He opened the front door of his apartment, and gave a heavy sigh. The day had been full of unexpected surprises. Kim's visit was one on them. He sighed again and walked in.

The apartment wasn’t suited for his comfort. Clean and tidy, but it was too big for one person to be living in. Besides, he wasn't around much in his own home these days anyway. It reminded him of how lonely he had become after giving up his powers, even more of how it hurt to lose that one person. No words could have described the loss he felt now, it burned bright and strong inside him.

It only doubled when he visited the place with Kim. Seeing her in pain, it broke his heart, there was nothing he could do with all his power to stop the pain, no matter how much he wished.

He had been the strength of the group, and even had the knowledge, according to Zordon. But he didn’t feel any of that ever in his life and it didn't show now, either. But he knew Zordon had been wise in choosing him as the Red Ranger, although at times he didn't feel he deserved it.

Standing in the middle of the room he closed his eyes and prayed, that the heavens would keep him safe till all the Rangers met up with him again. He hadn't noticed that a silent tear was shed.

Walking to the phone he pressed the answering machine button. As he waited he looked outside the window, seeing children playing. He smiled. His heart skipped a beat at her voice from the machine.

"Hey, it's Tanya. Just wanted to let you know Adam and I will be coming to Angel Grove shortly." There was sadness in her voice, there was no denying it. His own smile disappeared.

He had fallen hard for her, right after time was back to normal, she was beautiful—pretty was a such a soft word. He couldn’t tell her that now, too late, his best friend was engaged to her. He frowned.

Where did the time go? He wasn't sure, ever since giving up his place to a barely teenaged Justin. He didn't know where the time went.

Stupid, stupid, he fumed, just what was he thinking. Maybe it was just the drugs he was on, or the pain, the fear for his friends, but still . . . He could have taken the powers back from Justin, and instead he said that the powers were in the right hands.

He smirked . . . in time he would have had to pass them on anyway. So really it didn't make a damn bit of difference.

Walking to the fridge, he poked his head in, to see if he could find anything to eat. Looking at the food, he frowned, his appetite gone. Slamming the fridge door, he walked out of the apartment again.

--

Wind blew at his face, drying the tears, he stood, alone and in sad silence, recalling the memories. When it became too much, he tightly closed his eyes.

"You left, leaving us behind, to sacrifice your soul to save a galaxy." He took a deep breath. "We are forever in your debt, Zordon." Then he whispered, "Forever."

Looking around, he noticed for the first time since he became a Ranger, how this place had affected him. It had been a home away from home. It had been a place of comfort like a mother's arms for a child. Now forever gone.

The memories played silently in his head. He smiled; tears still shone in his eyes.

"You will be cherished," he vowed.

And till his last breath, Rocky DeSantos would cherish his Ranger days, and a father, who cruelly was taken away.