HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

By Wendy : Shywalker

As I entered the precinct, Peter was on his way out. "Catch you later Captain," he smiled, as flew past me.

My mouth opened to say something, but I would have been talking to air, as Peter had already disappeared out the doors.<Damn that boy can never stay still even for one minute>

"Happy Birthday, Captain." Frank offered his hand.

<Damn!>I smiled as I took his hand." Thanks Frank. Uh..You haven't told anyone, have you?" I look around to make sure no one has taken any notice. I'm relieved to see everyone is going about their work, and the Chiefs congratulations was missed.

"Secret's safe with me, Paul. I know what it's like. They won't hear it from me." He promised.

<Now if I can just keep that son of mine to keep his trap shut. I just might make it through the day without being totally embarrassed. What am I saying--this is Peter we are talking about>

I made my way to the office, checking the door to make sure Peter hadn't set some sort of birthday trap. < Okay safe this time>

Feeling a bit more relaxed, I enter, hanging up my coat, laying my briefcase on the desk, I see all the work laying there waiting for me, I can't help myself, <Happy Birthday, Paul>

Realising this wasn't getting my work done, I grab my chair and take a seat. Rolling up my sleeves, I ready myself for another day.

<Damn, my glasses? Where are they?> After a search of the desk, I open my briefcase. <How the hell did they get there?> My glasses lay in my briefcase, they lay on top of a flat package wrapped with care. A simple note marked it's owner 'Dad'.

<This is why, he left so quickly>

I carefully begin to unwrap the paper, so it's contents are slowly revealed.

As the last of paper is gone, it reveals a simple wooden frame with a world of love captured between it's glass. As I tear falls as I read.

If there hadn't been you,
where would I be?
Still adrift in a sea of pain,
unable to focus on my horizon;
unable to see a future.

If there hadn't been you,
what would have I been?
A lonely child, buried in his nightmares,
entombed in the past; unable to
escape the memories.

If there hadn't been you, who would I be?
Without you; I would not be the man I am now.
Most everything I am, I owe to you in some
small or vast way.

If there hadn't been you -- who am I?
I am Peter Caine, the cop.
I am Peter Caine, the man.
I am Peter Caine, Paul Blaisdell's son.
If there hadn't been you--I would not be;
Peter the son, who loves his dad.

So captured by this gift, I don't hear the door of my office open and as I wipe my eyes, a voice gently asks," Did you like it?"

I look through the haze of shed tears, finding it hard to speak. I make it up in action.

Moving from behind the desk, I take Peter in my arms, " Oh yes my son, I liked it. I liked it very much."

I fell Peter hold me tighter, " Happy birthday Dad."

~end~