Stolen Lives

[first lines]

Tom Adkins Sr.:
He has his mother's eyes. Her hair. My face, my laugh. First time I held him I knew he was my son. The best of me and his mother. I can still see his eyes light up watching those fireworks. I gave him everything a father can give a son. And now with all this searching, being a cop, being a father, I still can't find my boy.

Lea Adkins:
You can't do anything about losing your son. But if you loose your wife, that *is* your fault.

[last lines]

Tom Adkins Sr.:
My biggest fear is that when I do find him, what's left of us may not be enough. I haven't been able to forgive myself, and so I push my wife away. I can't even look her in the eyes, because every time I do, I see my mistakes. So I take the risk of losing everything. Not because I want to, but because I have to. Only then will I have the strength to go to my wife and ask her for forgiveness. And I have to believe that one day she will give it to me.