It wasn't too much longer after my visit to see dad that the funeral home emptied out and we could finally head out for the night. Rob got behind the wheel of the truck and drove us back to my mom's house. Mom and Peyton said that they were going to get some food with some of Peytons old military buddies before coming home. So needless to say I was a little bit surprised to walk into the house and find it full with my team.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked as I undid the buttons on my jacket.

"Having dinner with you before we head back to the hotel for the night. After the burial tomorrow we are going back to Fort Benning to await our orders. We kind of have a feeling we are going to spun up soon so we want to be ready." Monica said as Rob greeted our friends.

"I knew you were the right one to be promoted." I said and pulled Monica into a hug.

When I pulled away from her, I went upstairs with Morgan and Rob to change out of my dress uniform and into some pajamas before going back downstairs. My rowdy crew of soldiers took up most of the living room couch and the floor with drinks and snacks. I went into the kitchen and pulled out some menus for some local takeout places. When we narrowed it down to pizza, I placed the order for a few different pies and joined my crew on the couch. It wasn't long before someone got me a beer and I finally felt a little bit of peace from all the stress of the day.

About an hour later the doorbell rang and Rob jumped off the couch and brought all the pizza inside. Just as I was yelling at my unit to use plates the front door opened again and in walked mom and Peyton. When the door slammed shut behind them, everyone stopped fighting over which piece they wanted and pulled out various weapons they had on their body. Peyton quietly stepped in front of mom while I yelled at everyone to put everything down. It took a few painfully tense seconds before my order sunk into their brains and they all put away their weapons.

"We're sorry ma'am, even at home, it's hard for us to relax." Monica said and I can tell she is still a bit keyed up about it.

"How about we move this pizza party outside." I said to my unit and it took a second for everyone to get the message and pick up to move.

Rob and Morgan moved everyone outside while I hung back for a few moments. After I heard the back door shut behind everyone I got up off the couch and turned to find mom still firmly behind Peyton. I noticed the way moms hand has a death grip on Peytons arm that's holding her in place.

"Pey, it's okay, you can let me go now honey." Mom said gently into Peytons ear. The words calmed Peyton down right away and she let go of mom. Mom came around in front of her wife and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you for sending everyone outside. They are more then welcomed to stay but that will not happen again in my house." Mom said seriously.

"You have my word, sometimes loud unexpected noises just trigger all of us and it's hard to help that flight or fight feeling, even at home. I'm going to join them outside. We have a lot of pizza and beers if you guys want some." I said and gave mom a kiss on cheek before walking out the backdoor.

My unit was a bit on edge when I got outside. It took a while for us to get back into the relaxed feeling we all had when the pizza came. Lighting a fire in the fire pit and turning on the radio definitely helped put everyone back at ease. We watched the sunset from the deck and as the sky got darker Morgan settled into the space next to me on the patio couch. Most of the guys are running around the grass playing drunk soccer so nobody really noticed her sink into the space next to me.

Morgan didn't say anything but handed me another beer and I knew this one had to be the last of the night. We sat quietly together and as my body relaxed with her next to me and I reached out and took her empty hand in mine. Morgan didn't let it show on her face but I could feel her body relax into mine. I played with her fingers for a while and watched as my unit kept racing back and forth in the grass as the night got longer. I didn't want to separate myself from Morgan but when Carlos threw up in the back corner of the yard I had to get up and put an end to this game. With one final squeeze I got up from the couch and took the ball away and made everyone sit down for a few minutes to relax.

After everyone calmed down enough, I made a few phone calls and managed to get some cabs to take everyone back to their hotel for the night. While Morgan bid everyone a good night and disappeared upstairs, I made sure everyone got safely into a cabs and the driver knew where to take them. Finally after everyone was gone I made sure the fire was out and went upstairs. I jumped into the shower and washed off the smell of the fire pit before going into my room to find Morgan sitting up in bed reading something on her laptop. I got dressed for bed then turned the lights out before crawling into bed and sighed.

"Put that away, come sleep." I said. Morgan didn't answer me for a few moments and when I was going to repeat myself, Morgan closed the laptop and slid down in bed next to me. Nothing needed to be said as I threw my arm around her stomach and finally settled in bed. Morgan moved back into me and once her body was pressed against mine, I felt like everything was right with the world and sleep came quick.

The next morning, once again I woke up alone. Morgan's side of the bed still felt warm and I knew she must have only just got up not long ago. I pulled my blankets up over my head and couldn't help the tear that escaped my eye. The cruel reminder that Morgan isn't mine to have stabbed into my heart. I stayed wrapped in the sheets and I pulled Morgan's pillow into my arms.

I must have fell back asleep because the next thing I knew someone shook my shoulder and called out my name. When I slowly came too I found Mom standing next to my bed. She was in her pajamas still as I pushed myself up in bed.

"Good morning chicken, it's time for you to get up and start getting ready. We all let you sleep for as long as we could, but you need to get up and get moving so we are on time." Mom said. I nodded that I understood her and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. Mom leaned down and kissed my head before leaving my room.

I got up and started to get dressed in my uniform. When I was done, I hit the bathroom and made sure everything was in place before walking downstairs. Peyton was in the kitchen and I just took a seat at the table to compose myself. Just as I was going to get up to get breakfast a buttered roll with some eggs on it appear in front of my face with a cup of coffee. Peyton sat down across from me with a cup of juice in hand.

"Thank you, and I want to ask if you were okay after last night." I said and took a sip of my still to hot coffee.

"Yea, Shannon calmed me down after you went outside. It's just been a long time since I've been on the receiving end of guns pointed in my face. But I knew where you guys were coming from. It takes a long time to get out of that habit." Peyton said.

I only nodded and started to eat my breakfast. It didn't take long to get it all down and the rest of my coffee. By the time I was finished Dominic was already here and both Morgan and Rob were all ready to go. Mom and Peyton finished getting ready when there was a knock on the door and I went to answer it. A man in an army uniform told me that the van was waiting for us when we were ready. The army is providing us transportation so we don't have to drive to the cemetery. I nodded and told him we will be out in five minutes.

Mom and Peyton came out from their room a few moments later and they were both ready to go. Two things that caught my attention were that Peyton was once again in her dress uniform and mom was holding her painting for dad. I knew I didn't want to see it until we got to the burial. The driver was waiting for us by the van door and opened it for us when we got outside. He took the painting from mom and secured it in the trunk while we got into the van.

Once we were all settled, the driver took us over to the funeral home and pulled up right behind the hearse. When we were parked, we all got out and made our way inside. There was already a crowd of people waiting inside for the final ceremony here before we head out to the cemetery.

When we got into the sitting room we were escorted to the front row and we took our seats. Dads casket was already closed and the American flag was draped over the lid and my breath hitched. Dominic must have heard it because he took my hand in his and held it tightly. It didn't take long once we got inside for the ceremony to start. The funeral director called everyone to attention and started. One of the solider rang the bell.

"Colonel Donovan" He said, when no answer was heard he rang the bell a second time.

"Colonel Donovan" Was the second call which again had no answer and he pulled the bell one final time.

"Colonel Peter Donovan."

Nobody spoke for a moment and I felt like I couldn't breathe. There wasn't enough air in this room and no matter how many times my lungs expanded; it wasn't enough.

"General, Colonel Donovan has not reported." That was when my first tear fell. The way I was sitting, the tear just fell right from my eye onto my pants. If nobody was looking in my direction, nobody would have ever known.

The General spoke for a few minutes before the US Army Honor Guard came forward and stood around dads casket, ready to bring him outside. Once they started to move up the aisle, we were directed to follow behind them. Dominic and I led the way with mom and Peyton right behind us. The only thing I was able to focus on was Dominic's hand in mine and putting one foot in front of the other. Final, some of my military training kicked in and I was able to move robotically as the numb feeling I've had over the last few days was back.

When we got to the door, the Honor Guard lifted dads casket like it was nothing and they proceeded to the waiting hearse while we followed behind. We stood and watched as they took the utmost care in placing dad into the hearse. Once they were done with their part and the door to the back of the hearse was closed, I finally looked around. Waiting outside the funeral home was rows and rows of military members, some clearly retired, others looked like they were barely out of basic, all here to see my father off.

It was moving to see them all come out for him and after I took another few seconds to take it all in, Dominic and I followed Mom and Peyton to the waiting van that would take us over to the cemetery. Only once we got inside the van did I let go of Dominic's hand and finally felt enough air going into my lungs.

It took a few minutes to get moving once we were all inside. There is a police escort in front of the hearse and a motorcycle presession, most of them all have American Flags flying off the backs of their bikes. I could only imagine how many cars and vans are following behind us. The ride over to the cemetery took about 45 minutes and on our way there, there were some fire fighters saluting us on the overpasses. Each one I saw caused another tear to fall.

When we got to the cemetery there was a little bit of a hold up as we all collected just inside the gates. It took about five minutes to get things moving again and once we were, I figured out why we stopped. On the drive through the cemetery, all of the bikers stopped and lined the path to dads final resting place. It took all I had in me to hold back the tears, I knew that if I started crying now, there would be no way I would be able to stop.

I could see the area that was set up for dad's burial as we were pulling up. A large tent was put up to block out most of the direct heat from the sun with white chairs set up underneath it. When the van stop we were asked to stay inside while the driver got out to make sure everything was prepared. It didn't take long for him to return and he escorted us to the tent and we were instructed to sit in the front row, right in front of the empty hole in the ground.

Just as we sat down I looked up and saw mom's finished painting on a stand not far from the grave sight. More tears feel from my eyes as I took in dads youthful face. He wasn't alone though, in the painting Dominic and I were pulled into his sides and it was then I knew which picture mom used as inspiration. Dad just came home from a six-month deployment in Germany and he surprised us at school when he showed up to pick us up with mom.

When I pulled my head from the memory I tuned back into what's happening in front of me and I noticed that the Honor Guard was carrying dad's casket over. All of us stood up and watched as they placed it onto the belts that would lower him into the earth after the ceremony. After they were done they all moved off to the side and we turned our attention to the General who was directing everything.

He spoke for a few moments before he opened the floor for anyone who would like to speak. Mom made it pretty clear though that the only people we wanted to be speaking today was Dominic and myself. Dominic gave my thigh a squeeze before he stood up and stepped in front of the podium. It took Dominic a moment but he looked up and swallow before starting to speak.

"Most of you knew him as a solider. I only knew him as dad. Growing up, dad was always their to support anything and everything I wanted to do, even if he didn't think it was a good idea. He never tried to talk me out of anything, he would just support me and trust me to make the right decisions in the end. As I finished up high school, I told him I didn't want to go to college or join the military so he took me to different trade schools and helped me find my love for cars and motors.

"Even though he wasn't around like most dads were, he was still the best dad to me and Dani and I wouldn't have wish for anyone else. I just wish we had more time together and for him to support a few more of my bad decisions. I got it from here now dad, rest in the eternal light and I hope I'll see you again one day." Dominic concluded and came to sit back down next to me.

Dominic gave my hand a squeeze when he sat down and I knew it was my turn to get up and speak. I had nothing written down so I just needed to speak from my heart, if the lump in my throat would let me. I gave Dominics' hand a squeeze and got up from my chair to take the podium. I swallowed hard and finally looked up at the mass of people who came to see dad off and automatically my eyes found Morgan. Her soft brown eyes supporting me and it was enough of a push I needed to find my voice.

"On the day I left for boot camp, dad read me a poem, The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson. I can only admit now that I wasn't paying attention to the words at the time because my mind was to focused on what happened in my life just a short 48 hours before. The words went in one ear and out the other.

"When I graduated boot camp, I asked him to read me the poem again. So he did, from memory. That time the words absorbed into my mind and they have stuck with me since. Over the years I always asked him why he read me the poem, but he never answered, always deflected the question back onto me and then changed the subject.

"I've been in that valley of death before, more times then I can count or ever speak out. Some on others blunders, some on my own. On my first mission as team leader for my Ranger unit, there was a blunder, almost as large as the one Alfred Lord Tennyson talked about in the poem. When I realized what was about to happen, I made a decision against orders that ended up saving the lives of my teammates by taking the brunt of the collapse myself. But even though we weren't killed, half of us had to be medically evacuated. While in the hospital recovering, dad flew into Germany to see me and after the initial shock of seeing, me the first thing he did was resight the poem for me.

"It was then when he finally told me the reason why he read me the poem. The poem that I always had in the back of my mind since he told it to me all those years ago. His answer was simple, leaders lead. From the very beginning of my career, he saw me as a leader and knew I would get there some day. Now that I was the leader, I went above and beyond to protect my unit during that mission and because I did what I did, my team all came home that day. Even after that blunder, I'm still leading my team.

"Ever since I was little, dad would always have me tag along with him on base and get to see his office and I was sucked in right away. I knew I want to serve, and if possible, serve with him. My family knew dad was in service until the very end because he loved what he did. He loved working with the special forces and working on side projects. It's because of his side projects I'm here a Ranger.

"After my last deployment we were going to celebrate my ten years of service together, I just wish we got the chance. I know he is going to be protecting me from above now. Rest now dad, we've got it from here."

I didn't have the strength in me to look up at the crowd again so I just made my way to my seat. When I sat down Dominics' hand found mine immediately and so did Morgan's. Both of their hands in mine kept me tether to the ground as the General took the podium again to announce the gun salute. Seven Rifle men that have been aligned since we got here shouldered their weapons and on command fired into the air, first shot, second shot and the final third. When the gun shots finished the first note of Taps could be heard from the bugle as all of the military members in attends snapped into a salute.

I couldn't stop the river of tears pouring down my face as the song continued to be played. This song that has been played at so many other funerals I've been apart of, now has rendered me mute, numb, and inconsolable. It felt like an eternity passed before the final note of the song rang out. Then with skill and precision of years of training, the US Army Honor Guard assembled round dads casket and began to fold the flag. Each movement crisp and firm and they took care of the final thing we would ever receive from my father.

Thirteen folds made by the Honor Guard; each fold holds a different meaning. One that I usually knew every single one. But today as I watched these men fold the flag, all of my knowledge left my brain. The only though going through my mind was the fact in a few short minutes, that flag would be presented to me as the final offer of my fathers military service.

The flag started take it's triangular shape and the final tuck was made. The flag was passed to the General and he made his way over to us. I stopped breathing as he knelt in front of me and held the flag out for me to take. Carefully, I let go of Dominic and Morgan hands and reached my shaky hands out to touch the flag. When I my brain managed to send the signals to my fingers to grasp the flag, I took it from the General and he spoke.

"On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your father's honorable and faithful service."

After the words were spoken, the general stood again and saluted me as I clutched the flag into my chest, hoping that dads spirit would come through the flag and hug me back. It didn't work though and my chest felt cold and empty as I held onto the flag like a life line. The General took the podium again and announced that we were allowed to visit his casket one final time before it would be lowered to the ground.

That is when mom got up. Nobody else dared to move while she went up to his casket holding a single white rose. When she got there, mom put her head down onto the casket and broke down. Her sobs could be heard throughout the cemetery like more gun shots. When her sobs subsided, I could tell mom was speaking to him and watched as her fingers stroked the lid of the casket. When mom slammed her fist into the lid, Peyton stood from her seat and walked over to meet mom. She was able to calm her down and they walked together back to there seats.

A few other men in uniform walked up to see the casket one final time and I took a moment to wipe away the last of the tears that somehow managed to stop falling. When there was a lull in the people going up to see dad, I handed the flag to mom and Peyton to hold and turned back around to walk up to the casket only to find I wasn't alone. Standing around waiting for me was my unit. Monica, Rob and Morgan all standing in front and together we walked up to the casket. When we got there I noticed that some others have placed unit insignia shield into the lid of the casket. I couldn't help but run my fingers over each and every one of them and my fingers stopped one red shield with black dagger. The special forces tab was pushed into the lid right above that and I knew that was left behind by Ryan and his unit.

Before I could even think about pulling the insignia off my beret, Rob put his hand on my shoulder. I turned around to find him holding a Ranger tab and our unit's insignia like he knew what I was about to do. I took the Ranger tab first and place it right underneath the silver eagle and slammed my closed fist down onto it. The first strike was enough and the tab was pushed into the lid. Next I took the shield and placed it close to the Ranger tab and brought my hand down a little harder. The first strike wasn't enough so I had to hit it a second time. When they were both in place, I put my hands over the lid and just held on to it for a second. My final goodbye.

Finally, I pulled my arms away and took whatever final strength I had in me and pulled myself to attention. I didn't have to turn around to know that my unit followed my moves and I brought my hand up and gave my dad on final salute. When I broke my salute, I turned around and faced my unit before going up to each one of them and grabbed their hands, hoping that they could understand what I wanted to say as I couldn't find the words.

I think they got the message as I came to the end of the group and walked back over to mom and Peyton. They gave me back Dads flag and I watched as Dominic stood up and walked over to his casket one more time. We all watched as Dominic pulled a little toy car out of his pocket and placed it on top of the lid. It took another few seconds but I heard my little brothers sobs as well.

Just as I was about to go over to him, one of the soldiers from the gun salute came over to me and held his hand out. I held out my hand and felt the weight of three shell casings drop into my hand. He gave me one salute before turning around and going back to his unit. I clutched onto the casings as I walked up behind Dominic. After putting the empty shells into my pocket, I reached out my hand and put it on his shoulder to let him know I'm here.

It took him a few minutes before he was able to collect himself and turned back to face me. I bit the inside of my cheek hard to hold in the tears I wanted to shed just by the look of Dominic's face. I just took his hand in mine and led him away from dad. We met up with mom and Peyton and the four of us headed out to the waiting van.

As we got to the van I sat down and closed my eyes holding the flag tightly to me. Finally, everything is over.

a/n: I truly think that Epiphany by TS is the best song of the Folklore album, no I will not be talking comments on that. sorry for ripping your hearts out. I promise it's almost over for a little bit. also can we just talk about how this song was used not even a minute into the wilds season 2 first episode??? i was a mess.