” Amanda suggested, “why don’t you ask Steve to see a psychiatrist?”

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“Amanda you can’t really be serious? You think Steve would agree to see a shrink?”

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Mark thought about it. “Jess it depends on how you approach Steve.”

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“What do you mean Mark?”

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“You’ll see Jess. In the meantime go to our psychiatrist on call and ask to set up a preliminary meeting with Steve. Also let the psychiatrist know that Steve has a broken leg so the doctor will have to come to his room.

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Jesse and Amanda went to talk to the psychiatrist about meeting Steve in his room. In the meantime Mark went to talk to Captain Newman who had been busy organizing protection for Steve. Captain Newman had wanted protection for Steve earlier. But Steve had told him that would alert his father that there was something wrong.

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“Mark are you sure Lt. Sloan..Steve is going to listen to me about talking to a psychiatrist?”

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“Captain Newman Steve’s a cop. He knows about obeying his superior officers. I’m sure if you made it a command he’d agreed…He certainly is not going to do it if it comes from me.”

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Jesse and Amanda were inside Dr. Phillip Jacobs’ office.

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After the introductions were made Dr. Jacobs asked about Steve’s physical condition.

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“Steve Sloan has a broken leg, and has a Grade 3 concussion. He complained of a headache earlier and he seemed confused. Also he had amnesia although we believe his memory has returned for the most part. The most significant is his treatment towards his father and his desire not to deal with the emotions of losing his sister.”

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“Was he and his father close before this happened?”

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“Yes Dr. Jacobs. I’ve never seen a father/son relationship as well as Mark and Steve’s before.” Stated Jesse with Amanda quickly agreeing.

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“How about his relationship with his sister?”

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“I believe they both tried but they just couldn’t see eye to eye on some things. It was clear though Steve and Carol did care for each other.”

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“You said he lost his sister. What effect did that have on him?”

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“Dr. Jacobs Steve’s sister was murdered on his birthday.” Amanda said as the tears came down just thinking of what Steve had to go through every year.

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Dr. Jacobs sighed. “Yes, I can see why your friend is having a hard time. This sudden rush of memory must have come to him so fast that he wasn’t able to deal with all the emotions that it would stir up.”

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“So can you help him?”

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“I’ll do my very best Dr. Travis.”

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While Jesse and Amanda were meeting with the psychiatrist, Captain Newman was visiting Steve.?

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“Lt. Sloan I’m ordering you to see a psychiatrist.”

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“Why?”

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“I think it is obvious Lieutenant. You have unsolved issues that need to be addressed.”

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“Such as?”

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“Your treatment of your father for one. Then there’s your reaction when you remembered your sister’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.”

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“Is that all Sir!”

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“Lt. Sloan I won’t take that tone of voice from you. You will not be able to report back to work until you have been found medically as well as mentally fit. Do I make myself clear?”

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“Yes, Sir.”

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“Good Drs. Travis and Bentley are making the arrangements now.”

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Steve met with Dr. Jacobs. At first Steve didn’t feel like talking but finally Dr. Jacobs was able to get Steve to open up about his feelings about what he has gone through. It was clear he loved his father, but he was getting tired of all the risks his father took, and this time it was him who had to pay for his father’s disregard for his own safety.

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As for his sister’s murder. That was painful for Steve to talk about. He knew, or at least he thought, he had to put his own feelings aside for his father’s sake and not let his father know how upsetting it was for him to have his own sister murdered on his birthday. What made it worse were the things he said about Carol to his father not knowing that Carol had changed. Steve thought his father was somehow blaming him also for the things he said although his father had never given any reason to doubt his love. In the end, Steve realized it had been his father’s refusal to talk to him in the beginning preferring to talk to Jesse instead of his own son.

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Through more counseling Steve was able to realize that his father had a lot to deal with and didn’t know how to open up with Steve. That it was somehow easier to open up to Jesse, a close friend but not his son. But it did not mean that his father stopped loving him or was holding a grudge for the things Steve had said about his sister.

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Dr. Jacobs noticed that his patient was getting tired. A clear sign that Steve was still suffering from the effects of the severe concussion. Dr. Jacobs took his leave and told Steve that he would talk to his father but not go into detail about what they talked about.

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As promised Dr. Jacobs met with Mark. Without going into detail he assured Mark that his son did love him, and it was not only Steve’s concussion that made him react the way he did but Steve’s feelings of helplessness. Steve feels helpless in that he couldn’t protect his sister. Also he feels like you had withdrawn from him when it first happened as though you were somehow blaming him for not protecting his sister also.

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Before Mark entered Steve’s room to talk to him Jesse told Mark that he wanted to check on Steve to see how he was feeling first. They both knew that Steve tended to hide his pain as much as possible.

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While Jesse was examining Steve he asked him point blank how he was feeling. When Steve said he was feeling much better Jesse didn’t let it go. He knew he was feeling better emotionally after his talk with Dr. Jacobs but that Jesse wanted to know how he was feeling physically.

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Steve admitted that besides having headaches he felt dizzy sometimes and that light and noise bothered him once in a while.

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Jesse examined Steve’s eyes and noticed they were still glassy eyed. Jesse knew that just because Steve wasn’t exhibiting all the signs of a concussion didn’t mean he had recovered. Jesse was also encouraged that Steve had not shown some of the other symptoms like vomiting, slurred speech, and poor concentration.

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Jesse told Steve that he was going to allow Mark and him to talk for a few minutes but then he was going to come in with some more painkillers so that Steve could get some more rest.

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Mark slowly walked into the room. “The first thing Steve said was “I’m sorry Dad. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings the way I did especially on your birthday.. I’ve spoiled your day Dad…Can you ever forgive me?”

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Mark walked over to his son and gave him a hug. It felt great to be able to show affection. Mark realized it had been a long time since he had shown his son he loved him.

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“Steve it is I that should apologize. I shouldn’t have closed you out the way I did.. Steve I don’t blame you for the things that you said. All siblings sometimes have disagreements. I know that you and Carol did care for each other even though you both had your differences. I’m just sorry we couldn’t get to know Carol and her husband but I don’t hold you responsible in anyway.

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Steve I’m also sorry that I roller skated in the house and you were hurt because of it.”

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“Dad, I shouldn’t have made a big deal about it. You deserved to have some fun.”

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“Yeah Steve but because of it you were hurt. Son, you must know that I would never intentionally hurt you?”

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“Dad you wouldn’t let me take the blame earlier I won’t let you take the blame now.”

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“Ok Steve you’ve got a deal..Now let’s discuss these death threats why didn’t you tell me son?”

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“Dad, you’ve been through so much. I didn’t want anything to come in the way of you enjoying your birthday…I just couldn’t do that to you Dad.”

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“Son you must know that you are what matters most to me. I loved Carol very much. We both did. But nothing’s going to change the fact that she’s gone….Steve we’ve both been through a lot.. too much. We owe it to each other to be honest with each other. If we are hurting we should let the other one know. ”

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“….? Dad I wake up every morning and curse myself for the things I said about Carol.”

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Mark gave his son a hug. “What was that for?”

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“For opening up to me Steve. I love you son.. I admit the things you said about Carol did hurt me but I realize that you two did love each other in spite of your differences and that’s all that matters.”

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Steve then gave his father a hug

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“Now what was that for?”

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“For being honest with me Dad and letting me know that I did hurt your feelings when I said those things..I’m sorry Dad.”

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Mark smiled. “I know Steve, and Carol knows too.”

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Just then there was a knock on the door.

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“Excuse me Mark, Steve but we need to discuss security issues surrounding the threats against the lieutenant.”

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“It’s ok Captain. Steve and I were done talking. Everything’s fine between us now. Right son?” Mark smiled.

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“Right Dad.” Steve smiled back.

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Captain Newman sighed. “I’m glad. The world just doesn’t seem right when you two are having problems I’ve never seen a father/son relationship like the one you two share.”

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“Thanks Captain, now how are we going to protect my son?”

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“Mark I’ve tightened security. There will be two guards protecting Steve at all times. Also all food and drinks sent to him will be inspected before it reaches him. Don’t worry Mark. After Steve testifies the danger to Steve should be over.”

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“I hope so Captain. This has been a birthday I’ll never forget.”

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The day of the trial finally came and Steve was escorted amongst tight security to the courtroom. There hadn’t been any threats carried out except for the phone calls, which led Mark, Steve and everyone else to believe that the caller was only trying to use scare tactics against Steve not knowing that Steve wasn’t someone who would back off so easily.

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?Steve gave his testimony and then the defense tried to poke holes in it, but Steve stayed firm. Finally the jury was given the case and all that was left was to wait for the verdict.

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It had seemed for hours to Steve that he had waited for the jury to come back. His head was hurting him with all the bright lights but he didn’t want to let on. He knew his father would start blaming himself again if he knew Steve was still having difficulty. Steve should have known he couldn’t hide his discomfort from his father.

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“Steve I’m sorry again. I know you are still in pain from your concussion. The bright lights here don’t help much I know. I talked to Jesse and he gave me these painkillers for you.”

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“Thanks Dad. I didn’t want you to feel guilty all over again which is why I didn’t want to say anything.”

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“I know Son but we agreed to not keep things from each other.”

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“Ok Dad if we’re going to be honest with each other can you tell me when I can go back to work?”

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Before Mark could answer the bailiff signaled that the jury had made their decision. Everyone was brought back in. The jury seated and the judge asked if their decision had been unanimous. It had. The foreman then read the verdict guilty on all charges.

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Steve was brought back to his hospital room. Before he would allow stronger medicine to be given him to allow him some more sleep he asked his father again how long before he returned to work.

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“Steve you had a very serious concussion. Your headaches and the way the light bothers you is a clear sign you are still suffering from it. Not to mention your broken leg which is going to require physical therapy. Steve you are looking at about 6-12 weeks before you’ll be able to go back on active duty.”

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“About 3 months! You can’t be serious Dad! What am I supposed to do in the meantime?”

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“Steve I’ve been thinking of this. Are you up to visiting Carol when you are a little stronger?”

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Steve grinned. “Dad that’s a great idea! Then I could tell Carol how you knocked me down the stairs” Steve said smiling.

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Mark smiled back. “That’s right you and Carol gang up on me why don’t you?”

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The End

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