Lois was no longer enjoying her quiet.

She still liked it, of course, but the work it took maintaining it was starting to be more than she could control. Kitty and the boys knew, Caroline was suspicious, and even Hal was noticing something was going on.

To think Francis of all people would cause so much concern. Figures he would be a troublemaker even from the grave.

Malcolm walked into the house, and tried to speed walk away from Lois. But she managed to get a "not so fast, Malcolm!" but he had fully left the room.

"What?" Malcolm asked in what he hoped was a neutral tone, his heart racing.

"Kitty Kenarban knows the truth about Francis, Malcolm."

"I didn't say anything," Malcolm insisted.

"Oh, I know," Lois said. "I told her."

"What?" Malcolm looked genuinely surprised.

"Oh yes. We had a laugh about it over coffee earlier today. She thinks it's wonderful. She knows what a pain he was," Lois smiled as she saw the terror on the boy's face. "So, Malcolm, just realize that if you do speak up, results may not be how you intend."

Lois walked away without another word. Malcolm stood frozen. No, she had to be lying.

She better be lying. If she isn't then I can't trust anyone.

"Malcolm?"

Malcolm turned and noticed Reese had entered the hallway.

"Are you okay?" Reese asked in an uncharacteristically gentle voice.

"Why would you ask that?"

"Because you just wet yourself."

Malcolm looked down and sure enough the front of his pants were soaked. "Oh."

"Did Mom say something?" Reese asked.

"Huh? Oh, no, I haven't even seen her," Malcolm said unconvincingly, "I'm gonna go change."

"The boys are still acting different, Lois," Hal said once the boys were in bed far earlier than normal.

"I know. It's wonderful."

"Well, I wouldn't say that," Hal said, "It's quiet, but something seems wrong about it."

"Your just not used to true peace and quiet," Lois argued. "But don't worry, this is the start of better days."

"No, Lois, I don't think so," Hal responded, feeling somewhat awkward. "I think something is wrong."

Lois heart stopped. "Like what, Hal?"

Hal shook his head. "I don't know, but I know it's something. Does that make sense?"

"No."

Hal sighed. "Maybe it is all in my head."

Yes, Hal, Lois thought, just forget about it.

"But Francis never acted this way."

Lois had to stop herself from forming a fist at the mere name. "Suppose not."

Hal could tell that mentioning Francis was a risky idea, but he pushed on. "No, Lois, we can't just ignore our problems. You haven't said one word about Francis since he disappeared."

"Why should I?" Lois asked in a dangerous tone.

"He's our son, Lois," Hal said outraged.

"To my constant misfortune!" Lois snapped.

"Lois, our son is missing and you act like he's dead!"

"He's as good as for all I care!"

"So you don't care where Francis is?"

Lois lost it. "NO HAL. I DON'T GIVE A SINGLE FUCK ABOUT FRANCIS!"

"OH YEAH? WELL WHY THE FUCK NOT LOIS?"

"THAT'S MY BUISNESS!"

"WHY DON'T YOU CARE ABOUT OUR SON, LOIS?

"BECAUSE I HATE FRANCIS HAL!"

Finally, the truth - or part of it at least. Hal looked astonished. Lois herself was surprised she had admitted that. For what seemed like eternity neither of them said anything. Lois wondered if it was possible to walk back on her statement.

"Why do you hate Francis, Lois?" Hal asked in a quiet voice.

Why, oh why did he have to ask that question? Lois could certainly name specific traits she didn't like in Francis, but that was true of not only all her boys but even everyone she knew... and herself. What made him stand out?

"I don't know, Hal," Lois admitted softly. "I just do."

"You just do," Hal repeated in a scarily emotionless tone. "And Reese? Malcolm? Dewey? Do you hate them."

Lois shook her head. "I love them, Hal. And I love you. But not Francis. Not since he was a very small child."

Another long moment of quiet passed.. "What will you do if he isn't found, Lois?"

Lois felt like she was being disintegrating under Hal's hurt eyes. No, she had to leave before Hal guilted her into admitted Francis was in the backyard right now.

"I can't do this. I'm staying at a hotel tonight, Hal. I swear I'll be back tomorrow."

"Lois, don't-" But Lois walked out of the house before Hal could finish.