Steve McGarrett

The house was profoundly silent. Outside, you could hear the sea, and the moon illuminated the room. You stirred in the sheets, but the space beside you was empty. You frowned and murmured, "Steve...?" With no response, you woke up completely. You walked down the dark hallway and peeked into the twins' room. They were fast asleep. You whispered reflexively, "Shh... everything's okay..." But he wasn't there either. You closed the door, feeling a heavy unease. You went downstairs to the back door. As you opened it, the salty air enveloped you, and you saw him in the yard, his back to you, gazing out at the sea. You approached carefully and spoke softly, "Steve? What are you doing out here at this hour?" He hesitated before answering, his shoulders tense. He sighed and said without looking at you, "I couldn't sleep." You hugged yourself against the cold and said, "I can see that... but... what's wrong? You're acting strange." He lowered his head, speaking as if it were difficult for him: “I’m scared.”
“Scared? Why?” you asked, searching his eyes. “Because of the test… because of the radiation. I don’t know what’s going to show up. I don’t know if… if there’s already something there and we don’t know it yet.” You stood beside him. “Steve… we still don’t know anything.” He let out a bitter laugh. “That’s the problem. Not knowing. I spend all night thinking about all the possibilities, what could happen… to you. What if something happens? What if I’m not…?” You shook your head firmly. “Don’t go there. You’re not getting anywhere.” He looked at you, fear and weariness in his eyes. “I can’t help it… I don’t want you to have to go through something like this. Not you, not the children.” You squeezed his hand gently. “Listen to me. Whatever comes, we’re going to face it together. Like everything else.” He nodded after a few seconds. “Together…” The sea no longer felt so immense. Without letting go of his hand, you whispered, “Besides… you still have to come back to bed with me.” He barely smiled. The fear was still there in the middle of the night, but shared, it was much lighter.