Summay: A disheartened father gets a letter from his son.

CSI: Miami – Horatio & Kyle – "I'll Be Missing You"

Location: Horatio Caine's residence

Darkness fell over Miami. I looked at the clock. It was 8pm. I had been spending way too much time with my nose in this case file. There had been a homicide today at a local bank and my team were one step closer to nabbing the killer. We just had a few more leads to clear, but I told my beloved team to go home and get some rest. We would finish this tomorrow.

This night was like any other night: alone in this big house with nothing but memories. Memories with Ray, Marisol, Kyle…

Kyle.

He's in the Army right now. Not exactly pleasing for me, but I'm proud anyways. He's changed so much. He's become a man; a man I'm damned proud of. I'm so glad I met him. Even though out relationship started out rather rocky, we bounced back. Together.

And I'm glad we did.

I patiently waited until I would get another letter from him, but from what I heard, things were getting a little bad in Afghanistan. I could only pray for his safety. I hoped all is well.

Knock. Knock.

Someone was at the door. Getting up from the sofa, I walked over to the front door and opened it up. A tall, commanding-looking man stood at my doorstep. He was a military officer.

"Lieutenant Caine?" He called out.

"Yes?" I acknowledged.

"Sir, I'm General Hummel. You are Kyle Harmon's father, yes?"

I was a bit apprehensive when I realized why he was. "Yes, I am."

He sighed, having to regret his presence here. "Lieutenant, I apologise, but… I'm afraid that your son has been killed in the line of duty."

And my heart shattered to little bits and pieces. I couldn't believe what I had heard. My son, the only one I had left in this cold and harsh world was gone.

And I never got to tell him that I loved him one last time. That's what hurt the most.

A few days later, I came home from Kyle's funeral. I had felt so lonely. I was used to living in solitary, but not like this. I had about enough of being alone. I just wanted to be okay for once.

I had received Kyle's footlocker. I didn't want to open it, because I was afraid; afraid that I might finally break down and wouldn't be able to control my emotions. Yet, maybe this is what I need to do. Maybe I needed to let go for once.

So with a heavy heart, I opened the footlocker.

Inside, I found pictures. Pictures of himself with a couple of friends, pictures with me…

But underneath it all, I found a lone envelope.

Dad

Was this for me? Kyle had left something behind for me to read? Either way, it's for me. I decided to open it and read the letter.

"Dad,

Dad, if you're reading this, then I'm so sorry, but, I'm gone. I didn't make it back home alive like I promised you. I didn't mean to break it though. Please forgive me. Don't be sad; I hope this letter can bring you some comfort.

Dad, I want to start out by saying this first: thank you. Thank you for everything you did for me. You're my hero, my inspiration, my everything. I can't imagine what would've happened to me if I hadn't met you. You changed me and made me into a better man. I hope I've made you very proud of me.

Please don't be sad when I'm gone. I know it's going to be hard but don't dwell on it. Maybe a little but not all the time. You have a life and a job. Live it. Don't worry about me; I know what I'm going to be doing.

I'm going to be looking out for you.

I'm going to watch you from wherever I am and make sure that you're safe, because you're what keeps this city safe, and the people need you. Miami needs you.

Dad, I know you're going to miss me. I know. I'm going to miss you too. I love you very much. Please promise me that you'll take care of yourself.

I love you,

Kyle."

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I started to cry out loud at nothing. He was gone. My son, Kyle, was gone. I couldn't hold him in arms anymore. I couldn't tell him that I love him anymore. This pain was too much. My heart was being ripped to shreds and there's not a damn thing I can do about it.

But he was right though: this letter is bringing me some comfort.

I now know for a fact that he's out there, watching me. He's out there and he loves me very much, just as much as I love him. I won't dwell on this, Kyle, I promise.

But until I can come to terms with this, I'm going to be missing you. I love you, Kyle. I love you.