A/N: Here it is guys the final chapter of Brother in Shade, I apologize for the long delay as I said I would have it done last month, but it was for several reasons. One, I had a really busy work schedule that has been keeping me occupied throughout the month of November and December. Two, been in seclusion focusing on writing improvement, so hopefully I got it right this time. And three, Writer's Block has been hitting me like crazy. Either way, hope you guys enjoyed the story while it lasted.

With each passing day; Lincoln focused on his art. Once an image came into his head, he crafted it into a piece of paper. Thanks to the artist kit, Rita got him; the middle-child kept busy. The daily silent checkups continued from the parents to the sisters. In addition, Bobby and Ronnie Anne offered their assistants to help Lincoln. Since Bobby's mother is a nurse; both children were familiar with the dangers of depression. They were just glad that Lincoln was not moping anymore. Nevertheless, Lincoln was far from the homestretch of being cured of his depression. It was all in fate's hands now.

The depression was still a working progress for the young loud. He had also caught up with his school work. Now that summer school was complete; the middle-child had the whole last month to himself. Summer was usually the day to relax without a care, but it did not seem on Lincoln's mind right now. While away from home; Lincoln tried to get as much creativity as he could. He took long walks through the small town to gather inspiration he needed.

While on his venture, Lincoln came across another homeless person. This one was a female; much older than the last person. Like any other homeless; the person sat in misery as if life did not matter. The signs were obvious from the uncaring expression to the alcohol bottle and the cigarette in hand. With nothing better to do, the middle-child sat beside the women. He offered her a granola bar from his backpack.

"Rough patch huh?" Lincoln started.

The homeless women puffed out smoke. "You don't know the half of it unless you lived the hell like I did kid."

"I can only imagine," Lincoln replied. "If you don't mind me asking, what did you do on your past life?"

"I was a music producer."

Lincoln's eyes widen in surprise. "Wow, that's incredible, so what happened?"

The homeless sighed sadly as she tossed her cigarette. "Mp3's took over the industry, and no one gave jack about Disco anymore. It was as dead as the dinosaurs."

"You know it's never too late to not live your life with purpose, even if the chips are down," Lincoln tried to cheer up the woman.

"I don't know kid, my situation doesn't make it a lot better."

Lincoln rose from the ground. "Well anything is certainly better then you feeling like a failure here."

"I suppose so," The homeless women glanced at her cigarettes and beer bottle, seeing the boy walk away.

In the meantime, Lincoln was not the only one with problems. The matriarch took time to herself. She thought about her actions and her son, and how her harsh actions not only affected her but her family. Rita only wish she could do more, but she knew that Lincoln would have worked it out for himself. Last thing the boy needed was the mother constantly breathing down his neck.

"Dr. Lopez will see you now Mrs. Loud," The Receptionist called.

As Rita took a deep breath; she rose on her feet, and proceeded to the destination. Rita knocked on the door.

"Come in," Dr. Lopez called.

"Dr. Lopez?" Rita asked.

"Hello Mrs. Loud, come on in," The therapist ordered. "How are you?"

"Could be better I guess," Rita answered with somber tone, which the psychologist could easily read.

With her clipboard and pen, she got started as Rita took her seat. "Why don't you tell me what is on your mind?"

"A lot of things, my son's depression, my deceased brother and my family," Rita answered.

The doctor remain neutral and responded, "Ah yes, I did speak with your son recently, his depression is more serious than I thought."

"I bet it must be a lot for you to take in."

"Don't be ridiculous Mrs. Loud, your son is not the first person that came into my office with depression. And from my experience depression can stem from a lot of things."

Rita took a sad deep breathe. "For years my son has always been so supportive of his sisters and their activities. He would always help and inspire them. This kind of thing never bothered him before."

"Yes; from what I gather it definitely stems from your daughters over-achievements." Dr. Lopez pointed out. "And what does your son normally do?" Dr. Lopez inquires.

"Apart from spending time with his sisters, mostly plays video games and read comics. Though, there are times where I do wish he was more productive like his sisters." Rita said. "Once before I made him sign up for Pee-Wee Football, but it was not exactly something that he was into." Rita thought about the time Lincoln made a fool of himself on the game. Needless to say, Rita was not the only disappointed one through the deception.

"Then months ago, he tried to win a trophy by imitating his sisters, but that did not work out well." Rita remembered hearing from Luan, therefore, being a laughing stock. Others just viewed Lincoln as a shameless imitator. "He was so desperate to win at all costs that it will immediately take him out of her sister shadows."

"I see, that is dreadful," Lopez wrote down on her notes, while shocked from the inside. "How is your son now?"

"He's been working on some drawings, dare to say, way more time on that then his usual activities," Rita said with little happiness. "He has not been sad as much lately."

"Well that is certainly a start in finding a passion, as I said to him these kinds of things take time," Dr. Lopez replies with a smile. "So Mrs. Loud this is going to be a difficult question, but how familiar are you on the effects of depression?"

"Very familiar as it caused someone precious to me, and I'd be damned if I was about to let that happen to someone else." Rita curled up like a bug. "But lots of help that turned out as it only pushed away my son."

"Oh really, how so?"

"My brother Mitchell fell victim to depression long ago. His world came crashing down from a permanent injury that caused him his career." Rita could still remember the image of Mitchell hanging himself. The first dead body Rita had seen. "I thought limiting Lincoln would be the best course of action but it was not."

"I'm sure a little tough love was all a child needed to," Dr. Lopez tried to explain.

Rita shook her head. "No! It was not! It was just me acting like a dictator. And if Lincoln hated me for it then so be it as long as he was still intact," Rita burst. "Even if he ended up yelling at me back and calling me by my first name." Just the very reminder made Rita clench her skull. Tears started to roll down her eyes. "Even if he forgave me, I still feel so disgusted with myself."

Keeping her calm demeanor, Dr. Lopez handed Rita a box of tissue paper. "Mrs. Loud from one parent to another, you oughta know that no parent is without its challenges, but that is why we learn from our mistakes. Trust me, I've seen adults make more mistakes then kids."

"Even so, how could I even call myself his mother after all that?"

Dr. Lopez went in close, "Any parent would fear losing a child, myself included; however, you cannot let that fear consume you."

Rita wiped the tears from her eyes. "I guess so, but the more I think about the more it makes my stomach turn. I still want to do something to help my son without coming off as too pushy."

"Then what I would suggest is maybe you should spend some time with him. Not only to ease his depression, but to make him feel like more than just a supporter," The doctor offered.

Although Rita was reluctant at first, it has been a while since quality time with her son. The only time they had was take your child to work day. Most of the time was usually spent with her daughters. Ever since their children were born; Rita and Lynn made a commitment that they would never play favorites. Unfortunately, they let their daughters proud achievements blind them. Now that the mother thought about it, Rita felt more insensitive about Lincoln.

"Well maybe I can bring him along to my book clubs," Rita thought out loud. Rita got up on her feet. "Thank you Dr. Lopez, now I can see why Clyde speaks so highly of you."

"Off course; my offices are always open for you and your family," Dr. Lopez handed Rita a card. "As I told Mr. Loud for the sake of Lincoln, try to ease up on the praise and attention until Lincoln can handle it with ease."

"I will, thank you."

"And don't tell Clyde this, but I'd take you and your family any day over him," Dr. Lopez gave a wink. Rita could easily read through the signal causing the mother to giggle.

Lincoln arrived home that afternoon. And as he opened the door, he found his sisters preoccupied with something. When questioned, each of them made excuses. Lynn and Lola even threaten to beat up Lincoln if pried any longer, so he backed off. Lincoln did not care at this point. They only hope Lincoln would forgive them later on. Lincoln made it to the second youngest room avoiding a chemical explosion.

"Dang it, I think I need to create more substance," Lisa wiped off her glasses. Lisa noticed Lincoln. "Greetings brother, I trust your day of school turned out well."

"Yeah it was the usual. What are you doing?" Lincoln asked, slightly not caring.

"I am creating a formula to aid against negative emotions, hopefully to change people's personalities," Lisa answered. "I call it my mood shifter. So long as people remain in a positive mood, it would decrease the suicide rate in the world."

"So your trying to create some kind of gizmo to fight against depression? Don't you think that may have side effects to the brain?" Lincoln questions.

Lisa pondered for a bit. "Well then I guess it is back to the drawing board. But my way would surely be more effective than mothers." Lisa replied sourly.

Lincoln stepped into the room and sat on Lisa's bed. He signaled his little sister to join him. "Lisa; don't be too harsh on mom. Even if I did not like her methods, I do get where is coming from."

"Ah yes, father did inform us about our deceased uncle who I would have loved to meet. It is a tragedy on his demise." Lisa held her head down. "I can cure strep throat and a nuclear crisis, yet I cannot fix a case of depression."

"Lisa; even the smartest of scientists cannot fix every problem in the world."

"I know that!" Lisa exclaimed. "But it does not mean I can't try, that way it can loosen the suicide rate that still plagues this world." Lisa wiped her glasses and leaned on Lincoln's side. "Life is precious and ending your own existence is the biggest sin anyone can commit."

Lincoln rubbed his sister's brain. "Lisa I can promise you, I will never end up like Uncle Mitchell." Lincoln embraced Lisa closely. "Someone's got to be here to watch you grow up into a splendid scientist." Lisa smiled resting on Lincoln's loving embrace. The gifted Scientist was usually not one for emotions, but right now she let it take over.

When the middle-child got to bed, he let his dreams take over. Like a cliffhanger episode, it brought the boy back to the same dream. The homeless middle-child still remained in the hospital, and his condition was starting to get better. Each day Lincoln's condition was stabilizing. Lincoln was no longer coughing up blood. The blood flow normally. Luckily, Lincoln was rushed quickly, or else his lungs did would suffer permanent damage.

While dealing with her own problems; Luna made it a priority to always visit her little brother. Now that Luna saw her best friend again; it given her the strength to get back on her feet. The rockstar could only imagine the hell her little brother endured through the years.

After the meeting came to an end, Luna stepped out for a break. The rocker took one last glance at the carton of cigarettes. Since Luna was a Vape user, she no longer had the need for cigarettes. The musician had also entered her third week of no alcohol. By tossing the stuff garbage; she was now going to make it a habit to start quitting. After all, Lincoln was not the only one who needed to make improvements.

She arrived at the hospital only to find her little brother sleeping. She glanced at his peaceful sleeping face, reminding how cute he was as a child. Even if Lincoln was in the hands of professionals, the rockstar wished she could do more to help her brother. It made her eyes water knowing that Lincoln was alive. Nothing else mattered but being there for Lincoln. Luna held Lincoln's hand as she yawned, then fallen asleep. They could try to pry her off with a crowbar or call security for all she cared, but nothing was going to keep her being separated for little brother any longer.

Eight-O'-clock am occurred as the rays from the sunlight woke her; added was a hand on her shoulder. The musician still felt a bit groggy as she yawned. One thought was probably the hospital nurse telling her to leave or even security.

"Good morning sweetie," a familiar voice said.

As Luna rubbed the sand out of her eyes, she got a look at the person. "Mom, is that you?" Luna inquired with a big yawn.

"In the flesh dear, we all got your message." Rita responded. There Luna saw her mother, much older wearing glasses, and even glain a little weight. Rita was not alone; however, the whole family was there, also much older. It was like a reunion, and Luna felt like she was dreaming herself.

"Your all here." Luna noticed as she still could not believe her eyes.

"Mom!" Mickey called out as she leap on Luna's chest. Luna shared Mickey's happiness as she hugged him back.

Distracted by the noise, the middle-child started to wake from his sleep. At first, Lincoln thought he was seeing things, but felt his mother's soft touch on his face. Now Lincoln was convinced that it is real, even if he could not believe it himself. The boy's mouth was completely dry as he did not even know where to start in introductions.

"Go on buddy, go meet your uncle." Luna told her son.

Mickey got on Lincoln's bed. "It's nice to meet you uncle Lincoln," Mickey greeted.

Lincoln paid the boy a smile. "Nice to meet you too pal." Lincoln gave the boy a fist bump. "And call me Uncle Linc for short."

"Okay Luna, I think it's time Lincoln meet his other niece and nephew," Lori insisted. "Hey little bro, good to see you. This is Gloria and BJ." Lori introduced her two children.

"BJ?" Lincoln inquires.

"Bobby Junior." Lori corrected.

The oldest daughter and youngest son embrace their uncle on both sides. One would think they would have hesitations meeting someone new, yet it did not stop them from meeting their uncle. Lincoln figured that they had enough knowledge to know who Lincoln was.

"Hey Linc, I got a joke for you." Luan stepped up. "What did the mother say to her brother after pinning him?"

"I don't know Luan, what." Lincoln asked, missing Luan's humor.

"She said, 'say uncle' Luan stepped forward with her five-month-old daughter and put in in Lincoln's arms. The white-haired man watched as his niece slept peacefully.

"She just as beautiful as her mother," Lincoln complimented.

Lisa went close to Lincoln. "It is truly a blessing to see you again elder brother." Lisa tilted her glasses. "I may have to do some tests on your condition, for you are not the only ones who experience years of hardship."

"What do you mean Lisa?" Lincoln asked, holding to Lisa's cold hand.

Lisa pulled the glove off her right hand to unveil a robotic hand. As Lincoln was about to ask, Lisa answered his question. "A failed experiment came crashing down crushing my forearm."

"I'm sorry that happened to you," Lincoln said.

"It's not so bad, it is adjustable." Lisa pulled off the robotic hand, causing everyone to shriek.

"We still have not gotten used to that," Lynn interjected.

Rita placed her hand on Luna's shoulder. "We'll take it from here dear. Right now, your son needs you," Rita offered. "Also, your starting to smell."

They watched their family reminisce with Lincoln. Knowing how long it's been, they had a lot to catch up on. At the least, the family was relieved Lincoln was not dead. From what Lincoln had been told. He was not only one that suffered hardship over the years.

Even if Lori and Bobby seem like a perfect match; their marriage was not without complications. It got put to the test when Bobby made risky investments. Despite Lori's warnings, the plans nearly caused them the family Mercado. Lisa's unstable experiments had often led in disasters. The failed experiments conducted not only caused her a limb, but government funding being pulled. The comedian tried to expand on her humor, but discovering how sensitive, and unfunny her gags were to a new audience. It was times like this that made Luan wish she was a kid again. The twin princess had couched lots of girls in Beauty Pageant, yet not all of her methods were successful. One of her students used drugs to cheat; much to Lola's dismay. Lola may have been ruthless in contests, but a cheater was something she was not. Leni's fashion ideas was a marvel to behold, however; it also came with some ruthless competition. Once a friend Leni thought; had turned out to be a thief taking all the credit for her designs.

Although the second twin achieved her dream in taking her handyman skills professionally. Lana's skills did not come without mishaps, causing her to lose her business. While Lucy was normally the dark and dreary one of the Louds, she was not without her struggles. While her career as a Mortician gave her the tools for her series of poem books, it also gave her days of block. Without Lincoln to guide her with words; it started to feel meaningless to her. Lynn Jr. over competitive nature had only went so far in her career. That brutal nature cost her a tournament in China. It had even led to her getting banned from all sporting events in that country.

From every word and moment with Lincoln's family. It began to bring an overdue smile on the boy's face. The comfort of his big family was able to reduce the pain he felt inside. He felt a light shining upon him, or else it could have been the sunrays.

"We will pay for Lincoln's hospital bill." Lynn Sr. said to the nurse.

"You'll be coming home with us Lincoln." Rita added, holding her son's hand.

Lincoln nodded with a smile. "Good, it will be great to be home to start over again of what will I do."

"Right now just take time to recover son," Lynn Sr. advise to Lincoln.

"Well we can always use a babysitter when Bobby and I are out," Lori suggested. "Wouldn't be fun to spend time with your uncle kids?"

"Yay!" The kids shouted in unison.

As Luna watched the family catch up to Lincoln, she felt her son tug on her pants. Luna leaned down to ground level. "I made this for you mom," Mickey offered the rocker a card.

Luna glanced at the Mother's Day card to reveal a picture of his mother and him; along with a sweet message. That card alone made Luna's eyes water. She felt Mick's touch over her wet face. "Thank you Mick, it's lovely," Luna sobbed as she embraced her loving son. Not only were the tears on the card, but the fact that her son still loves her; despite her wrong doings. "Mickey, your mother loves you no matter what."

Mickey hugged Luna back. "I know mom; and I love you too." After Mickey received a peck on the forehead, Luna took him by the hand. Like Luna; the family felt like crying seeing Lincoln again. "No offense mom, but you really stink."

Luna continued to grasp her son, "I know buddy."

"And for first place winner goes to?" The host announced in suspense as the drums rolled. "The first place winner is Lina Laurence!" The host concluded as the audience applauded.

It was the big day of the art competition. Everything Lincoln worked hard on was going to get noticed. Or at least he thought as his name was not called. The middle-child saw the competitors received their awards. He was not even as a runner-up. There was no little credit given to Lincoln. The host gave the boy a friendly pat on the shoulder saying "Sorry kid, better luck next time." Lincoln gave a sad and disappointed sigh as he walked out of the building. He lost count how many times losing a contest. And, Lincoln was looking forward to finally earning a trophy, yet life was not fair.

The day came to an unsatisfied end. The white-haired child pondered his mistake walking home. With each step; he wondered what went wrong. Nonetheless, Lincoln tried his best to keep his head up. He did it not for himself, but his family sake. And yet, the boy could not easily shake off the failure. Like the last few days, Lincoln took a detour home. Even with his newfound talent; he still continued to question his future.

Upon arriving home, Lincoln met up with his sisters. By how long the siblings were there, it was almost like they were waiting for him. The boy was in no mood for entertainment as he bypass them. He just wanted to rest to prepare for another day of emptiness.

"Hey everyone," Lincoln greeted half-interested.

"Hey bro, so how was your day?" Lynn Jr greeted back.

"Oh you know, the usual, nothing to brag about," Lincoln replied soullessly.

"Lincoln; we heard about the contest you entered," Luan reminded, getting Lincoln's attention. "I heard about it from Maggie."

"You did?" Lincoln asked.

"Yeah, we're sorry you did not win," Luan says. "We know you wanted a trophy so badly."

"It's fine, I've grown used to it by now, but I'm not too upset," Lincoln replied, still feeling down.

The sisters felt sympathy for the middle-child. Lori gave the nod to the other sisters as it was time, now or never.

"Lincoln, we realize now that you have been feeling unapproved lately," Leni confirmed.

"You mean unappreciated Leni," Lori corrected.

"Yeah that too," Leni said.

"Which is why Lincoln, we made this video for you," Lori declared as the little sisters pushed Lincoln to the couch.

"Guys, I'm really not in the mood for home movies," Lincoln declined.

"Just sit and watch big bro!" Lola barked.

The video began as the title screen appeared. "A tribute to Lincoln Loud," highlighted itself into the TV. Lincoln was already unmuse until the first born made it on camera.

"To my brother Lincoln, although I've always been the oldest, but sometimes not the most mature, that is why at times I can depend on my little brother," Lori narrated. "I can remember the day when I was crying after losing the golf tournament, you made me a paper mache trophy. Even if it melted in the rain, the effort he put into was really thoughtful that it inspired to try again."

"I almost forgot about that," Lincoln said.

On the next video presented the second eldest. "Lincoln has always been good to me as well. Whenever things that I miss, he would always be the first to point me in the right direction. In addition, although he was not a fan of it, I do appreciate the time and effort to help me model clothes."

Third video came the rockstar, blazing on her guitar. "Rock on little bro, for not just Mick Swagger, but you help my discover my rockin passion," Luna exclaimed. "All the times I used to sing to you, you always told me that I have a beautiful voice. And for all the times you inspire, this is for my one and only favorite brother." Luna begin to sing a song dedicated to Lincoln with love and care.

Lincoln was almost at a loss for words how much the song spoke to him. The hard working effort was there.

Next was Luan opening up with puppet, Mr. Coconuts. "Hey Lincoln, I got a joke for you. What do you call a the opposite of a sad clown? A happy clown, you remember the times I would always make you smile and laugh when you were a baby? So long as we shared that smile together, I was sure it would never go away. And as I try hard to make everyone smile, I'll always remember because of you."

Lynn Jr got presented in the following part. After hitting her baseball, the little jock witness her home run through the neighborhood. Little did she know however, the baseball hit somebody's window. "You see that Lincoln, that's the home run that motivates me everyday. Although I may not show it through the rough housing, but the truth is I need you to train myself everyday to be the best. I know I always relied on luck, but if there is good luck charm out there, then you are my four leaf clover. "

"Loud!" The angry neighbor shouted.

"Well that's it, gotta go bye," Lynn concluded, running away.

The goth little sister made her way across the room. "Hello brother, I have made this poem for you." Lucy cleared her throat. "I call it; To my brother like no other."

"To my brother like no other, held and raise. For the bound we share, no separation will ever set us ablaze. Through the determination of the powerful thick skin, I will also endure, because I have someone who makes each day worth fighting for, While I am the dark and you are light in this life battle we race, in the future our paths will meet face to face. If I am ever strong like warriors steel, it is the fact that I have a loving brother that is real," Lucy concluded in her poems, dedicated to Lincoln. Lincoln almost forgot the time he took a bullet for his sister.

The following video segment started the twins. At the presentation of the video, there were a few fights, causing the middle child to roll his eyes. After a few breakups and re-shoots, they got to the subject. "Big brother, you have always been the best pageant coach a little princess like me could ask for, always helping and inspiring me to do my best. Even when I lose, you always made me feel like a winner."

The tomboy shoved Lola out of the shooting. "If I'm ever the best me Lincoln; it's because you always lift me on my feet. And I have the feet mud pies to prove it to you. As well as the dump," Before Lana could say anything else the video was cut short.

The final presentation came to the second youngest and the infant. "Greetings brother, although my methods of science have been exaggerated most if not all the time, the truth is you help me with my experiments. Without your aid, I could never perform my greatest experiment and win the Nobel peace prize. But by far, the greatest achievement is having such a helpful brother." Lily tried to talk as Lisa was able to understand every word. "The youngest sibling also expresses her love and care brother throughout the playful times with her to seize the crying." Lisa heard more words from Lily. "She also says, you will always be the best you can ever be, and will never change."

After the video came to an end; Lincoln held his head down in silence. Question marks raised above the sisters head of the results; hoping that they did not make things worse. If this effort was not going to make Lincoln rise up on his feet; than what will. The second eldest was the first to move close to Lincoln. Leni notice the salty liquid on Lincoln's face.

"Lincoln what's the matter? Is this the effect of the Anti-Depressions?" She inquires.

Lincoln wipe the tear from his eye and faced his sisters. "No Leni, this is real. I'm actually touched. You guys must have worked really hard on this."

"Indeed, it only took around fifty-eight hours and approximately…" Before Lisa could finish; Lori pulled her back the explanations.

"We wanted to feel that you were more than just a supporter Lincoln. Your our brother," Lori confessed.

"Off course we haven't forgotten all the nice things you ever did for us Linky," Lola stepped in.

"Yeah little bro, we owe it all to you," Luna added.

Lori put her hand on Lincoln's shoulders, "The ones who are truly lucky is us Lincoln to have a wonderful brother in our lives. Which is why we got you this." Lori presented a Custom made Plaque labeled Certificate of Merit to Lincoln Loud. Even if the plaque was custom made, the carved wood and shine made it look real.

Words pierced Lincoln's heart like an arrow. He was at a loss for words of this award. The middle-child did not think he deserved such a thing. After a few seconds of quiet, he laughed with excitement. The laughter was not out of irony, but genuine happiness. The smile brought light upon the middle-child. "Well then I'm glad, you all did this." Lincoln confessed back. "I can always count you guys. And I know I don't say this often, but you all mean the world to me. I love you all."

The sisters drew towards Lincoln like a magnet, and embraced the middle-child in a group hug. "Aw, we love you too Lincoln!" They burst, feeling like shredding tears themselves. Now that Lincoln smiled again, the sisters felt their mission was accomplished.

"You'll always be special to us Lincoln," Lori encouraged the boy.

"That's right sweetie," Rita came in.

"Your a Loud son. Loud and Proud, that will never change." Lynn said. "So why don't we celebrate this day by going to Gus-Game-N-Grub?"

Lincoln got confused, "What for? I did not win anything."

"We know that son, but you tried your very best, and that's all that matters." Lynn Sr. says to Lincoln. "Your just now finding your calling while your still young, and the last thing we want to do is pressure you. Come on guys Pizza and Wings are waiting for us." Lynn announced as the children happily followed to the van.

"Sounds good everyone, I'll catch up in a few." Lincoln said, not moving.

The family exit to the van, but Lincoln stay behind for a bit. The boy could not stop looking at the Certificate award given by his family. With everything they have done to ease his depression; Lincoln did not feel the award was out of pity. The heart and soul was put into this effort. Little did Lincoln notice that Rita also held back.

Kneeling down to ground level, the mother gave her son one big hug. Lincoln hugged her back. "Lincoln; do not ever feel like you have to prove your worth to this family. We will always love you no matter what, understand." Rita glanced at Lincoln with a hopeful expression. "Do you promise to always keep your head up and never give into despair?" Lincoln nodded silently along with a smile. The matriarch place one last kiss on Lincoln's forehead.

The white-haired watched as the mother leave through the front door. Now that Lincoln had an award to add to the trophy case, no longer did he feel unwanted. Sure the plaque may have not been anything extravagant like Lynn's sports trophies or Lola's Pageant Crowns, but it was something that was earned. Even if they were just materials: Lincoln felt that he earn much more.

All grey clouds of doubt and sorrow were no longer in Lincoln's mind. It was replaced with a sunshine of optimism. Added inside was a fire burning inside of Lincoln push on. That lost confidence was slowly building itself up again. Finally; the visions of his poor future self was gone. It was replaced with someone more accomplished. Lincoln did not know what the future truly holds for him, but was not going to let fear get in the way. As he stepped out to face his happy family; all he could do was endure the obstacles to come.

And with that beacon of hope, the boy happily rushed to his family.

FIN