AUTHOR'S POV   

Larry and Laurent are en route back home after the painful task of identifying their little girl whose lifeless body was atop the cold, metal coroner's table. Since Kaylee disappeared they have tried to remain positive about her coming home. They never wanted to think the worst and each time there was even a small creep of doubt that she would be found alive they pushed it from their minds. It's hard enough to imagine why anyone would kidnap a defenseless child...but what happened to their sweet girl is simply unthinkable and no child deserves it. Through the tears sweet memories of life with Kaylee flood their minds. Laurent is just as emotional as his love but he's also doing his best to console him. That would prove to be nearly impossible as Larry is now having a full blown panic attack. Laurent begins to rub his back whilst telling him to breathe even as tears steady roll down his face. When detective Brunet looks in the rear view mirror and realizes what's happening he promptly asks if Larry needs to be taken to the hospital. Larry raises his hand as if to say a hospital isn't needed and he attempts to regain control of his breathing though it proves to be difficult as his emotions are still heavy. Now that they're closer to their home they try all the more to come to a place of calm...albeit temporarily but they still have to break this news to Emma. The thought of explaining something so heartbreaking to a six year old who loves her big sister more than anything just brings their flood of emotions back...but now that the detective has entered their neighborhood they take several deep breaths. The car comes to a stop and the detective gets out to open the back door for them. It takes several moments because of what's about to take place inside their home but they eventually get out. Before they begin walking towards the front door they hear the voice of detective Brunet...

Brunet: "I'm so sorry for your loss and if there's anything I can do, please, let me know". 

*brief pause*

Larry: *sniff* "Just find who did this then throw them under the prison". 

Brunet: *nods* "Yes sir. We will do everything in our power to find and convict the person responsible". 

Larry: "Whoever did this is not a person, detective. He's a monster". 

Though the detective agrees he doesn't respond verbally as watching the emotions between them is a hard sight to see. He's witnessed child abduction cases that ended in heartless murders over the span of his career and each one is more stomach turning than the last. He watches the slow and solemn pace in their steps as they head for the front door and the words he spoke to Larry only moments ago about doing everything in his power to find this monster are magnified as that is exactly what he plans to do. Seconds later he's in his car and taking off down the street. Now that Larry and Laurent are at the front door they sadly look at each other. Without a word they fall into each other's arms to release more emotions as they also mentally prepare to tell mama...but mostly Emma and their minds are scrambling to find a way to tell her in the most delicate way they can. They expect her to be up from her nap and waiting for them but when they finally get the strength to go inside they don't see her. It's a bit of a relief as they aren't quite sure how to break it to her yet. They do see their sweet son in his activity saucer who happily bounces up and down when he sees them. He's too young to understand but knowing how much he loves Kaylee and always lit up when she was near pulls at their heart strings. They see mama coming down the hall and before she reaches them her face is reading fear of what she will be told. When she's closer she stops and nervously waits for the news. Laurent drops his mouth to speak...but words are halted. The silence is not only an indicator of what she feared it's also more crushing than hearing the actual words. She immediately bursts into tears and falls into Laurent's arms. Larry comes over and they comfort her together. The more she shakes the tighter they hold her. Now she can barely stand so they walk her over to the couch. Laurent sits next to her and she buries her face in his chest as he holds her. Larry is still standing and as he watches her two fresh tears drop from his face then he bends down to give her a kiss. Now he's hearing Ayden's cooing behind him so he turns around and walks over to take him out of the saucer. Ayden smiles beautifully at him and as he takes his tiny hand to grab Larry's nose a loud but tremendously sweet cackle resounds from him. Larry pushes a smile through and while they certainly plan to honor Kaylee's life everyday in every way they can he's also plagued with the fact that when Ayden is old enough to understand he and his love will have to explain what happened to the big sister he adored so much. The painful thought prompts him to bring Ayden closer to hold tighter and as those sweet coos continue to echo Larry begins to rub smooth circles on his back. He turns around to see the best mama in the world and the best husband in the world still holding each other whilst crying silent tears. Then he thinks about their Emma waking up and being the last one, the most delicate one to tell and his heart shatters into more pieces...

Thirty minutes have passed since they've been home and their tears have transitioned to a feeling of being numb. Tea has been brewed and they're all sitting at the table taking sips of it as they continue processing this unthinkable loss. No words have been spoken between the three of them for that very reason though there are things that need to be discussed...albeit very difficult to do so. Their state of grief, shock and complete heartbreak at the thought of Kaylee never coming home again because of the pure evil in this world is just too much to bare. Emma has yet to wake up and each of them have been thinking about her reaction to never seeing her sister again which only magnifies the pain. Laurent looks over at his love who has a light grasp on his mug while the elbow of his other arm is resting on the table...his fist resting against his temple as he stares blankly at the table with blood shot eyes and pain beyond measure behind them. Laurent extends his arm to take hold of Larry's hand and as he uses his thumb to caress the back of it they hear Larry's weak and raspy voice saying, "this really isn't a nightmare". Laurent hears that hurt voice and in his own pain he whispers, "no it's not bebe". A single tear dabs the corner of Larry's eye before it rolls over his nose then drops from the tip of it and onto the dark wood table. Soon after the sound of sniffling is heard among all of them before Laurent finally brings up what they never imagined they would ever have to do...beginning the process of burying their child...

Laurent: "We um, we need to start making the arrangements". *pause* "She...." *gulp* "She should wear her favorite white dress and the headband with the pink and white flowers that she loves so much". *starts to cry* "And um...."

Mama quickly stands up to go over and stand behind him. She wipes two of her own tears away then bends down to wrap her arms around him in a hug as she softly speaks...

Mama: "Son, we don't need to talk for this now. We will plan the most beautiful service for our beautiful girl. One fit for the princess she is but for now it's oki to grieve and we still need to prepare for telling Emma when she wakes up". 

Laurent: *sniff* "Yes ma'am", he breathes out. 

Silence ensues and before mama goes back over to take her seat she asks her boys if they would like a refill of tea. They both politely decline and will spend the next several moments thinking about the exact words to use to explain this to Emma. So many ways go through their minds when they hear that soft voice calling out for them and her grandmere. They promptly wipe their tears away before turning to face her. Emma doesn't have to see those tears to know that something is terribly wrong and as such her face is reading worry along with fear about what could be going on. Larry and Laurent get up from the table and walk over to her with Laurent picking her up and asking if she had a good nap. She sweetly replies that she did but her facial expression shows that she wants to know why everyone is so sad. Laurent sits on the couch with Emma on his lap and with his love next to him he takes a deep breath in as he's hoping that will help in telling her without breaking down. It still takes him a few moments but he ultimately says in a soft voice...

Laurent: "Princess, there's something we need to tell you".

Emma: "About Kaylee papa"?

*brief pause*

Laurent: *nods* "Yes my love. It's about Kaylee", he whispers.  

Emma: "When is she coming home", she asks innocently.  

Laurent thought he would be able to get through this without tears. At least not right away and that he will be able to explain before his emotions took full control...but after hearing that question his head tilts towards the ceiling in an effort to stop them. By the time he lowers his head again more tears have built within a second and two fall effortlessly from his eyes. After a gentle clearing of the throat he proceeds to explain...

Laurent: "Your sister isn't coming home, princess". 

Emma: "Why", she asks sadly. 

Laurent: "Because...." *gulp* "She died bebe". 

Emma: "What does died mean papa"?

Laurent: *sniff* "Well, when someone dies it means that their body doesn't work anymore. They can't run or play. They can't eat or sleep and that's what happened to Kaylee".  

Emma: "We will never see her again"?

Laurent: "No, bebe we won't. She's an angel now". 

Emma: "I know what angels are. They have wings so that means Kaylee has them too".  

Laurent: "Yes she does my love", he whispers. 

Emma: "But I don't understand papa. Why did she died"?

Laurent slowly looks over at Larry whose tears are falling from his chin at a rapid pace. He then remembers how his love explained the kidnapping to her...

Laurent: "You remember when your papa told you that sometimes bad things happen to good people and that someone took her while she was playing at school"?

Emma: *nods* "Yes", she replies softly. 

Laurent: "Oki well we will never understand it but, mean people do mean things, and a really mean person took her away from us".  

Emma's eyes are filled with sadness and as she looks into her papa's eyes she whimpers in a small, fragile voice...

Emma: "I'm really sad". 

Laurent: *sniff* "I know my love". *kisses forehead* "I know. We're all going to be sad for a very long time but it's comforting to know that she's an angel who will always look over us. We will miss her very much but you know something"? *sniff* "It's important to remember all the good times we had with her like all the times you played together and how much fun you had. We will also hold onto how much she loves us and how much we love her, oki"?  

Emma nods and right away Laurent picks her up from his lap and brings her into him. Her cheek goes down on his shoulder and as he goes back to rest against the couch cushion he wraps his arm around his love who rests his temple on his loves shoulder. The tears haven't stopped and his soft sniffs are echoing around the room. Laurent just holds him close while crying along with Larry and while soothing their little Emma. Mama is across the way sitting at the table with her elbows on top, her head down and her hands covering her face as she, too, cries silent tears...

~meanwhile~

Detective Brunet has arrived back at the scene where Kaylee's body was discovered and he notices his partner is back as well. There wasn't much at the scene other than the blanket that covered her up, which has already been sent to forensics for testing, but they need to make sure that they've gathered any additional clues if they have any chance at solving this case. They're very careful in each step as they check the ground. Then suddenly detective Lane discovers a piece of trash a short distance away and when he squats down to observe it he notices a footprint. Having been in this career for years and with forensic testing as advanced as it is he knows that this footprint can be analyzed down to the brand of shoe as well as the size of it. He retrieves a pair of latex gloves from his pocket along with a small pair of tweezers and an evidence bag to place the trash in. His partner saw him make this discovery and had been watching as he secured what he's also hoping is evidence in the case with the hope that will speed it along and bring Kaylee justice. When he sees detective Lane heading towards him he walks over to meet him so they can discuss the next steps...

Brunet: "What did you find on that partner"?

Lane: "A footprint. A very clear footprint. My guess is that the suspect unknowingly stepped on it as he was bringing the body over to place on the ground. Hopefully the forensics lab can determine everything they can about it as soon as possible". 

Brunet: "I think another press conference needs to be held so we can update the community on the case and once we have the results from this print we can pinpoint what we're looking for in the suspect and inform them of that as well". 

Lane: "I agree. I'm heading there now and requesting a rush on the testing". 

Brunet: "I'll call the Bourgeois family and tell them what we've discovered and the next step in the case but perhaps I should wait until tomorrow. As you can imagine they're pretty shaken up". 

Lane: "I say wait to call them until after the results are back but right before the press conference so they can watch the live stream". 

Brunet: *nods* "Ok. That sounds like a plan. I'll wait until then". 

Lane: "Ok. We'll talk soon". 

The detective nods then they split up with detective Lane heading for his car and the other going back to the crime scene that they're about to wrap up as it appears there isn't any additional evidence they can gather...

~evening~

Since breaking the news to their Emma it's been very quiet in the Bourgeois home. Most of the sound comes from Ayden's adorable cooing...but for the most part it's silence. No sound of the TV and very little conversation among one another. Dinner was prepared but no one could eat more than a few bites so the remainder of it was placed in tupperware then placed in the fridge for consumption at a later time. Laurent has been the one spending a lot of time in Kaylee's room but while he cleaned up the kitchen he noticed his love was no longer close to him. He figures that he's in her room so he's been giving him time alone but now that the cleaning is done he dries his off and heads that way. Mama is in the living room with the kids and while Ayden is happily playing mama is holding Emma close to her while they watch a children's movie as she understandably isn't in the mood to play. Laurent walks over to give his little love a kiss then begins walking towards Kaylee's room. The door is partially open so Laurent gives it a gentle push and he sees his love lying on her bed. His back is turned away so Larry doesn't see him. Laurent quietly inhales and exhales in despair then walks over. Kaylee's bed is full size so Laurent can comfortably lay beside his love and the moment he is he wraps his arm around him then kisses the back of his neck. He listens to those strong sniffs then takes his hand and begins to gently rub it back and forth over his belly. Minutes go by before Larry exhales deeply and his weakened voice speaks...

Larry: "I can't believe we will say goodbye to her in a few days". *sniff* "That will be so hard to do. So hard for all of us". 

Laurent: "So hard". *sniff* "She was the sweetest little girl who wouldn't hurt a fly and this sick monster took her life".   

Larry: "Emma is so hurt. Her big sister is gone and this isn't something we should have told her because this never should have happened". 

Laurent: "No it shouldn't", he whispers.

Larry: "I don't know how we can move on from this baby. The pain". *sniff* "I didn't know pain like this was possible. It's too much". *pause* "I want her back". 

Laurent holds him tighter and what was light crying as he listened to his love has now turned into full blown crying as he replies through those tears...

Laurent: "I know bebe. I want her back too. Life won't be the same without her and we will all miss her so much". *sniff* "We just need to be there for each other and help Emma through this". 

Larry: "Oki baby", he breathes out. 

Larry places his arm over Laurent's and together they cry. When it was Ayden and Emma's bedtime they received their baths as usual with Ayden being rocked to sleep after he was changed into a fresh diaper and onesie. Larry and Laurent normally stay up for another couple of hours since the kids bedtime is early but after they say goodnight to Emma they plan on hitting their bed to continue consoling each other. Once she's tucked in Larry gives her a goodnight kiss then heads for he and Laurent's bedroom leaving Laurent. He gives her a kiss and is about to leave her to sleep when she looks up at him... 

Emma: "Papa"?

Laurent: "Yes my love"?

Emma: "Can I sleep with you and papa tonight"?

Laurent looks down in the those beautiful but deeply saddened eyes and it's rare that Emma asks to sleep with them though he completely understands why she doesn't want to sleep alone so with a soft voice he replies, "of course bebe". She sits up and raises her arms to be picked up and with her papa's gentle hold she rests on his shoulder as he walks her to their bedroom. Larry isn't asleep yet and when he sees Laurent walk in with her he knows it's because she wants to sleep with them so he stands up then takes one of his pillows to put in the center. Laurent walks over and gently lays her down followed by Larry getting back in bed. He gives her a soft kiss on her forehead then looks down and whispers, "goodnight princess". Emma rubs her sleepy eyes as she replies, "goodnight papa" then seconds later she's sound asleep. Larry is sure Laurent is about to get on his side but he's surprised to see him leave the room. He wasn't aware that while Laurent watched the sweet interaction between papa and daughter something came to him. He's away for roughly five minutes and when he comes back Larry sees him carrying a bassinet. It's special because Kaylee was the first to sleep in it then it was passed down to Emma when she was brought home before finally being passed down to Ayden. They kept it in their bedroom and each baby slept it in for several weeks before they transitioned to their nursery. Ayden is bigger now but it's still large enough for him to comfortably sleep. Laurent places it next to his side of the bed then leaves the room and returns shortly with a sleeping Ayden in his arms. Larry gulps as he knows that because of the beyond painful news of their little girl and Emma requesting to sleep with them Laurent wants Ayden close to them tonight too. He takes care to put him in the bassinet without waking him then he turns around to go over and get in the bed. He looks at the sleeping beauty between them and he, too, gives Emma a sweet kiss on the forehead. He then rests his head against his pillow before he and his love connect. They sadly gaze into the other's eyes then Larry sees Laurent's open hand raised in the air. Knowing what it means he raises his hand to bring closer and the instant their palms touch their fingers intertwine. Larry gazes at their connected hands then gazes back at his love whose eyes are essentially repeating what his words spoke earlier. That they just need to be there for one another through the greatest pain they've ever known and make sure that they help Emma through it too. It may be easier said than done...but they know Kaylee would want healing for her family. They slowly release and drop their arms then close their eyes to attempt to get some sleep as they have preparations for Kaylee's funeral to make...

~2 am~

Laurent's eyes open as he feels that there's someone missing from the room. When he comes to he realizes it's Larry who's missing. He imagines it's difficult to sleep. Laurent is surprised he's even able to. He doesn't want to leave Emma and he figures Larry went to get a drink of water due to struggling to sleep so he decides to wait for him. He unknowingly falls sleep but his senses pick up on the fact that his love still hasn't returned so he wakes up again and curious as to where his husband is he quietly slips out of bed so he doesn't wake Emma up. Hopefully he can locate Larry and bring him back before she does and is perhaps frightened when she doesn't see them. He checks Kaylee's room and he isn't there so maybe he's at the kitchen table. He's alarmed when he doesn't see him there either but then something tells him to check their patio that leads out to the huge backyard where many fun family events have taken place and as recently as Emma's sixth birthday party where she happily played with her sister as they went everywhere together. When he approaches the backdoor sure enough he sees his love...but what he isn't expecting to see is his hysterical crying so he rushes out to comfort him...

Laurent: "It's oki bebe. I'm right here". 

Larry: "I don't understand why! She was just playing out here and she was happy! Why would anyone do this"?! 

Laurent: "I don't know bebe. Just hold onto me. I got you". 

Larry unexpectedly pushes him away and screams, "but why?! He then turns and looks up into the midnight sky then shouts, "why" to his higher power. He looks back at Laurent and painfully shouts, "why baby?! She was just a little girl who had her whole life ahead of her"! Laurent instantly steps forward to take his shattered love back in his arms. Larry's knees then buckle and as he slowly falls to the ground he cries, "I don't know how to deal for this baby. It hurts too much". Now that they're sitting in the middle of their yard Laurent places a kiss to Larry's temple as he rocks him back and forth in the midst of his painful and tear jerking breakdown...

--------------------------- 

A/N: Between breaking this horrible news to Emma and her reaction then Larry's meltdown at the end I imagine many of you are as saddened as I was writing it. I don't really have anything else to say other than please prepare accordingly for the next update and please, share your thoughts. Love you guys. ❤️