Epilogue

It had been a month since our last encounter with Shredder. We all made it out alive, but some of us had been in better shape than others. My family had been so weak that they slept for two weeks straight.

Donnie had kept busy nursing them back to health. I came into his lab as often as I could to "just check up on them." After a while, I think he was getting a bit frustrated and suggested that maybe I should find another way to keep busy. I suppose checking on them ten times per day was a bit much for him.

Leo entered Donnie's lab, having overheard everything. He also suggested doing something else. "Let's get some air," he had said.

I shook my head no. "I want to be here for them."

Leo sighed. "It would do you some good to get out and clear your head."

"Leonardo is correct," came another voice. It belonged to Master Splinter. He continued, "A clear mind calms the soul. If you clear your mind of worry, then you will be calmer for your family."

"Besides," Leo added, "Donnie will let us know the minute anything changes."

I looked from Leo to Master Splinter, and then to Donnie. Sighing heavily, I reluctantly agreed. "Alright. Sorry, Donnie. I know you know what you're doing and I'll give you the space you need."

Leo and Master Splinter led me to a quiet room to begin the "calming" process. Master Splinter spoke of the intent and purpose of meditation. He and Leo assumed a meditative pose and showed me how to do the same. I tried focusing on having calm images run through my mind, but all I could see were terrifying ones: Shredder hurting my family over and over. I decided that this wasn't working and prayed instead for my family's recovery. By the end of that day, they had woken up and shown signs of improvement.

Looking back on that, it's good to see my boys running around with Mikey. They were chasing each other and playing Turtle Tag. It was just like regular tag, but Mikey insisted the name was cooler. They stopped chasing each other after a little bit and Mikey gave them some water balloons. Mikey also had one. Mikey led my boys through the lair to an unsuspecting Raph. They all threw their water balloons at him and ran away giggling.

"MIKEY!" Raph yelled, the sound ringing through the lair. Raph ran after Mikey and the chasing began all over again.

I smiled and turned to my husband who was sitting next to me. When he smiled back, I thought about how glad I was that life was starting to return to normal. The boys and my husband were full of life again and we could finally go home. Donnie had created a Portable Portal Stick, as he called it, for us to use to get back home. Master Splinter told me that my family and I were welcome back any time. It was a great feeling knowing that I was welcome with Master Splinter. I had first entered his home as a stranger. Now, I leave it like I'm second family.

So, I decided after all, at the request of Darksecrets3, to write an epilogue. It's short and sweet and leaves room for a sequel...if I decide to write one. :)

Thanks for reading, and please review. :)

~Lauradane