Dennis Pratchett couldn't wait to get down to see his children.  A year ago his wife, Elizabeth, filed for divorce and took them away from him.  He missed them terribly.  But today was Friday and the workday was almost over.  He'd have the entire weekend to spend with Jimmy and Suzy.

     He finished up his last few reports and e-mailed them to the corporate office, then signed off the computer for the day.  He adjusted his tie, donned his jacket and left his office.

     "Leaving early, sir?" Olga, his secretary asked.

     "Yes," Dennis said.  "I get to go see my kids."

     "Have a good time.  Oh, Mr. White wants to see you in his office before you go."

     "Thanks, Olga."

     Dennis didn't want to see Mr. White.  Mike was the supervisor over all the projects in the firm and it seemed to have gone to his head.  Dennis should have had that position.  Of course, when the position came up, Dennis wasn't doing so hot since his wife had just left him, taking Jimmy and Suzy away, too.  He put on his professional smile and went over to Mr. White's office.

     White's secretary, Heather, smiled when Dennis entered the outer office.  "Mike's expecting you, Mr. Pratchett."

     "Dennis."

     Heather's eyes sparkled.  "Dennis," she said as if trying it out.  "Go on in."

     Dennis thanked her and went into his supervisor's office wondering if he should ask Heather out.  She was a bit young for him, but....

     "Ah, Dennis.  Good to see you.  I just wanted to go over a couple of things with you.  You aren't busy are you?"

     "Actually, I was just on my way out the door."

     "Really?"

     "Yeah, I get Jimmy and Suzy this weekend.  I hope Elizabeth has them ready to go.  I was hoping to take them to the Imax tonight and to the zoo tomorrow.  They love the zoo."

     "It's good to see you're bouncing back from the whole divorce thing, Dennis.  Tell you what, none of this is all that important.  It'll keep for the weekend.  You go see your kids.  Buy them an ice cream or something."

     "Thanks, Mike.  I'll catch you first thing Monday morning."

     "Sounds good.  Oh, and Dennis?"

     Dennis turned back to face him.  "Yes?"

     "Your work has really improved lately.  I just want to say thanks.  I appreciate it."

     "Just doing my job."

     Dennis felt good as he drove home.  He was glad they knew he was doing a good job.  That meant that when promotion time rolled around again, he'd be a shoo-in.

     He pulled into the garage and entered his house.  He could hardly contain his happiness as he changed clothes.  Soon, he'd be with his kids.  Get to spend some quality time with them at last.

     Unable to keep the smile from his face, he went to the basement door and opened it.  He carried his dirty clothes down the stairs and dropped them by the washing machine, then moved toward the old basement bedroom.

     He entered the room, still grinning.  "God, I've missed you," he said and rushed over to embrace the two small skeletons placed just-so in their chairs, while a third, larger skeleton, looked on.