This was a really sweet endings. I love the idea of these two couples working together and their future feels very bright. Their children are growing up together and I have no doubt that they will stay close. Thank you for writing!

Christine and Mike bickering like an old married couple (which they are) was adorable. It left me with a smile on my face. And I love how happy Russ is. He certainly deserves a happy ending after all he has been through. Lovely chapter!

I rather love that they are all retiring together. The close relationship between this group is really how they all made it through the tough times and it makes perfect sense that they wouldn't want to keep working without the others. That was also a really great conversation between Mike and Laura Kate. Nobody will ever be good enough for Mike's little (or big) girl!

This was a nice reunion and transition chapter. I'm looking forward to them all settling into a (hopefully) happy routine going forward - one where Mike isn't being pulled in two different directions.

What a sweet homecoming! I really like the way you wrote Russ’s reaction to Josie‘s pregnancy. If anyone deserves a second chance, it’s Russ.

Really great conversation at the beginning. These people have given up so much and it's time that they got a break. I loved the reunion scene.

Oh my. I know it's not Tom's fault (he tried) but Mike deserved a chance to stay with his family, especially with everything that he's done for his country.

Damn! I actually felt like they were making some progress in that conversation and was totally not expecting that ending. Don’t wait too long to update!

Josie is so incredibly sweet and equally wise. I enjoyed the friendship between her and Christine.

Gwen really did go overboard and Mike didn’t handle it well. Hopefully he and Christine can get on the same page. I certainly think a timeout for Gwen is in order. I enjoyed the rotation between Mike and Laura Kate. A lot of resentment from pre-Red Flu is starting to come out and it will be interesting to see how they resolve it.

I really want to smack Gwen! No matter what her problems are with her brother and Christine, she needs to realize that it’s none of her business how they decide to live their life. I’m glad that Hannah has her cousin coming home with her for a visit. As far as your question about Russ, are you planning to introduce Russ‘s former in-laws at any point? It might be nice to see how they react to Josie.

Gwen might be a nightmare, but Laurie is a doll. I think that a week with supportive family and away from everything is going to do this family some good!

Great to see an update! Love Mike and Christine but hope you can return to Russ as well.

As much as I know that this information wouldn't change anything for Mike, I am glad for Hannah and I hope that this helps smooth family relations over a little more.

Tom really isn't the best of friends. With a friendship of so many he should be better!