The door was kicked open, and except for the slight flinch, Grace ignored it.
   "Ever plan on leaving your room again, Gracie?" Zac asked tiredly. Frustrated beyond belief, and helpless beyond comfort.
   Grace kept her head averted, and staring at her light blue green wall. Oddly, she thought about changing that color sometime.
   Zac moved over, to block her view, "Ever plan on talking to me again?"
   When he received no reaction, he turned at sat on the corner end of her bed. Judging from the lumps under the sea designed comforter; he tried not to sit on her legs.
   Propping his arms up behind him, Zac leaned back and stared at the wall as well. "Your mom told me that you wanted your dad to stop looking for Brent?" He spoke quietly, even though his hands were clenched into fists, and his stomach was a giant knot with a million wild butterflies fluttering around inside.
   His gut tightened when she still made no move to acknowledge him or his questions. "She also told me you have a doctor's appointment later this afternoon. Two in fact. One even with a therapist."    He finally saw her at least blink. Baby steps. He thought hopefully, sitting up. "I know you probably don't want me there at either, but I just wanted to let you know, that if you do, I will."
   She blinked twice, and he saw her lips tighten and her nostrils flare some. "I know you're listening, Gracie. And I know you don't want to hear anything, but I just want, I just need you to know whatever it is, talk to me." She remained silent, and Zac followed her lead.
   After ten minutes, Zac stood up, leaned over her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Take care, Gracie. And I'll see you again soon."
   When he left, Grace blinked back the tears that threatened to spill. The same ones that kept coming back every time he came and saw her for the past three days.
   Hearing his truck ignite, then drive away, Grace slowly pulled back her comforter and moved towards her closet.
   She changed from a grey sweatshirt to a dark blue, leaving on the same white tee she'd been wearing for days now. Thinking twice, she then traded her grey sweatpants for black ones.
   There was no use in dressing up any; it's not like she was trying to look good or anything. She needed to be comfortable, and while she doubted she would be at any of the places, she needed all the comfort she could get from her clothes.
   The soft tapping on her door let her know her mom was waiting. Stuffing her feet into a pair of soft white low-ankle sneakers, she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and moved to leave.
   Opening her door, she smiled weakly at her mother, then walked by with determination that cost her all of her nerves.
   Their drive was in complete silence, and Grace noticed her mother's white knuckle grip on the steering wheel. Placing her hand on her shoulder, she smiled slightly again when her mother jumped, then turned to reflect the same kind of smile.
   Pulling into the small parking lot, they each remained in their seat, seatbelts still on even after the engine was shut off and keys were taken from the ignition.
   "You're dad doesn't want to stop the search, honey." Mrs. James expressed gently.
   Grace's hand automatically went for the door handle. "I want him to. I want this over and done with. I don't want to dwell on it anymore. I just want it gone." She was out, slamming the door behind her and moving to wait on the sidewalk.
   Mrs. James had listened, to the obviously practiced litany. Sighing helplessly, she dropped her keys into her purse and opened her door as well.
   Putting her arm around her daughter, Mrs. James gave an assuring squeeze, trying to lend some strength and the knowledge that she would be there for her. "Come on, hon. This is only our first stop, and Doctor Jean is waiting."
   Nodding jerkily, Grace followed her mom, her eyes catching the gold plated script on the door. Doctor Kristen Jean/Obstetrics & Gynecology.