After the kids were asleep, Helen and Bob sat outside by the small motel pool, staring at the rippling reflection of the moonlight on the water, deep in thought.

“What are we gonna do?” asked Helen.

“I don’t know,” said Bob with a shrug. “Maybe Dicker’ll find something —”

“Dicker is done, Bob,” Helen said. “Any thought we had about being Supers again is fantasy. One of us has gotta get a job.”

Helen said she knew that Bob’s job at the insurance company had been hard on him. She suggested that maybe it was her turn to get a job and he could stay home and take care of the kids.

“NO,” said Bob. “I’m the breadwinner. I’ll start ... winning some bread tomorrow.” He sighed. “You know where my suit and ties are?”

“Burned up when —” Helen started.

“— the jet destroyed our house,” Bob said along with her as he recalled the obvious truth. The two smiled at each other, trying to remember to appreciate the fact that they had all made it through that awful day.

Helen gently rested her hand on top of his as she reminded him that they couldn’t count on anyone but themselves. Just then, they heard a noise as a shadowy silhouette approached, watching them from the other side of the pool. Helen and Bob stood up defensively. The figure stepped into the light — it was their good friend Lucius.

After breathing a sigh of relief, Bob frowned at him. “Well, where’d YOU go today?” he said. “I noticed you missed all the fun,” he added sarcastically.

“Don’t be mad because I know when to leave a party,” said Lucius. “I’m just as illegal as you guys. Besides, I knew the cops would let you go.”

Helen smiled. “Yeah, in spite of Bob’s best efforts.” Bob rolled his eyes and smirked at her comment. “I heard the program shut down,” said Lucius. “How much longer you in this motel?”

“Two weeks,” said Bob.

“Now, you know the offer still stands,” said Lucius.

“You’re very generous, but there are five of us,” said Helen. “We wouldn’t do that to you and Honey.”

“Door’s always open,” said Lucius. Then he told them about a man he had met on his way home from the Underminer attack. He pulled out a business card and handed it to Helen. He explained that the man represented a business tycoon named Winston Deavor, who wanted to meet the three of them to talk about “hero stuff”. Lucius opened his coat, revealing that he was wearing his Frozone Supersuit.

“Aw, geez,” groaned Helen. “More Superhero trouble? We just came from the police station, Lucius.” Bob looked up at his friend and grinned. “When?” he asked.

“Tonight. I’m going there now.”

“You enjoy,” said Helen. “I’m sittin’ this one out.”

Lucius explained that Deavor wanted to see all three of them.

Bob turned to Helen. “Let’s just at least hear what he has to say.”

Helen sighed. Then she nodded, slowly surrendering to the pressure. Bob beamed, thoroughly excited at the prospect of discussing hero stuff.

“Go ... in our Supersuits?” asked Helen.

“Yeah, might want to wear the old Supersuits,” said Lucius. “Got a feeling he’s nostalgic.” 6/vkyKJuV9JiWTj2yaBIztDxhcu/4aYvE8lK8Ug4PSLEXcxCy2KBiPiVIKFN7IjL