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"You're all not done yet", Ron announced with an excited smirk, hopping off the couch and walking briskly down the hallway to his room. They didn't quite understand, but Julia did, and smirked herself once he arrived back in a moment with a big smile and a just as big bag. He took his seat and placed the bag beside him. "Thought I'd not get anything for my family?", he said in a happy and teasing way.

"Ron you shouldn't have", Gina laughed, knowing this was an incredibly kind surprise.

"This is one of the reasons I'm busting my tail at my parent's place, and believe me, it's worth it", Ron smiled back, reaching a paw into the bag and grabbing one of the presents. "Ah, this one is...Gina's", he said as he took it out, handing the gift to it's owner. Gina unwrapped it, not even knowing she'd be getting something herself. She popped open a little box and removed it's protected contents, examining it with a slight giggle and a smile. A personally engraved coffee mug, with 'Gina' in big letters going across the shiny white mug. "Check the bottom", Ron said, pointing his finger towards the bottomside of the mug, smiling since he knew she'd appreciate it a lot. Gina flipped it over and read the carved in message out loud.

"Gina Abby Trensetter, the most caring person in the world", she read, feeling like she was going to blush after such a wonderful gesture. "Thank you Ron, I don't know what to say", she said quietly, beaming a happy smile. Ron chuckled and reached into his bag for the next gift.

"Oh, this one is Craig's", he said, passing the gift over the coffee table. Craig opened it, gussing by it's shape what it was, and to his surprise it was a CD he mentioned to Ron a while back that he liked. He couldn't believe he would remember that!

"Thanks man, I'm surprised you remembered about this!", Craig said, letting him know it was cool that he thought of him. With another dig into the bag, Ron pulled out another.

"This one is yours too", he said, handing Craig another, sort of surprised he didn't grab one of Kimberly's. Craig opened this one a bit more curiously, as it came in a box, and liked what he found. A new silver chain for his neck, since the one he owned broke occationally, and this one looked nicer, being newer and all.

"Aww snap, thanks Ron!", Craig said in a happy way, putting it on to test it's length. Ron watched him look it over for a moment, before he reached back into his bag.

"This ones for you Kimberly", he said with a smile, handing it to her. With her child-like curiosity, she unwrapped it carefully, excited and appreciated that Ron did something so nice. She said 'awww' at the cute sight that looked back at her. Ron had gotten her a plushie dragon, somewhat similar to the one that he had kept for fifteen years, except this one was a soft purple and presumably a female. The dragon was soft right down to it's tail and wings, as Kimberly determined after a test cuddle.

"Thank you Ron, you're so nice", Kimberly smiled, adding the kind compliment with the dragon in her arms.

"Still got one more", Ron chuckled, handing her the other present he had gotten for her. Kimberly placed her purple dragon onto her lap and took it into her paws, unwrapping it with the wonder of what this one could be. She pulled it out, and found it to be a particularly nice camera. "I knew how you liked pictures, so I thought you'd like taking them too", he told her while she looked over it's box.

"Wow! Thanks a lot Ron!", she then exclaimed, still surprised he went through this much trouble for them.

"Now, lastly, my Julia", Ron said lightly, reaching both his arms down to the bottom of the bag. He got up off the couch, pulling his arms out of the bag with something cupped within his two paws. Ron turned around with the unseen thing, protected within his paws. With a gentle motion, the object in his hands opened and he knelt down onto one knee. Everyone could have had a heart attack that moment, as time seemed to slow to a halt. "Julia, will you marry me?", he said softly to her, having the little black box, containing a silver engagement ring, extended before her as he knelt on his one knee in proposal. Kimberly and Gina's jaws had dropped, Craig's eyes just shot wide open, and Julia looked shocked. With a sudden squeel, Julia leaped from the couch to Ron's level and squeezed him tight.

"Yes! Yes I will!", she said as happy as ever, with her cheers not knowing if she wanted to laugh or cry. Gina had to wipe her eyes as the two lovers embraced in tears and laughter, seeing her daughter so happy. She made a mistake by marrying at Julia's age the wrong man, and Gina had been so envious to see her daughter found an absolutely perfect dragon.

"Congradulations you two. You have my blessing", Gina said in a happy and tearily way, smiling blissfully at the two dragons she loved.

"Thank you Gina", Ron said thankfully with a teary voice of his own, still having his girl practically on top of him.

"You can call me mom now too if you want", she then giggled, feeling ever so shocked this happened. Kimberly just sat and watched, holding her dragon and smiling, so happy for the two, while Craig did the same, very surprised, yet still happy for them. Julia let go of her embrace and sat back down onto the couch, while Ron slipped the ring onto her finger.

"I love you Julia", Ron said into her eyes, as he slipped the band on gently and lovingly.

"I love you too Ron", she said in a teary way, unable to supress a giggle of absolute happiness as her tears went down her cheeks, and she kissed him with more passion then he had before.

"Merry Christmas everyone!", Kimberly cheered once their kiss finally let go, and Ron got back onto the couch as the two now engaged lovers held eachother's paw.

"Merry Christmas", everyone else said, while Ron and Julia held eachother close. The family stayed up and watched TV while they snacked, till everyone went to bed, still shocked over Ron's proposal. Julia told Kimberly the bed was all her's tonight, and assured her she and Ron were only going to snuggle, so she wouldn't have to hear anything. Kimberly wasn't about to tease her sister, as she was just engaged and all, so she smiled and wished her a good night's sleep. Julia knew she'd sleep like a pup, having the warm and caring touch of her mate upon her. A light snowfall outside had tucked the family into bed, under the comforts of their blankets and the love that had accumulated over the evening. Their Christmas- eve was more then they hoped for, and everyone couldn't resist tapping their tails a few times in bed. Gina slept with the happy thoughts of her children, Kimberly slept with her new dragon plushie, Craig slept with the silver chain he forgot to take off, and Ron and Julia fell asleap with eachother.

The morning sun seemed to cause a different effect over the family's moods, still cozy and downright shocked from last night's fun and proposal. Gina made a small stretch in bed, moving her tail around a bit as she awoke. Her oldest daughter was engaged...it was too much to bear, being so sudden and all. She hadn't seen Julia and Ron that happy before, and she knew from the bottom of her heart that they're making the right choice with eachother. Though she wished they'd do this later, Gina guessed the wedding wouldn't be for some time, until the summer when they graduate and Julia is eightteen too. Gina, as a mother, couldn't have been more proud of the two and gave them all her blessings. She wished her own marrage wasn't a big, rushed mistake with a man that was nine years older then she was, but she was desperate at the time and was easily fallen into love. Their love was what she wanted in her own relationship, as she was almost lonely, not having a mate of her own. It wasn't fair that the room of her bed beside her wasn't occupied by their daddy, and that Kimberly never even had one. Gina didn't want to start any relationships because she thought of her children and she didn't want to push someone on them, as that wasn't fair to them either. Her wonderful children would never allow her to be lonely though, for no mate could ever match the love she had for them. With her stretch complete, she sat up and got out of her bed to get dressed. Once she left her room, she grabbed the Sunday paper and started a pot of coffee, waiting for someone to get up so she could say 'Merry Christmas' in her happy way.

Julia woke up slowly, as she felt so comfortable, feeling Ron's warmth all over. They cuddled and slept throughout the night, with the ends of their tails wrapped around the other's. Though they were nude, there was no sex involved, and that suited even Julia just fine, as she hadn't slept so cozy and happily since she was a pup. Ron's sleeping self was right before her eyes, looking so tranquil. She moved tail she had wrapped around Ron's, which was also wrapped around hers, just a tiny bit, to see if she could wake him gently. The tail squeezed back and her mate's head popped up with a bright look and a smile.

"I see you're up", Ron said, full of energy, even though he just awoke. Apparently he slept as well as she herself did.

"And you the same", Julia smiled back, as the two happy faces lied there on that pillow, staring at eachother.

"You ready to get up?", Ron asked, wondering if she had gotten enough sleep, as he wouldn't leave her till she was ready to actually get up.

"Nah. You have no place to go today, so let's just stay here...together", she said so lightly with a soft and comforting smile, snuggling close and wrapping her tail a little more around his. Ron's smile never left, and he placed his right arm over her, rubbing her back, while he lied his muzzle on his left arm, stroking down her own with his paw, ever so lightly. They were no longer just lovers, but they were engaged...they were a true couple, shrouded in their love. Life was too perfect, and for the next hour, they would enjoy their warm and gentle touch.

Craig went to work as soon as he got up that morning, trying to rewire his stereo and place his speakers about. It wouldn't be actual surround sound, but he could sure make it that way! He appreciated his mother's gift dearly, and he hoped this wouldn't take too much work, as he wanted to test the CD Ron gave him too.

"Ow! Dammit!", Craig growled upon pinching one of his fingers while working with the amp. He was sure this could be done without Ron's help, as he was quite good with electronics, but this was going to take some effort. With a click of his door, Kimberly popped her head in.

"Hurting yourself in here?", Kimberly asked in her teasing voice, having heard his growl when she came out of her room.

"Not really, just sort of wrestling with this amp", Craig said in a kind way, knowing she asked that because she was concerned.

"Alright. Oh, Merry Christmas", she replied to that, remembering to wish her brother a merry Christmas.

"Merry Christmas Kim", he said with a smile, being that he was in such a good mood, even though he had this work to do. Kimberly left and closed his door for him, going out to the livingroom to say good morning and merry Christmas to their mother. Craig was going to leave his room in a short while and do the same, but he thought he should at least get started on this project before he got lazy.

Kimberly had lied on the couch for a while, reading her new book. She loved the big winged dragons, and she wished dragons like herself still had wings too. This book focused completely on all types of dragons, and even dragons like herself and the evolutionary process, unlike her species book which did all the old species. She was still thinking about Ron and Julia, completely surprised her older sister was engaged. Kimberly wondered what their wedding would be like, and she already decided that she would never in her life be the flower girl. Wearing the frilly dress wasn't the problem, but the 'Aww, how cute is she?' remarks associated with being the little flower girl was what made her decision easy. Making her sister and Ron happy was one thing, but keeping her dignity was another. That wasn't the big part of her thoughts however, but just the idea of her big sister getting married was what made her happy. She'd never been to a wedding before, and was curious to how nice Ron and Julia would make it. It so appeared she'd find out, as Julia and Ron came from the hallway, paw in paw.

"Merry Christmas you two", Gina said in a very affectionate way, going to them and giving her daughter a kiss, as well as Ron who really didn't mind.

Kimberly put her book down on the table and hopped up from the couch. "So tell us about the wedding!", she said in her excited manner, getting Ron and Julia's attention easy.

"Won't be for a while Kim, we're going to wait till this summer when we graduate and are done with school to do any of this", Ron explained, knowing that they shouldn't rush things.

"You know, I was hoping you'd say that", Gina just sorta said, as she wanted them to do it after they were done with school. Even though they were the perfect couple, rushing this wedding could have been as damaging to them in the long run as anything else.

"We thought so, and we're thinking the same thing you are", Julia said with a smile. They were lovers, but they were smart too.

"But tell us, have you planned anything yet, because I don't want to be the flower girl if that's what you're thinking", Kimberly said with an amusing smile, making a joke out of it though she meant it. Ron and Julia gave her a funny look, and that outright answered her question. "No way!", she snapped, crossing her arms and holding her ground.

Gina snickered a bit, though Julia and Ron repressed theirs. "Why not Kim? You'd do great", her mother asked.

"There's nothing bad about being the flower girl, and you're the only one I know that's young enough. I want you to have a place at my wedding afterall! You'd look cute!", Julia tried to encourage, as she really did want her little sister to be her flower girl.

Kimberly grumbled, feeling herself slipping her ground as usual, just because she cares. Julia really wanted her to do it, and Kimberly wasn't so mean as to say no to her offer and love. "Alright, I'll do it. Just don't giggle at me and say how cute I look....though I'm sure mom won't stop herself", she relented with a smile of a sort, letting them know her request.

"That is correct", Gina laughed, sticking her tongue out playfully at her daughter. Kimberly just sighed, nearly snickering herself.

That afternoon, after Ron had helped Craig with his stereo, he and Julia went out for a trip to the cafe. They had left with smiles and laughs, never before feeling so close, as they were fionces now. The day was calm and happy, seeing children outside playing with their new Christmas toys. Ron knew the cafe stayed open for a part of Christmas, as they got a few familes during lunchtime. Once they arrived, Ron hopped out of the car and took his love's paw, giving her a kiss before be opened the door of the cafe and allowed her in first. Julia hadn't seen him this happy before, and she honestly couldn't remember being so happy herself either. There were a few familes as expected, and no rockers to their shock, as they had never seen this place looking like a family restaraunt before.

"Heya James. Two margaritas on the rocks, one with salt, one without", Ron said with his beaming smile, taking a seat at the bar with his girl at his side.

"I didn't think I'd get any of my regular customers today!...and since when do you order margaritas?", James replied with a smile, getting a laugh at his order.

"Since now", Ron chuckled back, pointing to the engagement ring on Julia's finger. James took a look at it without thinking much, till it hit him what that ring was.

"Congradulations you two!!", James shouted out in utter surprise, actually doing a double-take. While Ron and Julia laughed and kissed eachother, James went briskly off to fill in Ron's order.

"I can't believe...you and me...you're my fionce", Julia tried to say, but had a lack of words for the feelings she felt.

Ron took her right paw and placed it between his two own, holding it comfortably and warmly, staring into her eyes with the most loving of looks. "Lovers forever", he said with the most promising of smiles. Julia could feel his very essence through the touch of his soothing hands, and felt as if she was tapping into his strength and will. The world was small and nothing was too big of a challenge, having the power and love that he bestowed upon her. With a slow and long kiss, the two dragons were one, basking in the rays of light that were their very souls.

Everyone did their own thing until dinner, when the whole family sat down for a Christmas feast, curtesy of Gina, though Kimberly did the butter glazed carrots. Kimberly wasn't too bad of a cook, but Gina was afraid she'd sever a finger and tried to keep her doing things they didn't involve big knives. She didn't like being treated like a mere child, but she knew her mom just cared, and a lot. Ron and Juila were only out for an hour, but Gina wouldn't let Ron do any work for the dinner, though he wanted to help her. They sat down to a big turkey, cranberry sauce, boiled potatoes, Kimberly's butter glazed carrots, and a whole mess of biscuts. The family of dragons enjoyed themselves, laughing and talking. Ron really was a part of the family now, and he couldn't have felt more at home, as he really was home. This was where he belonged. Gina treated him like a son and Kimberly even seemed to treat him like a brother, even more so now that he was engaged to her sister. Once dinner was over, everyone dispersed with a full stomach, while Ron cleared the table with Gina. She couldn't stop him from helping all the time afterall. Julia and Craig reclined on the couch while Kimberly went off to take a shower, since it was getting late and she didn't want to take one later. Once she got a towel, she closed the door to the bathroom and undid the button above her tail, getting undressed and placing her clothes in a small pile upon the counter. She turned on the faucet and waited a few moments for it to warm, before she put her paw into the stream of water to check it's temperature.

"Damn!", Kimberly exclaimed when she found the water to be icy cold. She turned the knob a bit more and gave it a minute before putting her paw in again. She got in once it was warm, getting herself nice and wet to warm up after standing around, before giving her tail a flick and having a seat on the tile to relax and reflect on the wonderful two days she just had. Christmas-eve was fun, and she really liked that new book and purple dragon Ron had gotten her. She liked nothing more then to see her family happy and together, and the fact her mom didn't have to go to work on Christmas day. She looked down at her legs and the tile, with her brain pointing out something upon her left leg. Her long scar. Kimberly ran her fingers across the discolored skin, remembering what happened and the blood, but also remembering the valor of Ron and her brother, and the love that kept her in once piece. She owed her life to her family, and the kindness of her sister and mother who nursed her back to health. Not being able to walk...and the horrid pain. Ron never was able to get the huge blood stain out of his backseat, from when he took her to the hospital. Kimberly felt bad she did that, and that there would always be a reminder of that day within his car, and it was her own blood. Kimberly herself would always have a reminder however, going from her hip all the way down her thigh; the scar that showed she could have bled to death when she was only twelve years old. She sighed, but smiled, knowing the love that kept her alive and made her well, helping her battle the unbarable pain and the damage of the wound. She felt that she owed her family so much, but there was little she could do to repay the gift of life, and the feeling that came upon knowing Ron would have sacraficed his life for hers. Kimberly got off the tile and got to her feet, washing herself before she would get out of the shower. She got out after that, drying herself and placing the towel neatly on it's hanger. The vertical mirror on the door called her attention and she adheared, looking at how someone else would see the scar. Long and from something painful was what she got, trying to imagine she was someone else, though no one could see it if she was wearing pants, and only a bit of it if she wore shorts. The only way to see it all was if she was only wearing her undergarment, showing all the way up her hip, so no one really knew how badly hurt she really had been. She got dressed and began to forget about those thoughts that occationally came back to her, and silently thanked every single person of her family for how much they have done for her, and that included Ron, their newest member.

Ron retired to bed that night with Julia at his side, sleeping in his bed once again. Neither of them wished to part, so they would not.

"Jul, I just realized something. I still have to tell my parents I'm getting married!", Ron laughed, lying on his side with her beside him.

Julia giggled, rubbing the back of his paw with one of her own. "Will that be trouble?", she asked in a playful way.

"Nah, my mom will be overjoyed", he smiled back, actually curious to tell her now and see how happy she'd be. His mother always said she wanted to see him get married to the girl of his dreams, and her wish was going to come true.

Julia snuggled up against him, wrapping her tail around his. Ron gave her a kiss, making his own tail nice and snug, as he made himself comfortable and relaxed with his girl. "Hey Ron..", Julia said in her erotic way, running a finger across his chest. "Let's play", she said in a naughty, teasing voice , looking to his his quick approval. After a day of constant love, it needed to end the most loving too.

"What about Kimberly next door?", Ron asked, though he wanted to.

"I'll be quiet, and you just say yes...and I'll make it so you can't say no either", Julia giggled with her little smirk, throwing the covers up and going under them. Ron was confused for a second, but rolled on his back and quickly realized what she meant by that, making a happy growl while she did her work.

The family of dragons awoke on a more normal note, now that Christmas had passed. School was out for a while longer, and New Years was the next holiday. Not as important to them as Christmas naturally, but it was still another family day, where they'd stay up till midnight and enjoy themselves. The morning seemed to go fast after breakfast, and Ron said goodbye to everyone before he walked out of the house to go to his parent's house. The sun was partially blocked by a cloud, and the morning frost twinkled, as Ron got happily into his car. He pulled out and started his driving, doing a lot of thinking. He needed to talk with his father about being such a hard-ass, and tell his mother that he was engaged, just because it would make her happy and she needed to know. Maybe his father could be told later, Ron sorta thought, thinking two bridges shouldn't be crossed with him at the same time. Once he arrived, he gave a sigh before opening his door, not wanting to be a slave or have to put up with his father, though seeing his mother was a good thing. He was excited about telling her about his Christmas and his proposal. He walked through the layer of packed snow onto the walkway to the door, hearing sounds that made him increase his speed to a run. The sound of obvious fighting, and his mother being hurt. No more!! With a surge of panic and adrenaline, Ron ran to the door and found it locked, hearing everything more clearly this close. In an act of desperation and worry, he went quickly back from the door and ran towards it, kicking the door open and breaking the opening mechanism off the door, swinging the door in with a hard slam against the wall.

"Enough!!", Ron shouted upon his entry, fists closed and his teeth bared in a look of rage. His mother was upon the diningroom tile with a broken mug and a pool of coffee not far from her, as she kept herself off the ground with only a paw, crying as crimson blood dripped from her nose and the side of her mouth. Ron's father held a beer bottle in hand, showing he wasn't in a good state of mind, and his mother looked beaten badly. His firey gaze turned from his fallen wife to his hostile son in his doorway, looking at him with an equal look of rage as Ron was giving him. "Get the hell away from her!!", Ron ordered, stompping his way through the livingroom to stop this and help his mother. He went directly right instead of going to the kitchen area ahead and right, as he saw this was the best way to keep some distance between him and his father until he backed off. He stopped in the right side of the livingroom when his father and mother were only a short distance away. His father's eyes had been following him with a nasty look, and he gave an angry growl once Ron stopped after giving his demand and stomping through the house.

"Who the fuck do you think you are!?", his father shouted in pure, unrelenting anger, walking towards him with obviously hostile intentions. Ron knew he was intoxicated, and in his current state, he had no chance at all at winning in a fight against his father. The only person who could beat his ass, suddenly took off with a shout, rearing his right fist back after he put the bottle in his other hand, looking to smite the one who has tried to stop him. Before Ron could react with his fear, he got slammed full force across the muzzle, sending him backwards through the livingroom, spining around the oposite way in a daze, though he managed to keep his balance. The past second or so had been cloudy to Ron, but he quickly pulled himself together and attacked, taking the risk of being injured to save his mother. He ran towards the man that punched him so hard, who thought that blow would have taught his son to not stand up against him, and unleashed a hard right into his gut and a left into the pressure point of his jaw hinge, fighting with all his might for his mother. His father realized his son hadn't had enough, and reeled back his right fist once more and just started pounding his son while he himself staggered little from his son's berserk fury. Ron took several hard blows to the side of his head, sending him backwards in a heavy daze, until his father sent an uppercut clear into his belly, sending his senses painfully back and knocking the wind out of him. When his father rushed for him once more, Ron pulled himself together again and slammed his knee into his lower stomach with his own running force, quickly following up with his own uppercut to his jaw, which did send his father backwards a few steps. Ron realized he could barely stand and everything was a blur...he had taken too many blows to his head. Trying to shake off the daze, he did a high kick to his father's chest when he recovered and spun his body around with great speed and force, swinging his tail clear up and into the side of his father's head with a loud whap, sending him sideways and catching his balance on the couch. Ron staggered after that deperate attack, feeling so sick and dizzy. With a loud yell his father smashed the bottle against the endtable of the couch, now having a deadly weapon. Ron cringed and took a step back, knowing he was in for it now, as he was too messed up to run and there was no time as he rushed towards his son with eyes of hate and a lust for blood. "I'll kill you, you son-of-a-bitch!!!", he yelled in a warcry, barely missing his son's chest with his first swing. Ron was scared out of his mind, but tried his best to stay focused, for his own life. He got his father's arm between his two own when he missed, and with a loud shout, he used his body weight to swing his father's arm and sent the broken bottle into the wall, shattering it into pieces as his body slammed against it. Ron shouted in a yelp, squinting his eyes and cringing as he howled, as a sharp piece cut the side of his chest through his shirt. The shards fell to the floor and a bit of blood remained upon Ron's side, where a sharp point impacted his body, tearing and piercing his flesh. His father threw him off of him, pounding right and left into Ron's nose, muzzle, sides, and stomach. With one blow with the ball of his palm, he sent his son into the wall behind him, having knocked him a ways. Quickly grabbing a large, sharp shard of the bottle, he slammed Ron against the wall and held him by his neck and used his own body to restrain him, as his son yelled and howled in pain.

"Gerald!! Stop this now!! Don't hurt our boy!!", Ron's mother pleaded from the diningroom floor, being in too much pain to get up after what had happened to her.

Ron looked into his father's eyes and only saw hatred and violence. There was no love left in him at all, maybe there never was. With a sadistic smirk and growl, he squeezed his son's neck and held him firmly against the wall, taking the sharp end of the shard and placing it against Ron's muzzle, as he grit his teeth and tried to escape. "I think our boy needs to be taught a lesson!", he nearly laughed, knowing his son was powerless, as he looked to cut his muzzle all the way down in a blood lust. Ron had never been so frightened in his life, held there with a shard of glass ready to tear his skin slowly and painfully. Before his father could do his sadisticly sick act, Ron shouted with tears of fear in his eyes, getting a knee free and slamming it twice into his father's side, letting enough pressure off his body to toss his father off of him. A trickle of blood came from where the shard pricked his muzzle, but it was far far less painful then what his father had intended. As soon as his dad caught his balance, Ron kicked him in the crotch to buy time, as his father growled loudly and hunched over, giving him time to deliver a series of blows to his face. His father nearly tripped on his tail going backwards under the pounding force of his son, and with one well placed chest shot, he did, falling flat on his back. With a sharp swing of his tail, Ron blew it across his father's muzzle upon the ground, and darted around him to get to his mother.

"M-mom are you..alright?", Ron panted and studdered under the influence of so much adrenaline, as his hands and fingers trembled. He put his left hand on her back, helping her onto her tail, as she was too tired to get up, but she could at least sit. She looked like a bruised hell, and Ron really looked no better, as blood streamed down his nose and out the side of his mouth in more then once place, with cuts across his eyes and cheeks, along with the gash on his side.

"Ron honey, you have to go..", his mother said quickly, as her husband started getting too his feet. She feared for his safety, as his father was clearly out of his mind.

"Not without you, I can't let you be hurt!", Ron said franticly, trying to get her to her feet. His father got up in a stumble and quickly went into the doorway to his bed room, giving Ron time to pick her up and leave, once and for all. He would make his mother leave!

"Easy Ronald, you're hurt...but...thank you for helping me. I love you my baby", she said tearily, worried for him but also thankful he had came, as he got enough leverage with his left arm and put his right hand under her left arm to pick her up so they could leave. His father ran back in from his room and raised an unexpected object. Ron swung around from his mother on his knees, taking his right hand off her as he looked behind him, only to be met with the gaze of his enraged father and his gun. The split second seemed like forever, as his pupils shrank and fear struck his very soul, before the black glock fired. This time, the bullet did not miss. Ron was blown off his mother with great force, sent a short distance flat on his back, feeling himself weightless in what seemed like an hour of falling. He screamed when he was shot, but the sound of his cry grew softer and more muffled, along with the scream of his mother as the room grew discolored and blurry. When he hit the ground, everything was spinning and his entire body was numb...it was a sensation he never knew was possible, and wasn't sure he was feeling anything at all. He heard another faint bang as everything went dark, and his thoughts completely disappeared.

Gina burst from her room with a clatter and a shout, making Kimberly jump from reading her book on the couch. "Everyone!!! Everyone get dressed quickly!! Ron's been shot!!!!", she screamed franticly with tears in her eyes, literally throwing the phone to the nearby kitchen counter while she ran back in her room crying.

"Oh my god!", Kimberly said in a near teary way, throwing herself off the couch and dropping her book on the coffee table, running to her room. She heard a far beyond frantic and panicy crying coming from her mother's room as she darted to her own room, as that's where Julia was, talking with their mom. Craig could be heard saying "Fuck!!" over and over again as he darted around his room to leave. Kimberly threw the door to her and Julia's room open, ran to the side of her bed, and clasped the purple dragon Ron had given her and begun crying into her side. She just knelt on the side of her bed, bawling into the soft purple fuzz of the plushie, rubbing her eyes and muzzle against it, knowing it was Ron's special gift to her. It helped her release her tears and think about him, holding it tight as if it was her link to him. She pulled her head back, dripping tears down her cheeks and muzzle, looking into the face of the cute little dragon. It looked at her almost sympetheticly, asking why she was so sad. "Ron's been shot...", she repeated to her plushie, placing her face lightly against it's side again to cry. "I don't want him to be hurt! Ron is family! He's saved my life, he can't die!!", she yelled in tears into her dragon's soft side, feeling a pain in her chest when she said the word 'die'. She didn't even know how badly hurt he was! Hearing a new cry in the room, she took her head up from her dragon plush and saw her sister was crying in the doorway, apparently watching and listening to her little sister's pleas. Kimberly shot to her feet and Julia took a few steps towards her, having Kimberly hug her tight, crying into her shirt.

"Come on Kim, get ready fast...I'm so worried, I can't believe this is happening!...", she said through her tears, before she squeezed her sister back, crying for support.

"Ron will be alright, let's just hurry", Kimberly replied in her own tears, darting to her shoes and putting them on. Julia did likewise, feeling an incredible inner pain that the love of her life had been hurt. She flipped when she first heard, but her mother helped calm her and dry her muzzle, trying to tell her we just needed to rush and go. Kimberly and Julia left the room together, while Kimberly took one last look at the female purple dragon looking back at her from her bed, trying to say Ron would be ok. She ran the opposite way down the hallway and went into Ron's room, grabbing something he kept close that reminded him of the love he shares with everyone. His own green dragon plushie. She ran with it carefully outside where her mother was already starting the car and hopped in, snuggling the dragon in her lap and petting down it's soft, fluffy back and tail. She needed strength, and she knew Ron needed it too, and maybe the plushie at his side could help. The plushie dragon's wings of hope...

"You brought that for Ron Kim?", Julia asked still tearily at her side, as they peeled out of the driveway and took off. Kimberly nodded with a sniffle, bringing another few sobs and her tears returned, getting another thought of Ron. Julia put her arms around her to comfort her little, crying sister, and tried to bind their strength. Kimberly was crushed, and Julia was franticly worried, saddened to no end. Craig sat up front, staying quiet, though everyone knew his eyes weren't any less watery, while Gina drove like mad to the hospital, dripping motherly tears. Ron had helped her children so much, and he was the kindest person she ever knew...she wasn't going to leave his side now. The whole family was devoted to their new member, and their tears of sorrow and panic proved it. The hospital wasn't too far away, and the last time they were there, it was because of a similar incident. Julia tried to keep herself calm, but the thoughts of an emergency room, trauma surgons, tubes, wires, and blood made her cry ever so hard. The two sisters just held onto eachother for support, strength, and someone they loved to cry upon, hoping to get to Ron fast and that he would be ok. Ron would need their support, so they needed to pull their spirits together, in the name of love and family. Within several minutes, they arrived at the hospital, piling out of the car and making a brisk trek to the emergency room enterance. Kimberly was carried through here last time, and the memories of that day filled everyone's minds as well.

"We're here for Ron Surret", Gina told the woman at the desk in a hurried manner.

"Sorry, no one can see him yet, the doctors are still working on him", the ebony otter told her, taking a glance at the documents that came in on him. Julia wasn't at all happy to hear that, and was about to object, before they were interrupted.

"Miss, are you Ron's current guardian?", asked a grey wolf in a police uniform, who had approached them once he heard the name they asked for.

"Yes, I am", Gina answered with a nod, deathly afraid of what this officer had to say, feeling like she would cry again.

"Might I talk with you in private?", he said in a deep voice, working professionally. Craig put an arm around Kimberly, walking his sniffling sister across the waitingroom to have a seat, trying to comfort her as she hung her head in dispair. Julia on the other hand, had no intention of leaving.

"I'm his fionce. If you have something to say, you can say it to me as well", Julia insisted, removing the tearyness from her voice, though her red and gistenining eyes spoke of a good cry. The police officer replied to Julia with a nod, while Gina had to wipe her eyes for a moment. This was a painful ordeal for all, but worst of all, none of them even knew if Ron was alright.

"A neighbor called the police saying they heard gun shots. We found a homicide once we arrived..", the wolf officer began explaining, and Gina and Julia took a hard hit when he said 'homicide'.

"NNNOOOOOO!!!", Julia cried out, grasping her mother and crying over her shoulder, thinking of the grusome sight and...her fionce being...dead. Ron...the love of her life and pracically a member of their family for months, had been taken from them. A kind, gentle dragon, with a strong body and mind, who showed her true love and her family unconditional care...that was her mate, who was supposed to be forever. Gina couldn't stop her own tears, crying softly while she rubbed her daughter's back, unable to bear the thought of good ol' Ron being dead...he saved her children's lives and was important and loved by them all. This wasn't fair...he was too young...

The wolf put his paw on Julia's shoulder. "Your fionce will live. The doctors are treating him now, and he will be fine. He won't be leaving you anytime soon, I promise, as his wound was not life threatening. He is concious now and responsive, so you will be able to see for yourself that he is alright shortly", he reassured the two with a smile. Fate would not be taking him from the doctor's grasp. He would live, and be fine.

Julia got off her mother and wiped her eyes with a smile, feeling like hugging the officer now. "He's going to be ok?!" , she exclaimed in happiness, looking for a confirmation to this.

"He was shot in the shoulder. Apparently the shooter thought he shot him in the heart, and killed himself before checking. His father shot him and his mother. She was shot in the head, as himself. Both were dead upon our arrival", he spoke optimisticly, before turning his voice sour, telling of Ron's parent's fate. Gina couldn't believe it...his father tried to kill him and...killed his mother? His parents were both dead...

"I can't believe any of this. This is wrong! He lost his real family...", Julia said sadly, before she began crying lightly, thinking of the kind of anguish he must be facing. "He loved his mother dearly..", she cried to the officer, telling him of that woman's worth.

"From what we have seen so far, was that she had been beaten by her husband. The front door was kicked in and there were obvious signs of a fight between the young man in there and his father. He and his mother were found side by side in a pool of blood, so it seemed he was trying to protect her..", the wolf explained to the two girls painfully, thinking of the grusome sight he saw. Blood everywhere...

"Thank you for telling us..", Gina sniffled tearily, holding her daughter close.

"I'm sorry you two. I'll be questioning him in a little bit too. He...doesn't know about his parents yet", the cop had a little trouble saying, feeling so sympethetic.

"Oh god..", Julia sighed in tears, putting her paws to her muzzle.

"I'll leave you to yourselves for now", he said with a nod, walking through the emergency room doors to check on Ron. Julia and her mother just held eachother for a few moments, so sad for Ron.

"We're going to tell him, not them", Julia said low and quiet, tired from crying, resting her head upon her mothers shoulder as Gina sort of rocked her.

"We will..", Gina whispered back. Still holding eachother, they turned and began walking towards the seats where Craig and Kimberly were. Craig looked depressed, and Kimberly sat upon that chair in the most unhappiest of looks, sulking with wet eyes, still cuddling that green dragon in her lap. Gina quietly sat down with her older daughter at her side, as their chests felt so heavy, just waiting to see Ron so they can give him heart braking news. Gina couldn't think what it would feel like...to have their loving mother killed right beside him in cold blood. Though she never had a loving mother, she knew how her kids would feel if that happened to her. Kimberly would never stop crying if it was her in Ron's situation...they'd all live the rest of their lives in everlasting pain. She wondered what his mother's last words to him where...and if she felt any pain. Gina couldn't resist the tears they went silently down her cheeks, thinking about the death of his mother and Ron's absolute horror and pain. His father was a sick bastard to have done this to such a guy, and his loving wife, who was a proud mother. This was unfair to it's greatest extent, and pointless, having tried to take his son's life and had taken his wife's and his own, for no benifit or reason. No more love to share, no more memories to relect upon, no more kissing her beloved son...her life had been taken.

"Is he gonna be ok?..", Kimberly pouted quietly after a few moments of deafening silence.

"Yes, Ron is alright honey", her mother assured, trying to compose herself and put her voice back to normal. Her children, and Ron, needed someone for strength. If she had to be the strong one, then so be it. Gina would do anything to help her kids, and even Ron. The white room was quiet except for the TV, as it was empty, and none of the four wished to talk. The only other sound was an occational sniff or pout from Julia or Kimberly, as they were taking this hard. That was why Gina decided to keep herself composed, as they needed a mommy right now who had enough spirit to hold them all. They waited a good half hour, before the otter at the desk spoke up.

"Miss Trensetter? Ron is being sent to a room now, he can have two visitors at a time. The other two will have to wait outside his room, as he just came from surgery. He's under a lot of painkillers, so don't be long so he can rest. I really shouldn't even be letting visitors in this early..", the woman called, telling Gina the details as she walked up to the desk, sighing at the end. She was heartbroken over the story of this boy, and she wanted them to see him before the police did.

"Thank you miss, Ron will appreciate it. Where can we see him?", Gina asked, knowing this was a kind thing for her to do, bending the rules a bit.

"Third floor, room 310. The elevator is down the hallway to your left here, then you just keep going left till you find room 310. Act like you already know where you're going and that you're casually seeing a relative. No one will question you that way", the ebony otter pointed, adding a little tip at the end.

All of Gina's children had joined her side, anxious to see their fallen family member. Craig and Kimberly didn't even know the full extent of this yet...and Gina wasn't going to tell Kimberly till later. Telling her something so grusome and heartwrenching would be cruel right now. They took the elevator up, getting butterflies in their stomaches, as they shifted their feet and tails in impatience. Gina lead the group down the hallway as the otter instructed, going until she found the closed door of room 310, obviously occupied with some papers outside the door. "Craig, Kimberly, you two may go first. You'll be quicker then Julia and I will be", their mother said with a small smile, hiding the horror that she was going to unveil in a few moments. They would get to see Ron in a better state then he will be when Gina and Julia have to speak with him. It was more fair for all three of them that way, so they would all be cheered up, before the painful words must be said. Craig replied with a nod, and Kimberly placed her paw upon the door knob, opening it gently with Ron's dragon in her other arm. The two left the door slightly ajar, walking in carefully, getting a surge of pain at seeing someone they loved in a hospital bed, though the exhausted dragon smiled happily at their arrival. Ron was sitting up in the bed, having his back supported by the adjustable part of the bed, wearing a hospital gown, as his clothes were ruined by the blood. His left arm lie in a sling, while his shoulder was heavily bandaged.

"Craig! Kim!", Ron said a little lounder then a person coming from surgery would speak, though his voice was a little horse from the lack of energy and the numbing of the painkillers. Kimberly went briskly to his bedside, unable to repress sobs of sympathy and happiness that he was alright, crying once again as she held his dragon. She didn't wish to cry right now, but she was having a hard time stopping it, holding a paw to the upperside of her muzzle. "Don't cry for me Kim, come on, cheer up. I'll be ok", he said with a smile, repressing a chuckle that might hurt him a bit.

"You scared me out of my mind man..", Craig said sort of lightly, relieved to see Ron doing fine, still smiling and caring for others, instead of himself.

"Thanks you two. Where's Julia and your mother?", Ron spoke softly, wondering why the love of his life wasn't here, as well as his second mother.

"Only two at a time, so we went first. I'm just glad you're going to be ok", Craig answered for that, while his sister sniffled and composed herself, wiping her muzzle. Kimberly felt a little embarassed, but she was only twelve, and couldn't stop the tears so voluntarily when she thought of someone so important to her heart being hurt.

"I brought this for you", Kimberly said, trying to eliminate the tearyness from her voice and put her usual pep into it, handing him his old green dragon.

Ron slowly reached up with his usable arm, placing his dragon at his side, appreciating what Kimberly did for him. "Thanks Kim. I won't ever be alone now", he smiled, giving the dragon a pat.

"Julia really want's to see you so we'll go now. Please feel better Ron", Kimberly told him, wishing the best for her old savior with one last, small sniff.

"I will", he nodded as they left. He wanted to say a bit more then he was, but he could make words come...the drugs were having effects on his mind as much as on his body. The dull ache of his shoulder was unnerving as well.

"Craig, take Kimberly down to the cafeteria on the first floor and get yourselves some candy or whatever you like", Gina asked in her motherly way, handing her son a ten dollar bill.

"Sure", Craig simply answered, setting off for the elevator with Kimberly at his side. They were feeling a lot better now that they knew Ron was alive and well, and Gina was relieved at Kimberly's improvement. She thought a treat would help their tattered nerves, and they also didn't need to be here when they told Ron of his parents. Gina and Julia went inside together, and Julia nearly rushed to his right side, taking the paw of the arm that still worked for now.

"Honey are you feeling ok?", Julia asked him in a tearily way, wanting to know if her big dragon was in pain.

The paw she held squeezed back with affection. "I'll be alright. The pain is dull now with all the drugs they're shoving into me", Ron said in a light voice, not having much to give in terms of energy, though he was still smiling and joking as he always did. Even after all the crap that happened to him, she and her family came first...

"Ron, what happened?", Gina asked out of concern, feeling a pain in her tummy that told her she didn't really want to know.

Ron sighed, looking a bit more in pain and forlorn. "My father beat my mother...he was drunk and out of his mind, I barely stood against him in a fight. It's all a haze right now but...the last I remember was I was about to get my mother to her feet, and he came out of his room with his glock and shot me...I just passed out from the pain. Please, do you know what happened to my mother? She needed some kind of medical attention after all that. No one was answering me when I asked about my mother or father...they just kept rambling numbers and things before putting me under", he explained, painfully and softly, though he wanted to be ever so angry...but there was far too little left in him for that emotion. Julia put her paws to her muzzle and began pouting when he asked about his mother, doing her best to keep herself from crying outright.

"Ron...", Gina said with a choke, having her eyes well at the thought of telling this poor boy his loving mother's fate. He was only eightteen! He was so young still, and his mother and father were gone before he even graduated high school! He still needed them, and...loved them as much as any child. "Your mother and father are dead", she managed to say clearly, though she began to cry once she finally said it. Ron's entire body tensed and went numb, feeling like he was going to vommit. This couldn't be true! How could a body so numb, and a mind so clouded, feel this much pain?

"No that can't be!", Ron paniced, taking deep and frantic breaths. "She was beside me! I was just there!", he tried to reason, still hearing his mother's kind words and feeling her paw's touch.

Gina and Julia felt sick to their stomaches as well. "Ron I'm so sorry. Your father shot her...it was in the head...I'm sure she felt no pain...my god Ron I'm sorry!..", the mother that Gina was tried to convince, trying to assure him this wasn't torture on her, speaking in the most tearily of voices, before she started crying hard, holding the back of her right paw to the end of her muzzle. Ron wimpered and trembled upon being told this, seeing Gina's tears and realizing...this was true. He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs and smash half the things in the room, but his body was in too much anguish and his mind was too drugged up to even make a sound. Ron rolled his head onto the pillow that was supporting it, just simply crying. There was no other action he could make, just lying there with his eyes closed and the sound of his sobs. Julia had never seen him this sad and destroyed...the weight of the world finally crushed the last fibers that were supporting the big spirit of his. Ron felt the most incredible anger inside, and a burning hatred, as well as a choking sadness that mourned for the love and life of his mother, who did her best to raise him. He couldn't move his body much, but he curled himself up a bit, cuddling the green dragon close. A gift from his parents, full of his mother's love. Gina and Julia weren't going to interrupt his crying, as he deserved to let out his suffering and sadness.

"Julia, could you go down to your brother and sister? I need to speak with Ron alone", Gina said, clearing her voice of tears. She promised the sun and stars that she would be the strong mother, and that she would be. Julia just looked up from her fionce, letting her stare speak for words. "Please Julia, he...needs a mother right now", she tried to assure her daughter, who didn't want to leave his side for anything. Gina knew Ron was hurt, sad, angry, and most of all, confused. He was alone in the world now, and he didn't have his parents to teach him anything anymore...he wasn't ready to hold the world up on his own, and his near infinite grief and sadness was ready to tear his whole body to shreds. Julia thought about it for a moment, seeing that her mother was the only mother he had left, and she gazed back down to her love, just seeing him limp and blank, crying like this.

"I'm only going to be gone for a minute Ron, my mother needs to be with you alone for a bit", Julia said tearily, dripping a fresh pair of tears down her cheeks, bending over and kissing his muzzle and gently letting go of his paw, placing it onto his furry dragon before she left with her own tears. Gina walked around to the side Julia was on, taking a seat on the chair beside him, placing her hand carefully over his, stroking his muzzle, head, and neck in a comforting and motherly way. She had the responcibility now to take care of him, since his father was cruel enough to leave him all alone.

Kimberly tapped the back of her shoes lightly against her chair, sitting at a little table with her brother. Her mind was flooded with thoughts, wondering what happened to Ron, and why. He sure as hell didn't deserve it is all she knew. Why Ron...he's so nice and wonderful. She took a bite of her nachos that Craig had gotten her, still looking a bit down, though it was mostly because of her thinking. "I don't feel so well..", she sighed, poking at one of the corn chips on her plastic tray.

"Probabbly your nerves", Craig said kinda lightly, trying to spend a little quiet time with his sister. The quiet part wasn't his idea, but Kimberly wasn't in the most talkative of moods. She didn't look so well either, so he just wanted to be there for her when he was needed.

Taking another look at her snack, she pushed it away, getting up from the table. "You can have the rest, I gotta go to the bathroom..", she said before starting to head to the bathrooms across the cafeteria.

"Alright", Craig said in a slightly depressed way, though he didn't wish to. This wasn't how he planned to spend his day, and he certainly didn't want to see his friend in a hospital bed. "Fuckin' crap..", he quietly grumbled a few moments later, just to relieve stress. He felt horrible, seeing his whole family cry and his little sister so down after being so damn happy. He pulled the tray of chips and cheese closer, taking a chip, eating and looking around in a sulky sort of way. Everything looked gloomy in here and it felt like his heart was racing at the adrenaline in his body from worry.

"Craig, where's Kim?", Julia came up from behind him and asked, scaring the crap out of him, but he didn't have enough humor left in him to laugh about it. Julia sounded even worse then Kimberly, speaking in such a sad voice, and Craig noticed she had just stopped herself from crying by looking at her eyes as she sat down in Kimberly's seat for the moment.

"She had to go to the bathroom...she's cried and worried herself sick I think..", Craig told her, keeping his head up with his paw.

"I've been too busy to get sick. I don't even know what to do. I'm confused, angry, sad...I can't even fathom what Ron's feeling, I cant..", Julia sniffled, having to try really hard to stop her tears again, since she spoke of her beloved fionce.

"Ron will be ok Jul, you know that. He, Kim, and I have already been through shit like this, I'm sure he knows what it's like to have a gun fired at him", he tried to tell her, seeing her just as lost as Kimberly.

"Craig, you don't understand", she sniffled back in a muffled growl, knowing he had no idea what was really going on and he was talking to her like a child. She wasn't a crazy spouse, she had a reason for being like this. "His parents are dead!" , she said in an angry manner, adding a sharp emphisis to the word 'dead'. "His father shot him, then shot his mother in the head before himself...this is fucking wrong!", she continued speaking forcefully, shocking and scaring the hell out of her younger brother as she leaned onto the table in her growling words. She slumped back onto the chair and started crying again, burying her muzzle in her paws. Craig felt a lump in his gut that only seemed to grow.

"Holy shit...I'm sorry Julia, I didn't know. I only wanted to make you feel better, that's all", Craig began in a whisper, leaning back in utter shock, before just speaking on a sad and solumn note. She got quite mad at him and was ruder then needed, but Craig wasn't going to hold that against her right now. Everyone's going through something during this crisis.

Julia sobbed and sniffled a bit. "I'm not Kimberly, don't talk to me like I'm stupid. This hits me harder then any of you!", she growled much more stern, expressing her rage outright, directing it straight at Craig with her teeth bared.

Craig was hurt by what she said, but knew his temper would stay well under control for Julia. He was too sympethetic to get angry. "Kim isn't stupid and neither are you. I'm just trying to cheer you two up, that's all", he quietly defended his actions. Kimberly was so down, he had been there for her since their arrival, and it hurt that his older sister would attack him with it by saying he was treating her like a child. You deserve to be happy no matter the age, so he'd say and do the same things for either of them.

"You know what I mean!", she shouted with a heavy growl, getting up from Kimberly's seat. "Just quit trying!", Julia said like a direct command, leaving and taking her misdirected anger with her. Craig felt horrible, seeing his whole family in turmoil and Ron in even worse shape...everything went from bad to worse in a minute.

"Not my fault..", Craig growled under his breath, leaning onto the table, no longer interested in eating the nachos either. Ron's parents were dead, Julia was throwing her anger at whoever, Kimberly is sick in the bathroom, his mother he didn't even know about, and he felt alone with himself. All he wanted was to raise the spirits of his family, and he could not. No one wanted to talk, except for Julia, who wanted to yell. He was being pushed away when he only wanted to help, but he at least knew Kimberly appreciated the company. He had been doing his best to repress the tears, and he had done a good job, but he wanted to see the girls pull through this too. The other three had it worse he did realize, as Julia was his fionce, his mother had to take care of him, and Kimberly was just a little girl still. Things always seem so unfair...he wanted to take their burdons away, but he couldn't. All he could do was keep up his cheer and continue trying, as he'll mend things slowly.

"Man...my tummy hurts", Kimberly sighed sadly, taking her seat once she had come back.

Craig got up from the table with a small smile. "This is a hospital, I'm sure I can get you some pepto bismol somewhere", he said in a more upped attitude, hoping his sister would respond well to his kindness, unlike a certain other sister of his.

"Thanks Craig...you don't have to do this you know", she replied, raising her head with a drowsy look and a tiny smile.

Ron lied limp in his bed, crying softly. Gina had never moved, and just caressed his head and neck like any other mother. She didn't dare try to interrupt his grieving with words, knowing he had the full right to lie there and think of his past in silent tears. His whole world just got screwed up and his true family was gone forever, and the idea of lying unconcious in his mother's own blood drove him to the brink of mania. His face looked blank, as if Ron wasn't even there anymore. Even the sad Gina was begining to lose her nerves, watching him just lie there, and the rhythmatic drip of his saline solution IV going into his left arm. It was like watching him slowly die, even though he was as healthy as a newborn pup. His body will mend, but what about his mind? His tears had been slowly subsiding into this expressionless state, and Gina was anxious to get him to talk. She needed to show him that he still had a guide and a mother in this world to love him, and for him to talk to her about his pain. If he stayed bottled up, he would surely perish as the light hearted dragon everyone has known. She didn't want his mother's hard work to raise him and love him to be in vain, and she sure knew Ron wanted the same. The emotions shooting through his mind wasn't even thinkable to her, and she knew how incredibly sad and angry he must be, hiding everything inside this limp shell of a body. She waited for him to speak on his own while she comforted him, and those words came.

"She's really gone...", Ron said as he kept his head on it's side, speaking in a deep tearily way as his crying refused to stop. "..I just talked to her...she was right there in my arms..", he sobbed, torn apart inside. His mother was but a memory, and it was painful to no end. As strong and good spirited as he was, he just couldn't stop his tears anymore.

"I'm sorry Ron...she raised you perfectly, and the love she placed in your heart will never leave. She'll live on as your wisdom..", Gina spoke ever so softly, using every ounce of her motherly love to comfort him.

He sniffled a few times, apparently trying to stop the tears again. "I had seen her hurt so many times growing up by...HIM...", he spoke sadly, before choking and spitting at the mere mentioning of his father. "She always said she was ok..that they loved eachother...maybe they did, but do you know what it's like to wake up in the middle of the night and hear them? A little pup with...his green dragon..", he continued on, letting his heart go.

"So this has been going on since you were little?", she asked, wanting him to explain. She knew what it was like to let go of a dark secret, and it was the only way he could ever be at peace.

"Every so often they'd fight and she'd get hurt...she told me it stopped!..", he admitted, before a small series of sobs took in, ruining his attempt to stop crying, dripping a fresh pair of tears. "I wanted her to leave but she always said she was ok and not hurt...I didn't want her to be hurt, she..she only wanted to make me happy!", the poor dragon cried, feeling the pain in his shoulder increace in his energy drain. Gina ran her paw down his good arm, biting her lip so she wouldn't lose it and cry.

"It's not your fault...I promise I'll help you through this. I'd never leave you all on your own, and my house is your true home now", Gina spoke in her soft way, masking her sadness and sympathy. She loved Ron and so did everyone else...they owed so much to him. She was about to reassure his torn spirit a little more, but she was startled by the door.

"Hello. I wasn't aware this boy had visitors already, it's way too early after his operation but...I guess it's alright", another dragon in a doctor's clothing said as he came in with a clipboard and a stethascope around his neck. He was going to object to this tired dragon having a visitor, but the two looked like a mother and her teary son. Gina stood up from her chair as he approached, knowing he needed to speak with her. "I'm doctor Pierce", he introduced, shaking Gina's hand with a small smile, as he liked raising the spirits of his patients and those affected.

"How long will he be here?", Gina outright asked, after returning the smile and giving a nod.

"We like to keep a gun shot wound like this about five days, but you can have him out in two. That's what I recommend at least, as you can take him out whenever you want. He's just going to be taken care of as it begins to heal, kept on painkillers, and will be watched for infection. I did the surgery, and it really wasn't too bad", Dr. Pierce explained in an optimistic tone.

"Thank you", Gina replied to him with a sigh of relief, knowing he wasn't going to have to stay long. She looked over to Ron and saw him tuckered out and almost asleep, so she thought she'd say her last things before he drifted off in his exhaustion. "Ron, I'll be back and fourth from here and the house for you alright? Get some sleep..", she said in her motherly way.

"..And I'll be staying with you", Julia said from the door, leaning on it's frame. Gina looked from Ron to the door and silently nodded.

"Alright Julia. I'm going to take Craig and Kimberly home for a while, but I'll be back", she told her daughter as she came in.

Dr. Pierce walked around to the side of the bed with Ron's injury, checking his saline. "I'll come back when he's awake again. He'll be fine for a while", he said after he looked over the IV injection, walking back around. Julia had already went to her mother's side and taken her seat again, looking at her pretty much passed out future husband. Gina left the room with the doctor, closing the door to a crack.

"How will his recovery be when he comes home?", Gina asked, wanting to know what she'd have to take care of when they were out in the white hallway.

"His arm will be bandaged, but not as much as it is now, and it'll be in a sling for roughly a week. Shoulder gunshot wounds heal rather quickly, but his arm'll be useless till then. I'll also have darvaset perscribed before he leaves for the pain", he kindly answered, speaking in not such a professional manner. This was the kind of doctor Gina liked.

"I filled out a pile of paperwork earlier, so give me a call if I'm needed", Gina said, letting him know they had her phone number.

"Will do. I'll see you later", he replied with a wave, flipping a page on his clipboard and setting off down the hallway. Gina went the opposite direction to get to the elevator, leaving Ron and Julia alone. She was worried and wanted to say so many things, but it was best if Ron just slept without disturbance. Not a single person saw this coming, and Ron had to be taken care of now. Her own children's sadness would be cured, but she, as a mother, would help ease this young man's pain and suffering, while being his guide into the world. He was hurting, mentally and phyiscally, and everyone would have to do their part by giving love and support. Gina gave the button on the elevator a tap, calling it to her floor, so that she might get her two younger children and head home for now. She knew neither wished to say in this depressing place, and she still had to tell them of Ron's parents, and that everything isn't 'all ok'. She had to tell Kimberly soon before she found out somehow else...to her daughter, not telling her of it was the same was lying to her. With a little sigh of thought, she boarded the elevator and took it downstairs, walking to the cafeteria.

"Hi mom", Kimberly said in a soft way, still feeling pretty sick. Craig had gotten some pepto for her, but the feeling wouldn't go away, so she just ended up curling up a bit on her seat. Craig turned his head around when she said that, getting up with his own greeting.

"Hey...what's the word?", he asked.

"We're headed home for a while. Julia's going to stay with Ron and keep him comphy...he's asleep now", their mother answered, being it was what she needed to say in the first place. Their voices were sadder and lower then they would usually be, and with very good reason...it was a glum group of dragons, with tails as still as leaves on a windless day. Kimberly got up from her seat with a paw on her tummy, taking a short moment to repress her illness before she started walking, heading out just behind her mother.

"Is Ron...gonna be alright?..", Craig quietly and somberly asked. He was really worried about him, knowing his ordeal was far more then it originally seemed to him. Gina looked over to him, getting the idea from his tone of voice that he knew, and replied with a silent nod.

"Kimberly know?", Gina whispered so quietly, it was like she only mouthed it. She guessed Julia told him when she came down, but she needed to know about Kimberly too. Craig closed his eyes a bit sadly, shaking his head in silence. He wasn't going to tell her himself...not when he wanted to lift her already hurting spirit, and also presumed his mother didn't tell her for a reason. From there, they walked quietly out of the hospital and to their car, with not one tailwag amoung them, even from the tip of the usually energetic tail of Kimberly. Gina felt pained that she'd have to tell someone else bad news too, knowing her little daughter would need to have this explained. She's so young, and the idea of this bloody and insane murder, taking the lives of Ron's parents, wasn't something she wished she had to tell her. Starting the car, they started their way back home to unwind their nerves and rid their minds of some of this depression.

Julia sat quietly, watching her wounded fionce sleep. His muzzle laid towards her from when he spoke to her mother, and his face was calm now. Sleep was mercy for him, letting his mind rest without pain. Julia made a tiny sniff, clearing her runny nose from all the times she had cried for him, and took a tissue from the side holster of his bed. She leaned over slowly, and carefully wiped the moist lines that remained from his dripping tears, making sure not to wake him. There was too little left in him to awake yet anyway, with his body weak and hurt, drained of it's energy through drugs and surgery. She wanted to make him more comfortable, knowing sleeping on his back couldn't be all too nice, but his neck looked supported by his pillows enough as his head and muzzle lied against the soft, fluffy white. He deserved the best, but all that was delt to him were unlucky hands, making his life a struggle. Ron was always so happy and thoughtful, even while the whole world was screwing with him for so long. Julia tossed the tissue in the recepticle beside his tissue holster and gave Ron a peck on the end of his muzzle, sitting back down to watch him sleep.

Gina pulled into her driveway as softly as she could, knowing her daughter's stomach was upset. The moment the car stopped, the pressure crushing her seemed to start subsiding, knowing everything was ok for the moment. Ron was sleeping and had his loving girl's company, while her other two children were comfortably home to let their tattered nerves rest. Even she herself felt like a nap after having her heart race for so long, noticing she was tired when she stepped out of the car, into the cold snow. She decided to leave the car in the driveway, so she could leave easily later, with whoever would come. Julia couldn't stay there the whole time, and most certainly not by herself. She wandered inside into the warmth of their home, finding everything as it was when they dropped what they were doing and ran. She went right into her room and onto her bed, sprawled out on her back with a sigh, before she got up and took off her shoes for the moment. The house was so quiet without the whole happy family, and this was the last thing she wished everyone had to endure right after Christmas. Gina left her room to see how her kids were doing, still concerned about her two younger ones, and especially Kimberly. Craig's door was shut, so she guessed he wanted a little bit of quiet time, and didn't disturb him. Kimberly however, made her location known even before she walked away from her son's door. Gina ran the few steps to the bathroom doorway, finding her grasping the sides of the toilet and coughing up most of what she ate today.

"You poor thing..", Gina said sympetheticly, walking in slowly and rubbing her daughter's back as she spit the last of the foul taste out of her mouth. Kimberly panted exhaustedly with a set of tears going down her muzzle from the stress of her body. Her mother reached over to the wall and got a small rag, handing it to her after she wiped her eyes with the back of her paw, taking deep breaths. Gina watched her wipe her muzzle and flushed the toilet for her, sad to see her girl sick like this.

"I think it's more then nerves", Kimberly said, still panting, standing up fully. Her mother kept a comforting arm around her, rubbing her arm as she cuddled her. Now that she had done that, there wasn't any fear of her nerves getting her any sicker right now. Gina decided that now was the time to tell her everything.

"Just have a seat for a moment Kim", she asked of her, flicking the door shut with her left paw as she helped Kimberly down, sitting together. Gina looked at her sadly, snuggling her close for this, and with her daughter's lacking energy, she appreciated the love. "There's something I need to explain to you", she began on a solumn note, with her tone of voice already saying it was bad news. Kimberly looked up from her mother's side with a bad kind of curiosity, eager to find out what else was wrong. She wanted to just rest her head on her mother's side, but she was afraid now to what this might be...she really didn't want things to be worse. "..Kim, you see...", Gina tried to begin, but had difficulty trying to figure out how to put this lightly to a child. "What happened to Ron, is really more then you know..", she just kept trying, keeping her motherly tone in her confusion of what to say. Sure Kimberly was unfortunately experienced in such harsh realities, but it didn't make this any easier..not when she cared so much about her family..and she was only twelve.

"What do you mean? What happened?", Kimberly slowly asked, worried now more then before. She knew she didn't hear the story, and it never really was her concern. Ron himself was all she was worried about, so the thought never really crossed her mind...until now.

"When Ron went to his parent's house today, he found his mommy hurt by his dad and they fought it out. They both hurt eachother, but Ron went to get his mother away when he knocked him down for a few moments...but you see, his dad came back and shot him and...", Gina found to say, hoping this wouldn't hurt her too much, and choking near the end. Kimberly looked shocked and appauled already, unable to believe his father would shoot his own son, not to mention very sad for everything he's going through. Her mother felt pained to finish this conversation, knowing how close Ron was to her. Kimberly adored him after he saved her life, slowly and certainly becoming a part of their loving family. To her, he might as well have had the same last name. "He shot his mom too...in the head...before he killed himself", she finally said with a sniff at the end, not wanting to do this. "Ron's mommy died right beside him...I'm sure she felt no pain...I'm real sorry to tell you this Kim, because I know how much you care about Ron..", she said almost tearily, holding her daughter close, as she started crying lightly against her side in utter sickness and sympathy for someone she loved so much.

"How could this happen!! Ron's so nice, why did his daddy do this to them!? He only has us left now! It's not fair, he deserves to have a mommy!! How can he sand to live with what happened?!", the poor Kimberly shouted in her tears, making herself cry harder as she went, thinking how he must feel. Shot by his own father to try and kill him, and having his mother die right at his side in cold blood before his father took his own life...he has no mommy...no daddy...he was left all alone. Kimberly felt the most incredible pain, thinking of such anguish...if she lost her mother, she'd never get over it...left all alone without those she loved most dearly. Gina snuggled her close, rubbing her reassuringly in her motherly way, knowing her youngest daughter would take such a thing hard.

"It'll be ok Kim, we're here for him...I'll be his mommy too, and guide him through this. I'll do anything for all the times he's done something for my babies", her mother said in her assuring way, trying to comfort her, ending with a kiss upon her girl's muzzle.

"It still isn't fair...we're not his parents, and we can't ever take away the memories of what happened to them and him too", Kimberly sobbed ans sniffled. She knew she would be there for Ron, as the rest of her family, but Kimberly can't mask the true pain Ron is feeling that can't be magicly cured. Two important and loved lives were lost today, and one was hurting inside and out. Other's could hide such things from themselves, but Kimberly looks deeper then that, no matter how much it'll hurt her too.

"I know Kim, I know...Ron'll have to mourn and cope, but we're gonna help him with that, and I'll show him out of this. He needs us to be strong Kim, you know he'd get upset if you were crying", Gina told her, ending with a motherly smile.

Kimberly wiped her muzzle with a sniff, trying to calm herself. She felt urky and tired, having cried so much and being sorta sick at the same time. With all the anxiety, the nachos didn't sit well it seemed, and the toilet and her stomach knew that well. She felt better after vommiting it all up, but she knew the ill feeling was going to linger now. "When do I get to see him again?", she asked, feeling her head start to ache.

"Ron get's to come home in two days, but you can see him in the hospital. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you too. You're like a sister to him I think", her mother replied, giving her a little poke in her side to tickle at the end. "He'll come through, but we all have some work to do to see that he does. He needs our help and love now. I know it's unfair, and what happened to him is going to tear him apart before it heals, but we're gonna have to move on. Can't cry forever, he has so much happiness ahead in his life", she continued with a smile, putting her daughter to ease. She looked sad and miserable, but she needed to know. Kimberly replied to that with a hug and a sniff, stopping her tears.

"I'll go with you next time you go up to the hospital....I think I need to lie down for a while though", Kimberly sighed, feeling a dull ache in her head and stomach. Gina let her go and they got up together.

"Alrighty. Get some rest", her mother said lightly with a smile, as the two left the bathroom, going in seperate directions. Gina started walking back to the livingroom, wondering how Julia was doing. She loved him so much, and it was a wonderful thing for her to stay. She found Craig lying on the couch watching TV, so she went into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee and relax for a while.

Kimberly went sluggishly into her room, flicking off the light as she went in. Her head hurt, and everything down to her tail was tired, and especially her stomach. She sat softly down on the side of her and Julia's bed, dropping her socks and jeans to the floor carelessly. She wasn't happy or well enough to even think about putting them aside nicely. It was a little chilly, and she really wanted to slip into her pajamas, but she didn't know how long she'd sleep and if she'd have to go later. She slid under her covers to get warm, curling up a bit to make her tummy comphy, keeping her tail close. With a sudden thought, she sat up and grabbed her purple dragon from beside her, cuddling it in her arms under the covers as she settled back in again. It helped to snuggle with the fuzzy soft dragon, thinking of Ron's happiness and kindness. Something to hug for love, or cry on for support. Either way, she wasn't going to be lonely. A piece of Ron would always be with her. Kimberly closed her eyes and tried to block out all the ache, keeping cuddled with her dragon, nuzzling it's muzzle against her neck. While dozing off, she realized something about her dragon. She had no name. "Well, why don't I call you....Asta, after my middle name", she whispered to the purple dragon, giving her a peck at the end of her muzzle when she decided the name fit. Kimberly hugged Asta close, nuzzling into a slumber, feeling like she had a close friend at her side.

The day grew later, and Gina continued to relax around the house with a lump in her chest that wouldn't go away. She was worried about Ron and Julia, thinking she would have called by now. It was past dinner time, and Kimberly hadn't even gotten up yet. Things were so off beat today, and Gina was finding herself more restless as time passed. She glanced out the window from her seat at the dinner table, seeing the sun was begining to set. Her gaze went away from the window with a saddened look, scanning around her home. Craig was in his room now, listening to the CD Ron had got him on his improved system, so Gina had been alone for a while. She got off her chair and walked down to the phone, placing her empty coffee mug next to it. The one Ron got her naturally. With a quick fish in her pocket, she pulled out a sheet of paper with the hospital's number and dialed, asking to be connected to Ron's room.

"Hello?", greeted Julia, answering the phone for Ron.

"Hey Jul, it's me", Gina said on a light note, not sure of what has gone on in that room since she left.

"Hi mom. Been kinda busy for a while down here", she replied, giving not such a sad sigh. Her mother was relieved, knowing she wasn't as heart broken as before. Must have had too much to worry about since then.

"You want me to head up there?", Gina asked, wondering if she would want her to come by.

"Nah, just relax for tonight. I wanna stay the night with Ron, and talk with him on my own. He woke up a while ago and he's off the saline stuff. The officer also came up and asked him some things. Ron's real sad and angry....he's been talking with his grandparents about his mom and dad. His mother's side wants nothing to do with the other and it's a big mess. His father's side is having his body flown to their state to burry him...they're trying to avoid us too I think. His other grandparents are coming down here though, and are having a service planned for the thirtieth. They're crying just as much as we are..", Julia told her, speaking softly.

Gina sighed, knowing the responcibility of all this was the last thing she wanted placed on that poor boy's shoulders. "He doesn't need this kind of pressure...you sure you don't want to come home and rest for a while? I can stay with him", she offered.

"Don't worry about me, I'll sleep fine with Ron an arm's reach away, and the nurse brought the both of us dinner. I can't leave him now...he's real upset", her older daughter assured her, speaking quietly and solumnly for her last sentence.

Gina wanted to come and see Ron for herself, to help him cope and show him what had to be done regarding these funeral plans, but she felt she should adhear to Julia's request. Maybe it was best for her to be alone with him for a while...she was the love of his life afterall. "Alright Julia, but I'll be there in the morning. Tell him to get better for me, and keep any more loads off of him. When will his grandparents be here anyway?", she said and asked.

"The day after Ron gets out, on the twenty-eighth. They're packing up and driving up here, and I already gave them the address to our house. They'll figure it out, since it's not too far from their daughter's house", Julia answered, having talked to Ron's grandmother on his behalf when he just couldn't speak anymore.

"Thanks Jul. Take care, and I'll see you tomorrow", Gina answered as happily as she could, which wasn't much.

"G'night mom", Julia nearly sighed, before the two hung up their phones. Gina placed the phone back on it's charger, grabbing her coffee mug. She walked around to the other side of the counter into the kitchen, washing her 'Gina' mug so she could use it in the morning. Before she could finish, she realized she wasn't going to be alone anymore when a certain daughter popped up from the hallway.

"How was Ron ma'?", Kimberly asked, making her way to the kitchen. She heard the end of the phone call, knowing she had news on Ron.

Her mother shut off the faucet and started drying the mug a bit. "Sad, but alright for now. Julia's taking good care of him, so we'll be headed there in the morning to see them", Gina answered in a more uplifting tone to put her worries aside.

Kimberly made a faint sigh, being anxious to see how he was doing and talk to him. "Ok. I'm gonna go get my pajamas on then if I'm not going anywhere", she said, heading back to the hallway to change. Gina was pleased that everyone's spirits weren't as crushed as they were before, but they still had a ways to go. Just because no one was crying didn't mean they weren't sad or hurt. She placed her mug gently on the counter beside her coffee maker, giving it a bit of a smile before walking out of the kitchen.

Julia gave the small cot the nurse wheeled in for her one last pat, having the bed made. They were being so kind to them, knowing Ron's trauma. Most of them even knew the name sometime before that, seeing it on TV or in the newspaper from being the 'hero' of the Trensetter kidnapping. She walked back around and sat back down on her chair, flicking off the light, making the room dim with the setting sun's orange. "How you feeling honey?", she asked lovingly, putting her paw on his.

Ron opened his eyes from sulking. "Terrible", he grumbled, turning his head on it's side, facing her.

Julia sighed, patting his paw. "This'll get better, I promise. What you're going through is hell, but you'll come out on top. I love you and I'll hold you..", she spoke comfortingly, holding his free paw in her two own.

"Jul stop..", he spoke quietly, nearly growling as he tiredly pulled his paw from her grasp. Julia didn't understand that sudden hostility, even though he was too tired and sad to make much of an action. "You know who is supposed to love and hold me while I grow up? My goddamn mother! She's been taken from me forever, after everything she has done for me!..", Ron nearly shouted in his anger, hating every fiber of his father as his eyes welled. Julia knew he was only venting, but she felt powerless to comfort his spirit in this state. "She would help me when I got hurt...if I fell while playing she'd make it better...if I was crying sadly, she'd cuddle me in her lap...if I was lonely, she'd get me a new toy to cheer me up...she cooked the best meals and told the funniest stories....she can't ever do that again..", the tormented Ron cried, thinking so deeply into his past, as that was the only place he could be with his mother. Julia choked back her own tears, watching him bawl his heart out, knowing his mother was only a memory. "That bastard took my mother!!", he shouted loudly with his eyes closed and dripping, using his most angriest tone.

"I'm sorry I can't make her come back, but I still want to help you and love you too..", Julia tried to comfort, stroking his neck.

"It ain't fair...she had done so many good and kind things, raising me to be who I am. She didn't deserve to die! My family is gone, my whole childhood is just a memory. I loved them both...my mother and father...why did he have to hurt her...why did he have to shoot me and her...WHY DID I LIVE?!!", Ron sobbed, growling out his words and tears, before one angry howl filled the room. Ron's paw gripped his sheets hard, crying into his pillow forcefully. Julia couldn't help a set of her own tears from going down her cheeks, unable to bear this any longer.

"Ron please, your mother's love wasn't in vain! You're the best person I have ever knowm, and I love you with all my heart! Your mom would be sad to see you tearing yourself apart..", Julia found herself near pleading, leaning close to her mate. Ron cried like a pathetic child, mourning for his mother's light heart. Her happy smile and love for hot chocolate...such things never again to be seen...things that time will forget, tucking it all away.

"I loved her, she didn't deserve to die...", Ron cried ever so lonely. "I shouldn't have lived, I should have saved her...I should be in the casket! I was there! I was at her side! She was in my arms Julia! She had done nothing to have her life taken by him...I only wanted to take her away, this is my fault! If I never showed up she would have been hurt bad, but she'd be alive!", he just kept sobbing, losing all grip with himself.

"Don't say that! You should have lived and you did! Ron we have a bright future together, with a wedding and children...your mom might have suffered the same fate whether you weren't there or not, but you were there for her Ron! You fought your hardest and you were there for her! She could have been all alone Ron..", Julia told him, crying lightly herself at all this.

Ron kept crying for several moments, before choking some tears back to speak. "I want to hug her and hear her again...I miss her Julia, it wasn't her time...she...she had the whole rest of her life to live...smiling and laughing", he cried lightly, running out of tears and the energy to cry them as the room grew darker with the setting of the sun at the horizon.

Julia brushed his muzzle with her fingers. "Look at this", she said at nearly a whisper, holding up the back of her paw. Ron opened his eyes a little wider to see through the blur. "This is our engagement ring. It means we'll be married, and I'll always be there for you. I can help make the pain go away, and I'm sorry about what happened. We can't change the past, but we can determine the future....you said your mom would have been so happy to see you marry and have kids...she might not be here in person, but she's in your heart. That's why you're so sad...your mother is crying because she can't cuddle you and make it all better. You care more about others then yourself Ron, and you're a perfect person, but for once...dig deep into your heart and think of yourself", she said as another set of tears dripped without a sob, as well as wiping Ron's muzzle of his tears. Ron stayed quiet, crying to himself, thinking about the love of his life's words.

"Thank you Julia...I don't deserve you either...I hope everything turns out ok, I really do. Sorry to make you sad..", Ron spoke through the remainder of his tears with a tiny smile, reaching up with his weak paw and wiping her cheeks. Julia made a small giggle, making a sniffle, seeing him think of her yet again.

"It's been a long day. Why don't you get some sleep. I'll be right beside you over here, so you'll never be alone ok?", Julia tried to say more upbeatly, heading around his bed to close the blinds to the room.

"I think I will...I love you Jul, you've done more for me then you'll ever realize", Ron said clearly, with his voice void of tears.

Julia closed his blinds and started for her cot to try sleeping this early. "Your mom would be proud you know. Good night honey", she smiled in the dark, dim room. She took off her shoes and slipped into her cot, finding that sleeping in a hospital was quite warm, especially with her pants and socks on.

"Good night Jul", Ron yawned after she tucked herself in, having fully placed his mind in the mood for sleep. Julia lied there in silence for a while, unable to sleep yet. She seen heard the breaths of Ron's sleeping, and a bit of comfort came over her...and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep too.

Gina woke up the next morning by herself. Kimberly had gone to bed late because of her nap, and Craig just couldn't sleep well, so neither were up at nine-thirty. She wanted a mug of coffee so bad, but she couldn't stand waiting anymore. It took a few moments of contemplation, but she went back into her room to get dressed nicely. She really did feel like Ron's mother now, worrying about him and wanting to care for him. So much was going on, she was surprised Ron didn't curl up and stop talking all together. Gina pawed through her dresser, putting on a nice T-shirt, jeans, and a bra to her discomfort. Promising herself she'd get a cup of coffee soon from the hospital, she did her last minute things and walked quietly out the front door so no one would be disturbed. The morning say was full of hazy clouds, leaving only a glow upon the houses and sparkling snow. Why can't we be a normal family and enjoy winter, Gina griped in her head. She wanted to watch Kimberly play in the snow, Craig hang out with his friends, and Ron and Julia smiling puppy dog like at eachother as they planned their future wedding. Blood and death totaly controdicted the suburb's light atmosphere, and it made Gina feel more alone as she drove through the streets. Happiness surrounded them, but their saddness wouldn't let them be a part of it. Gina only wanted everyone to have a good time, and such odeals kept interrupting their fun or family. First it was a kidnapping where her daughter nearly died and her son beaten, and now this. Time seemed to pass smoothly from when she left her car, taking a slow stroll into the hospital and to the elevator. It was much quieter in the morning, and she felt more at home this time. The door to Ron's room was infront of her in a minute, and with a slight hesitation to ready herself, she went in quietly.

"Hi Gina", Ron said with a small wave from his bed, looking much more awake since she last saw him.

"Hey Ron!", she replied in her perkiest of ways, wanting to make him as comfortable as she could. "Julia not up yet?", Gina then asked, seeing her daughter asleep on the cot across the room as she walked to the chair at his bedside.

"I'm awake, I'm awake..", Julia yawned from her cot, weakly pushing herself up and out of bed.

"Mornin' Jul. Why don't you head home for a while. Take a shower, get changed, and unwind a bit. I've got all morning, and I wanna talk with Ron too", Gina wondered of her daughter, knowing she needed to get away and get refreshed.

Julia grumbled, running her paws across her eyes and muzzle. "I'd like a shower very much", she said with a groggy smile. "I'll be back a little later Ron", she made sure to tell him while getting the keys to the car from her mother. Gina and Ron gave their goodbye as she left, leaving the two alone.

"How are you feeling today?", Gina asked, wanting for him to speak on a normal note, keeping her happy spirit. Ron cracked his neck and lied it on his pillow to look at her. What quickly pleased Gina, was that he had a smile.

"Better...It's just hard to cope, and these painkillers are getting annoying", Ron responded like he usualy would.

"I guess you and Julia talked. I heard you were really sad, so I've been worrying about you back at the house", Gina said with an obvious smile, incredibly happy to see things mending.

"Thanks Gina...I owe so much to all of you. I have a home and a family still. I don't want to burdon any of you with my grieving..I...I know I'll have to get over it. I'm actually sad that they're both gone...sure my dad was an ass, but, you know, he was..my dad. My mom I miss especially...she was a good woman Gina, she loved me a lot..", Ron spoke somewhat solumnly. After crying so much yesterday and everything before bed, he had started to accept what had happened, since nothing can be done. The least he could do for his mother is compose himself and lay her to rest...Julia's words stayed in his mind, giving him the strength he needed. His mother was his heart, and he didn't want to make her sad anymore, though some feelings couldn't be helped yet.

"I bet she was to raise a son like you. I can't tell you how happy I am to see you better. It hurt to see you like that", Gina told him with a smile, as a knock came upon the door before she finished that last sentence. She looked over towards the door, wondering why they didn't just enter. "Come on in!", she said loud enough for the person the hear. With a jingling of the doorknob, a male cougar in a fancy suit walked in with a smile to greet as he closed the door behind himself.

"Hello. Would you be Ronald Surret?", he asked, looking to make sure he had the right person, though he was nearly positive. Had to ask though.

"I am", Ron answered, wondering who this guy was. He had never seen him before in his life. The cougar set down his briefcase and walked over to the side of the bed Gina was sitting on, extending a paw in a handshake with Ron's only usable one.

"I'm Darwin Sanchez", the spotted cat introduced as Ron shook his paw. "I came over once I got the death certificate for your mother, Helen Surret. I'm her lawyer. Some time back, she had a will written secretly by our firm, so I'm here to present it to you", Darwin explained, going back over to his suitcase to get out the document. Ron was shocked. His mother had a will?! Gina didn't get the secret will thing either, but she sorta guessed why she had it done.

"My mom had a will?", Ron asked confusedly. He thought his parents were too young to have such a thing done.

"I think your mom might have taken the precaution just in case something happened to her...or if she thought there was the possibility she'd be hurt by your father someday", Gina just sort of told him, knowing she really might have been worried that this event would happen someday possibly. Ron growled in his head, thinking she shouldn't have taken the chance if there was the tiny chance she could be seriously hurt but...he knew it was like his mother to take precautions for his well being.

"That's why most people have secret wills written really, or to hide the contents of it. You come to us, get it done, and we keep it hidden away until it's needed. Your father had no will, so this one has all the legal rights", the lawyer added, getting out the will to be read. Gina was anxious to see what it said, but Ron was still baffled over this. Darwin took a few steps to the end of the bed, holding up the paper with his reading glasses on. "I, Helen Surret, proclaim that all the family assets be given one-hundred percent to my husband, Gerald Surret, in the case that my death is purely natural. If my passing is by foulplay, or Gerald is no longer alive to accept, all assets are transfered to my son, Ronald Surret", he read, giving a burst of unexpected joy to both Ron and Gina at the end.

"I own everything?!", Ron had to know, shocked to no end.

"That is correct. Your mother saw to it you wouldn't be left aside if this sort of thing happened. According to this, all bank accounts are to be changed to your ownership, as well as vehicles, the house, and all property", he answered, returning the paper to his briefcase when he was done. Ron couldn't belive it. His parents had a lot of money, being researchers and all...he was rich...but still without a treasure more important then money.

"I don't think you have to worry about bills for a while..", Gina just kinda said, very happy his mother didn't leave him without crutches. He could pick up his life because of that.

"I'll call if I have anything you need to take care of. Good day", the cougar said with a smile, heading out of the room and leaving the two dragons to themselves again.

"So what do you want to do with all this Ron? I'm here for you if this gets to be too much, I really don't want you to be pressured by this legal crap", Gina asked him, turning their gazes back to eachother.

Ron took a short pause. "I'm putting everything I wanna keep in storage, and I'm selling the rest, including the house and the two cars...I don't want to move Julia and myself in after what happened in there...I don't ever want to step foot in that house again. Once the house is released from the authorities, I'm going to have everything moved out, then it's going up for sale. The cash'll pay for our house and a new car..", he started planning, admiting his fear of his old home. His eyes would never leave the part of his home that was completely bathed in blood...he'd go insane.

"My home is yours. You can stay as long as you need. You're gonna be my son-in-law afterall! You know, if it was any other guy that proposed to Julia when she was only seventeen, like I had done to me, I would have slammed their tail in a door. I trust you as much as any of my children, and I know you'll be the best husband. Just take everything slow, I'll help you through all this. I'll help you in getting a house or having one built once you're both married and the whole job and college thing...speaking of which, what are your plans?", Gina supported and giggled, suddenly realizing she didn't know what he wanted to do after high school.

"I'm going to Chambridge University. I was going to take up my parent's profession as a science researcher, and I'm still going to do it", Ron answered, thinking about his future.

Gina was somewhat shocked, not knowing he got into Chambridge. "Ron, that's great! You didn't tell me you got into a university, and I sure didn't know you were into that stuff!", she cheered happily. He and Julia were even better off then she thought!

"Yeah, I don't really speak of those things...seems like annoying bragging to call myself a genious. I sure wouldn't have proposed to your daughter without a plan", Ron said, almost laughing at the end.

"Just make sure you don't have any kids too early like I did. I wanna make sure my kids learn from my mistakes, but I see no error at all in you proposing to Julia. I hope I don't have to push her to get her in college either", Gina went on in a conversational mood, feeling as if normality was coming back to them for a short while.

"She said she wanted to go to work once we got a house, and get ready to be a housewife", he chuckled. "I told her that was alright. I'd be making enough to support us great, and I'm going to put some of my parent's money aside for while I'm still in college...they actually have a lot of money", he explained, admiting his parent's wealth and his currently overwhelming financial state.

Gina smiled. "Sounds like that'll work for you. Maybe Craig or Kimberly will be my rich child", she joked. Both their spirits felt whole again, and Ron felt a lot of weight off of himself. Gina really was like a mother..

"You're so understanding...I expected to get chewed out at least once for something after proposing to Julia", Ron admited.

"You haven't done anything wrong. You're planning ahead and taking it slow, getting a very bright future set. I couldn't be more proud of you for being so mature...any other person your age would be hitting on every single girl, getting drunk daily, and be doing drugs with their giant groups of friends. You though...you quit smoking, you barely drink anymore, and not once have I ever seen you hit on another girl. You've focused everything on being a responsible adult, and you do this not only for yourself, but for others", Gina complimented, giving her reasons for being so proud and trusting of him.

"Thanks", he said sorta embarassedly, taking compliments in a shy way. "I'd do anything for Julia, and I've done my best to please you too", Ron then added.

"And you've done a fine job. I'm gonna go run and get some coffee before I go nuts, I'll be back in a few minutes ok?", Gina said in an upbeat way, happy to speak of something other then death and gore, as she hopped from her chair for the door. Gina left the room with a tap as the door lightly made contact with the frame, and he snuggled his head into his pillow a bit. Julia fixed his spirit, and now Gina just fixed it even more...he didn't even think it was possible. His fionce and his second mother...he really wasn't alone at all. She made him laugh and think about something else. He wished his poor mother was still here, so she could see how much he was loved.

The rising sun broke through a few clouds, sending a shining light down to the earth. A ray of warm sunshine came in through the window, lighting up the room and landing upon Kimberly's muzzle. Her muzzle twitched from the itchy warmth of the sun, waking up slowly from the orange light. With a slide on her hip, she got upright and rubbed her adjusting eyes, getting out of bed. On her way to get some clothes, she glanced over to Julia's clock, surprised at the time. She didn't expect to sleep till past ten. She removed her pajamas and panties, getting a whole new set of clothes, since she knew no one was around. Fully clothed with a dark pair of jeans and a designer t-shirt, she dressed nice expecting to be going to the hospital this morning. Feeling more awake, she opened her door and left her room to see if her mom was up yet. Who she found, she didn't quite expect.

"Mornin'. When did you get home?", Kimberly asked her older sister once she went to the livingroom and found her watching the morning news.

Julia looked over her shoulder a bit as Kimberly came around to have a seat on the couch. "When mom went up to the hospital, I took the car back to take a shower, have breakfast, and get changed. I'm surprised I didn't wake you earlier, you were out like a light when I came into the room to pick out my clothes", she answered her sister as she sat down beside her. Kimberly wasn't aware her mother left already, and was kinda irritated she left without her, but she was really sleepy and all.

"Are you going back there soon?", Kimberly then asked.

"I'm going in a few minutes. I'm guessing you want to come with?", Julia replied, getting the idea from the question and her clothes that she wanted to go.

Kimberly gave a nod. "Yup. I'll go get my shoes and socks on", she said, getting up off the couch for her room again. Julia flicked the television off and got up herself, going over to the kitchen. She grabbed a pen and the notepad her mother kept on the counter for writing notes, and started to write one for Craig. Didn't want to leave him by himself and not say anything. With the last touches on the note, Kimberly was all ready to go, and she grabbed her keys. Both tightened their coats before they left, going out to their car. Kimberly strapped herself in and Julia pulled out of their driveway, headed for the hospital to be with their fallen family member. They were going to get him out today, once they had Dr. Pierce's approval.

"You know Kim, I haven't talked to you since we left the house yesterday. How have things been at the house?", Julia said once they were on the road, wanting to spark conversation.

"Alright I guess, just really quiet. I was sleeping most of the time though...I got real sick yesterday", Kimberly said, relaxing on the passenger side chair, giving her tail a few taps by her left foot.

"Sorry to hear that. You feel better though, right?", Julia wanted to know, being concerned about her little sister. Didn't need more then one ill person afterall.

"Yeah, I'm feeling ok", she replied, watching the road ahead and all the cars. "Is it hard to drive?", Kimberly asked curiously, looking over to Julia. She never drove with her often, so this wasn't something she really thought of asking before.

"It's simple really when you get used to it. Just takes practice, since I failed the test twice you know", Julia answered her, giving a car that flew by her an awkward look, surprised someone was driving faster then she was.

"I know, but I didn't know if you failed because it was hard or if you were stupid", Kimberly joked, giving her tail another tap, liking the speed they were at, though it made her slightly nervous.

Julia gave her a look. "I'd smack you, but it would be improper for me to take my hands off the wheel", she just sort of answered, making a turn.

"It's also improper to speed, but that doesn't stop you", Kimberly kidded again. Julia gave her a light smack upside her head, causing a laugh.

"Guess you're right", Julia joked herself. It wasn't long before the two girls reached the hospital and got out of the car together, walking through a pair of automatic doors into a nice warm place. Kimberly started unbuttoning her coat as they walked to the elevator, leaving it open for now so it could be taken off in the room. After a brisk elevator trip up the elevator and a walk down a hallway of white, they walked casually into Rom's room without a doubt.

"Julia, good timing!", her mother exclaimed from Rom's bedside. "Oh, hi Kim", she added while getting up, seeing her youngest walk in as well, putting down her coat.

Kimberly watched her excited mother from the doorway for a moment, wondering what was so great. "Dr. Pierce just checked his wound and said he's fine, so we can take him home now. I'm going to go and fill out the release forms, could you go to Dr. Pierce down the hall and get his perscription paper?", Gina said to Julia, looking to get Ron out of this place.

"Sure thing", Julia aknowledged, going to the door with her mother.

"We'll be back in a bit you two", Gina said on her way out, giving a happy smile before closing the door. Kimberly went to Ron's bedside and lept up with a hug, ever so happy to finally see him again.

"I'm happy to see you too Kim", Ron chuckled, huging her back with his free arm. Kimberly stayed partially on the bed, with her head not far from Ron's chest, thinking he looked funny in a hospital gown, though he kept a blanket covering most of himself to stay warm.

"So how are you? I've been really worried and sad..", Kimberly asked, giving the sympethetic tone, half-sitting beside him on the bed.

Ron smiled, shifting his tail as he moved over on his bed. "You can sit up here too, there's enough room", he said in his friendly way. Kimberly got her legs up, sitting beside him, keeping her tail danging off the side for more room. "I'm doing better now Kim, just a little lingering sadness is all", he said in a slightly upbeat way, not wanting Kimberly to worry about him.

"That's good I guess...I'm really sorry about your mom and dad..", she said lightly, feeling bad for his ordeal.

"I'm sorry too..", Ron sighed. "Thanks for caring Kim, it means a lot to me", he relented his surge of sadness, repressing it for her. He reached to his side and grabbed his dragon, putting him in his lap. "I've kept my dragon close too. It helps me remember my parents, and with all of you taking such good care of me, I'm not lonely in the least", he told her, letting her know that bringing him his old dragon was an appreciated gesture.

"I'm happy...I was really sad to hear you were hurt...I cried for a while and I was worried that you could have been killed", Kimberly said in a relieved way, admitting how upset she was when she first heard the news. Ron felt sympethetic for her, knowing she was pretty young and cared about him a lot. He put his arm around her and held her comfortably like a big brother.

"I'm going to be fine Kim, I'm sorry you were so upset. How have you liked your dragon plushie?", Ron assured her, looking to get her and his own mind off of those things. He took his arm back around and placed it on his right leg, while Kimberly turned her head to him.

"She's real cute and soft...she helped me think of you and made me feel better. I kept her with me while I slept, and I didn't feel lonely or so sad. Her name's Asta, after my middle name", Kimberly said on a happy note, still appreciating what he did. Whether it was it's soft fuzzy side to cry on, it's muzzle to tickle her's, or it's whole plush self to hug, the purple dragon was there for her, even when the person who gave it to her could not be. She could tell in Ron's voice that he was doing alright, and every nerve that had been choking her spirit in worry, started to release their grasp.

"I'm glad you like her, and that she's the kind of help my little dragon is for me", Ron smiled, patting his green dragon's head. "I'm just sorry you needed her like that, since it's really my fault your Christmas is ruined. You all should have been having fun, not running around worried and crying...I feel bad for being such a burdon on you", he sighed, knowing they didn't deserve the weight of his saddness and the trouble he carried with him. Kimberly hugged Ron with a quick motion and gave him a surprise kiss on the side of his muzzle.

"It's only because we love you", Kimberly smiled and told him in the most sisterly of ways.

Ron didn't have to supress anything at all to smile after that. "Thanks Kim, I love you too", he said sincerely, appreciating her comfort.

Craig wandered out of the bathroom, seeing the house empty. He had just awoken, and he was still somewhat groggy, even though he had been awake for nearly four minutes already. His ears told him that no one was home, and he was really surprised to have slept till eleven-twenty. In his wander, he noticed the note sitting on the kitchen counter, presumably for himself. Craig flicked on the kitchen light and picked up the note. 'We're all at the hospital. Not sure when we'll be back, but Ron'll be coming with us. Just wanted to let you know. Love, Julia...P.S: Sorry about yesterday, I was just upset'. He was happy she appologized, knowing exactly what she was appologizing for. He wouldn't have held anything against her, but it was good to know she'd say it anyway. Craig placed the note in the trash, having had read it, and went to the fridge to get a bottle of water. As soon as he grabbed one and went to close the fridge, the front door startled him. His mother came in with a slightly hasty pace, before she noticed him when the fridge closed.

"Hey Craig. I had to come back for clothes for Ron, Julia and I didn't think of bringing a pair before", Gina greeted her son, putting the car keys on the counter.

"So he's ready to come home now?", he asked, opening the cap to his water.

"Yeah, Julia and I took care of everything. The doctor is cleaning the wound one last time to make sure no infection starts, so he'll be all set once I bring him some clothes", his mother replied. "I gotta go to the bathroom first though", she then said, starting around the counter for her room.

"I'll take care of it", Craig offered, taking a swig of his water while leaving the kitchen for the hallway.

"Thanks", Gina said as she pushed open her ajar door, sure she'd get back to the hospital quicker now. Craig carried his bottle of water down the hallway to Ron's room, walking in as the door had been left open in Kimberly's haste yesterday morning. He set the water on top of his dresser and started scanning his drawers, picking out a pair of jeans he wore often, and to his personal displeasure, a pair of underwear. Tucking the articles under his arm, he walked over to the closet and picked out one of his shirts. Before he left, he decided to get a pair of socks as well, just in case the doctors didn't save those, and the jacket Gina had gotten him for Christmas. Ron walked out with his old one before, since the new one's tags hadn't been taken out yet. Good thing, else it would have had a big hole in it. Craig grabbed his bottle of water off the dresser with his free paw on the way out, using his tail to close the door a tad as he walked out. He set the pile of clothes on the dinningroom table and folded them so his mother could carry them easily, and handed her the pile once she came back from the bathroom.

"Get some lights on in here, and the TV. Don't want the house to seem dreary for Ron when he finally get's home. We'll all be back soon, so I'll see you in a bit", Gina asked of him as she grabbed her keys and went off for the door.

"Alright. See ya' soon ma'", Craig replied, giving his goodbye. The front door closed once again, and he took another gulp of his water while walking into the livingroom, flicking on a light and the TV. He'd plug in the Christmas tree's lights if it had any. They didn't take it down till after New Years. Once Craig was comfortable that the house looked lively, he sat down on the couch and put on Comedy Central. Now the house was in Ron's style for certain.

Julia sat on her cot, reading Ron's perscription paper and the drug he's supposed to take. Kimberly was sitting on the other side of the room, on the chair beside the bed, chatting with Ron. They had been talking for quite the while, so Julia decided to take it easy and just review some things. A good nights sleep seemed to have turned everyone's spirits around, as well as all the love they had been showing Ron. She looked up from the paper to him, seeing his smile. That big dragon was like a warrior, fighting everything the world threw at him, and he still refused to fall. She was about to open her muzzle and say something to him, but the opening of the door interrupted her mind's thought.

"I'm back everyone. Time to get outta here", Gina walked in only a step from the doorway, smiling lightly with all of Ron's clothes under her right arm. "I have your clothes here Ron,", she said, setting the clothes down on a small table beside the door, "so you come on out here with me Kimberly so he can change", she looked up with a nod.

"Sure mom", Kimberly said with an enthusiastic smile, glad to be leaving this somewhat saddening place. Thier home would be a much better place for Ron to feel better, she knew. Julia sat where she was and gave her mother an aknowledging nod, seeing as she'd be the one to help Ron getting dressed. Kimberly walked out first and her mother right behind, closing the door quietly.

"Kim, I wanted to thank you for being so mature about this. I think you made Ron feel a lot better", Gina said softly as her paw left the doorknob.

Kimberly coulda blushed, and it took her a moment to respond, "I'm just being me". The two girls didn't have to wait all too long, and in minutes they were already heading out to the car. One in more pain then the others, but all the cheery attitudes evened it all out.

"So nice to be out of there..", Ron sighed comfortably, even though he was just in Gina's car. After his ordeal, he gained more gratitude for what he had and valued his life more as well. He loved his home, which was the Trensetter's. Everything that seemed ordinary, like this car, just seemed to shiny and homely. The thought that 'you are meant to be dead and you aren't' changes the way you see everything. Colors are warmer, life is more lively. One look around this car, and he knew he had much to be grateful for. The car ride wasn't noisy, and Ron knew they were making in comphy intentionally, especially with Julia resting lovingly on his uninjured shoulder.

Craig loafed on the sofa with an anxious lump in his chest. He was on his back, idly watching the TV and looking about. "Blahdy blady blah blah", he groaned at the TV, flipping through channels of nonsense and crap. For a dragon who looked so bummed and tired, Craig sure as hell lept from the sofa when he heard his mom's car. "Bout damn time!", he said for his own amusement, heading to the door and opening it.

"Hi Craig!", Kimberly said as she scampered into the house past him. He would have turned around and chuckled at her if he wasn't busy watching a sight he'd sure missed.

"Welcome home you tough bastard", Craig grinned as Ron and Julia came up the walkway.

"And you can't guess how nice it is to be in here again", Ron said just as happy and cheery, though he felt so soft and light. The feeling and scent of home overcame him as he stepped inside, making him feel nearly drowsy in his comfort. Home at last!

"Hey Kim, S-..", Gina began to say as she walked in, but saw no sign of her youngest daugher. "Hey Kim!", she called out.

"Yeah ma'?", Kimberly responded a moment after from the hallway after another audiable scamper beforehand.

"Sheila and another boy are outside. Why don't you go out and play for a while?", she smiled, thinking she needed some time for herself since she'd been so busy worrying about Ron and not having any time to be with her friends.

"Okee", Kimberly smiled back, seemingly full of a child's playfulness now that Ron was home and he was alright. Gina gave her a kiss atop her muzzle and shut the door after her daughter said she'd be back later. As many issues she could have with her friends, they'd always make up and wounds would heal.

"Dear?", Julia said from behind the sofa, where Craig and Ron were sitting. "I wanna take you someplace for a few", she said in a calm and relaxed way. Ron didn't know what she meant and all, but got up anyway. Julia grabbed the car keys from the counter as her mother went to her room and waved for Ron to follow.

"Leaving already?", Craig chuckled. "Have fun. It's great to have you back", he said quite happily from his seat. Everything was finaly alright on Craig's end as well.

"Thanks a lot Craig. We're going to the cafe later too, so I hope you feel up to kicking a few back", Ron grinned and proceded to follow his fionce.

"See you soon you two", Gina smiled in more comfortable clothes as she walked out of her room. She'd been through so much crap lately, and really her entire life, but she still holds that smile and love of her's strong. Ron and Julia waved and said a quick goodbye on their way out the door, going out to the car and getting into it.

"So where are we going Jul?", Ron asked with a curious notion as the car started and he fastened his seatbelt carefully, trying not to hurt his shoulder.

"You'll see..", she grinned, getting out of the driveway and setting off, waving to Kimberly as they drove by Sheila's house, since they were all sitting on the front lawn. Ron could tell from that grin he wouldn't be able to get anything out of her on the subject, so he relaxed and enjoyed the ride, which happened to take about twenty five minutes though some scenery, till the two arrived at something that looked like a park. Ron looked around as he slipped out of the car and closed the door, seeing a few loose red picnic benches and lush green trees and grass. Looked to be a barbacuing spot or something of the sort. "C'mon, follow me", Julia almost giggled walking quickly up the grounds. Ron just had to smile at her while he followed, not as fast. He watched ahead as he walked uphill slightly, seeing Julia take a set at the highest point he could see. Ron sat down beside her, and saw why she took him here. The sight was beautiful. They were atop a not too high cliff, overlooking a glistening lake. The whole area was empty and serene, looking romantic and full od life. The smell and gentle sounds made Ron's heart feel almost at ease, though there was a small dense lump in there too. So much life can also remind the survivor of the lives lost.

"It's real nice sweetie", he smiled at her affectionate look she was giving, and the two cuddled with one another gently.

"And to think we're enguaged, and everything that's happened the past week..", Julia said with a bit of a hug against her dragon's side. Ron stared out upon the water, thinking.

"I know..", he replied softly.

"I'm so sorry for what's happened to you..", Julia said near sadly, keeping her arms and paws in an embrace, putting her muzzle against his soft and bandaged shoulder, "..but I love you, and I offer that love forever..", she nearly whispered, a tear quietly going down her muzzle. Such a tough time it's been..but they'd come through. Ron smiled ever so softly and rested his own muzzle upon her own, matching a pair of silent tears. One tear of mourning, and another of everlasting love.