Walker
Walker was so busy typing away at his computer, that he didn't notice his wife entering the room.
"Honey?"
He jumped.
"Oh... Diana."
He sighed as she made her way behind him and hugged him from behind. After giving him a kiss, she gazed over his shoulder at the computer screen.
"Walk?"
"Hm?"
"What are you doing?"
He hesitated, then took a deep breath.
"Typing my letter of resignation."
"To what organization?" Diana asked, worriedly.
"The YIRAAS Council."
It took a moment for this to sink in, and Diana shook her head.
"Oh Walk, no..."
"Diana..."
"You spend so much time at work for them. Surely you don't want that to go to waste?"
"But that's just it Diana..."
He turned and took her hands into his, looking into her eyes.
"I spend so much time... too much time in fact, at meetings and events, when I should be spending that time here. With the family."
He sighed.
"I haven't been here when I should have been, and so many things have happened this year that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Isaac, Taylor, Zac and Avery each being abducted, Isaac and Taylor a few times now... Jess and her dreams ordeal, not to mention suicide attempts. The Eye targeting Mackenzie... And we don't even know what his status is right now."
He let go of Diana's hand to run his fingers through his hair.
"I need to be here for the family. And I'm not. Malory will be reaching his trouble stage soon, and I don't need Taylor or Jess to feel guilty about anything that happens. We know what the creatures are capable of, and if things get out of hand, we don't need anyone in this family becoming a target."
"You don't know that that will happen Walker," Diana tried to comfort.
"It's a rule," he shrugged, "black fuzzles will attempt to murder those closest to them. Starting with their parents and siblings, and progressing to owners and owners' relatives. And we least of all need anything to happen to any of Zac or Jane's children."
He noticed his wife look slightly disgruntled at the mention of the children. She still hadn't gotten over Zac's activities, and the day that Mouse had threatened her.
"We'll be fine," she insisted, "please, reconsider. They need you Walker. You've been a member for so long..."
"Family is more important than work," Walker insisted, "and we don't need any of the kids to grow up thinking otherwise. I'm about to set an example."
He turned back to the computer and continued typing. Diana bit her lip, kissed his cheek, then left the study.
Walker groaned a little, then put his head in his hands.