George had fallen head over heels for that waitress in the diner. Stress had turned her hair grey around her temples adding silver streaks to her black curls.  He had fallen hard for her smile and her cute laugh.  It wasn’t until several dates in that Stephanie had told him about her 9th grade son and by then it was too late to turn back.<br/><br/>George had tried his best to be a good father to the by that wasn’t his, but George didn’t know how to step in and take care of a young man any more than Roger knew what to do with a father figure that cared about him.  The two of them fought a lot because George tried really hard to reign Roger back in and get him on the right path, but then the baby came along and everything seemed to spiral.  Both George and Stephanie tried hard to keep it together for Roger, but the boy’s choices made everything difficult.  Stephanie was both heartbroken and relieved when Roger slipped away from home and George supported his wife in all aspects.<br/><br/>When the shit hit the fan he was happy that Roger came to find them.  Stephanie was weary for having her heart broken one too many times, but George welcomed Roger around.  Julian was excited to see his big brother.  He worshiped the older boy even though he barely knew him.<br/><br/>It was Julian who got hit first with the fever. George did all he could hit drug stores and find something that would work, but the winter was harsh and it was nearly impossible to travel.  Roger was great company on these trips, but that left Stephanie to take care of the sick Julian.  George Lost his wife and his son only two days apart. He might have even lost himself if Roger had not been there to keep him moving.   The cold gripped his soul, but George tried to keep it inside and smile when he was with their people.<br/><br/>George had worked hard to help Roger keep his anger in check.  He was calm enough for the both of them.  But there was that occasion that Roger caught George with tear stained cheeks in the privacy of their cabin. His bed was cold, his heart was cold, the snow was cold...<br/><br/>The winter and had dragged on longer than normal, sending them well into April with snow still on the ground.  Now it was sloshy sloppy snow, which George did not appreciate.  “We could try that.  We could make something we could load up and carry.   I need to split more wood too..  we are almost out... if another cold snap. Hits we will be in trouble.”