[center][color=teal][h2]Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey[/h2][/color][/center]

Jess could feel Roxy giving off her usual contempt and annoyance, but thankfully nothing worse. She didn't blame her for the irritation - the anchor had been forced to take time out of her day for someone she barely knew, and didn't get along with. Glancing over, the empath saw the purple-haired woman hanging as far back from her and her mom as was safe.

When her mother stopped in front of a headstone, Jess' throat tightened. Knowing her dad was gone was one thing. Facing the fact, as solid and cold as the stone that marked it, was another. Stepping forward, she crouched down and placed the figurine on the grave.

[color=teal]"Hey... Hey Dad... I made this for you,"[/color] she whispered, her eyes starting to sting. [color=teal]"Like you used to make. Well, not quite like those ones, but... here it is."[/color] She wiped away a tear. [color=teal]"Sorry I wasn't around... then. I-I'm here now, and will be ok."[/color] She hadn't wanted to get overapologetic, but right now, she couldn't help it. [color=teal]"Goodbye, Dad."[/color]

As she stood up, her mom gently placed an arm around her shoulders. Both mother and daughter hugged. Amidst the sadness, Jess picked up on something else. A hint of relief that the goodbye had finally been said, and hope.

She couldn't disappoint. Her family had already been through enough stress, and although he wasn't around to see this, it would be an insult to her father.

[color=teal]"Thanks, Mom,"[/color] she said, her voice trembling. Unwrapping her arms, she looked over her shoulder. [color=teal]"And, Roxy... Thanks for coming along."[/color] Her gratitude was unlikely to lift Roxy's mood any, but it was all she could give.