Luka's POV:
       The movie was great, and the Cuffaine's all enjoyed this nice time together as a family.  The snacks tasted good, and it was nice to hear them all laugh.  The only unsettling thing to Luka was the fact his wife was holding something back from them all.  He was not sure what it was or how it came to this, but somehow he had to get to the bottom of it.

      Luka drive them all home in silence after the end credits were over. He knew he was to approach his wife gently once home, but was still unsure how to bring the topic up though.

   Narrator's POV:

     The Cuffaine's arrive home a few minutes later, but before Luka can speak to his wife privately Olivette talks to her.   Luka knows their daughter means well, but can tell by Marinette's response that she does not acknowledge the full impact of Olivette's words. He worries even more now.  He knows for sure now that something is wrong.

   Olivette's POV:
    "Mom, why are you sad?" Olivette asks. 

      She can despite her mother's laughter moments before something is off. She can tell even as young as she is that her mom is unhappy. The only thing is she has not the slightest idea why her mommy feels this way.

    "It is hard to explain," Marinette tells her.

     "Today is a happy day," Olivette says.

    "It is your special day with daddy,"  Olivette explains as if that settles it all.

      "It is a day for your brother," Marinette says. She tries to smile, but her daughter still reaches over without another word and hugs her.

     "Hope you get better soon," Olivette says with a shrug of her shoulders and walks away.

      Luka's  POV:

        Luka waits until Olivette returns to her room to speak to his dear wife.  He already saw John enter his room with a grin across his face.  He can tell his son is happy about the good time he just had this day.  He sits on the sofa beside Marinette only to have her scoot over. He thinks the action to be rather strange. He decides almost anything she does is out of the ordinary anyway.

      "Marinette, you can stay where you are darling, there is no need to move over," Luka says.  

        Luka remains where he is and tries to do what he can to console her the best he can now. He thinks maybe it is because it has been so long since the last visit to place flowers at her mother's tomb.  He does not know if he is right or not, but that is the hutch he has about it.

       "Marinette, please let me in on whatever troubles you," Luka says.

       "How else can I help you?"  Luka asks her.

       Marinette just sits there with a blank look on her face. She seems to be void of any response right now.  She appears to be deep in thought about something. She does not glance in his direction.

       Marinette's  POV:

        Marinette thinks why does everyone think I am ill, or something?  She believes nothing is wrong with me.  She hears her husband question her and sits there with a blank stare in her eyes.  She does not so much as move her lips. 

       She recalls how a few years back they almost lost John.  It was a rather scary time for them both. She knows she has had lots of dramatic experiences in her life.  She is glad to have gotten to celebrate his birthday.  She also recalls how Olivette insists it is a special day for her and Luka. 

   What could she have meant by this statement?  Marinette thought.

    A few minutes later, Marinette looks at Luka and sees the worried expression on his face. She does not wish he would just drop it and leave it be since it is for the best.  She believes it is better not to say a word about the thing that bothers at her the most.  There is no way anyone could understand it as she can.  

    "Luka, it is alright dear, we did what we could to make John's birthday one he can remember for years to come,"  Marinette says.

    "Olivette sure has gotten tall over the years," Marinette remarks.

   Luka's  POV:

       Luka shakes his head at the denial Marinette has in her voice. He knows that despite her refusal to discuss it that she is depressed.  He feels bad that he did not notice it sooner.  He knows it was the same look she gave him the day they met, the day they discussed wedding plans, the day they got eloped, and the day after John was born.  It was the look she gave him once again a few years back when John almost died.  

       "Oh, Marinette, I love you," Luka says as his voice shakes in fear.

        Luka is afraid to lose her.  He is scared to think of what could happen if she is ever gone out of his life let alone the life of their children.  He breaks down in tears as he reaches for her. He can not seem to help it.  He hugs her tight as if to say please trust me.  Please let me help you.

       "I love you too," Marinette says as her voice quivers. She sounds almost as if she is unsure of herself.  

       Luka does not let go of her even after Olivette peeps her head around the corner to say, "Daddy, I am getting for bed now."

        

    John's POV:
      John enters the room and sees his father in tears and his mother's odd expression.  He walks over to them and wraps his arms around them both the best he can in a group hug.  He kisses his father's cheek, then his mother's forehead, and says,  "Good night, mom and dad, love you!"

      "Good night, John,"  Luka and Marinette responds at the same time.

      John is about to walk back to his room since he is in his pajamas then turns to his dad and asks, "Dad is mommy going to be okay?"
   

      His father just continues to cry.  

       John nods his head and replies,  "Got it pray for mom, okay, goodnight then."   He walks back to his room.

   Find out more in part 4

   -Summer out!