Epilogue

"Sir, your visitors are here."

"I know, Miles. Thank you."

I look back through the window and down to the iron gates, watching with a strange excitement as my old friends exit the yellow cab. It's been almost a year since we last talked, and I can't wait to hear what has been going on in the city.

I move quickly across the floor, stopping at the full length mirror to question my choice of apparel. After picking the lint from my brown slacks and readjusting the collar of my black turtleneck sweater, I stare at my reflection, my eyes darting back to the thin scars that sit across my cheek. My fingertips brush across them, and my memories send me back to that night two years ago when I almost lost my life.

I don't really have a 'memory', so to speak. The trauma and loss of blood kept me out of consciousness for months, but I do remember seeing the one who gave me the strength and willpower to stand up and find my way out.

I bound down the large staircase and through the sitting room, stopping at the mantle of the fireplace to take a quick look at the picture that sits there, still stuck inside that rusted metal frame. Even from beyond the realm of what we call life, Leo was still there to help me out, even if everyone thinks I'm crazy for saying he pulled me out of that fire. I know what I saw, and Leo knows I will always be grateful.

"Hey, Donnie!" A familiar Brooklyn accent floods the room. I turn away from the mantle to see Raphael, his arms stretching out for a hug, to which I happily oblige. "Nice place ya got here, bro! You were stupid ta pass this place up the first time!"

I laugh as I pull away, and it's still hard to believe how much Raph had changed. Last I heard, he had stopped drinking, cleaned up the mess the Foot left behind, and now runs New York City like Leo would have from his cozy spot as the new Mayor elect.

I then catch sight of that glowing red hair, and it still makes my heart skip a beat. April flashes her smile and her green eyes at me, and I show no hesitation as I pull her into my waiting arms, taking in that scent I had missed so much.

"It's good to see you again, Don." She whispers into my ear. "I've missed you."

"I missed you too." My eyes look at Raph, who has suddenly started to chuckle at the drunken smile on my face. It is still a shame that the two of them decided to split up for good, but at least Raph made sure that April had everything she needed. He took care of her, just like I had hoped, and she has never been happier.

I lead them both to the mahogany leather sofa and we immediately dive into conversation. Raph tells me that they still haven't found a trace of the Shredder anywhere in the city, and all of the Foot members have disappeared. A mass suicide, perhaps? No, but hey, I can dream, can't I?

The day flies by as we catch up while I give them a tour of my parents home. Miles serves us dinner on the back patio, (my regular eating spot now that autumn has returned again) after which Raph retires upstairs to one of the guestrooms. April and I return to the sitting room, where Miles has prepared a cozy fire and hot apple cider. We snuggle together on the couch, and April doesn't hold back as she nuzzles against my neck. I pull her close, holding onto her tightly as the fire pops under the mantle, and my eyes travel back to that picture of me and Leo, the celebration we shared together locked forever in those smiles and raised beer bottles.

Hey, Leo, wherever you are, thank you for being a great partner, a great brother, and my guardian angel. Life is so much better knowing that you are still around.