This scene begins after Ali kidnaps Mike, and they are rescued. Mike wakes up to find that Carrie has been sleeping next to his bed all night. Mike: You've been waiting here the whole time, haven't you? Carrie: I am never leaving you again. I almost lost you last night and it scared me half to death. And I realize now - more than ever - just how much I love you. Carrie reaches up and kisses him gently. When she pulls away, Mike kisses her hand. Mike: I'm really grateful to you - you know, for saving my life. Carrie: (shaking her head) Austin deserves the credit for that. Thank God he came to the apartment or I might never have found the tape recorder. Mike: I had no idea Ali was that dangerous. Carrie: But now, she is out of our lives for good. I spoke with Abe this morning and she's in custody. She won't be harassing anyone for a very long time. Mike: So we can be together...finally. Carrie nods, and leans in for another kiss. Grandma Alice comes in to talk with Mike and about his future. Mike: Grandma, I don't know what you expect of me anymore. I can't change anything that's happened. Mrs. Horton: No, but you can control your future. Mike just looks at Alice with a confused look on his face. Mrs. Horton: Start to think about what is right for everyone....and that includes Carrie. Darling, you've made me so proud of you in the past. I could always count on you to do the right thing. Don't let me down, Michael. Mike: Grandma, do you have any idea what you're asking me to do? Carrie: Yes. Physician heal thyself. Will you do it? Mike's speech to the board after their apology. Mike: It's funny how everyone was willing to think the worst of me except Carrie. You know, she was determined to right this wrong and to fight to exonerate me and to restore some credibility to University Hospital. Now, she lost her job when you asked me to resign. She was a victim of Ali just as I was. Ultimately, Carrie Reed is the hero. She would not let me lose faith. She would not let me quit fighting to expose Ali. Board Member: We appreciate her efforts. It will not go unrewarded. With apologies to Dr. Wesley, we'd like to offer you and Mrs. Reed your jobs back. Lexie and Maggie start clapping, and they go to hug Mike and Carrie. Mike: Just hang on a second. Aunt Maggie and Lexie, I can't tell you how much your support means to me and how moved I am by how much you obviously care about me, about us. But I can't speak for Carrie...(hesitating) Maggie: Mike, what? Are you okay? Mike: (shaking his head and staring straight at Carrie) I can't do this. I'm sorry - I'm going to have to turn down your job offer. Board Member: Mike, I don't understanding. You don't want your job back? Mike: Well, it was important to me that my name be cleared, and that's happened. But...I think it's best if I just take a leave of absence. Lexie: Mike...no... Mike: I truly appreciate the offer and I hope you will respect my decision to turn it down. Board Member: Yes, of course. And we will do everything we can to publicly restore your good name and reputation. Mike: Thank you. I am sure Dr. Wesley will make a fine Chief of Staff. Board Member: Well, this meeting is adjourned. I'll take care of Ms. McIntyre immediately. The board members leave, and Carrie turns to Craig and Nancy, who are trying not to gloat. Carrie: Well, you two must be thrilled. Craig: Carrie, why would you say something like that? If Mike would have decided to stay on as Chief of Staff, I would have been fine with that decision. Mike is a good doctor and fine Chief of Staff. I wish you the best of luck. Mike: (shaking Craig's hand) Same to you. Craig: You're going to be a tough act to follow, old buddy. Craig punches him on the shoulder, and Mike just rolls his eyes. Nancy: (wailing) Mike!! (she hugs him) Sidebar - Lexie: An impossible act to follow. Craig and Nancy leave. Maggie: Mike, I don't understand. Lexie: Yeah, Mike - you belong here! Why don't you want to come back? Mike: Actually, it was something that Grandma said to me. She reminded me that I am the only one who can control my future. So, I've decided to do that. Lexie: Well, just be happy, okay? Lexie and Maggie both hug him, and they leave the room. Carrie just stares at Mike and raises her eyebrows at him. Carrie: Does your future have me in it? Mike: I need some time right now to re-evaluate my life and myself. That's why I've decided to take a leave of absence. Carrie: In Salem? Mike: (shaking his head) No. I thought I'd some traveling. Carrie: (a smile spreading over her face) Traveling, right...I could use some time away myself. Mike: Actually, I...I kinda need to go alone. Carrie looks at him, dumbfounded. Mike: I called Jeremy in Israel. I thought I'd maybe go over there, and visit my son. It's been so long - it's been too long. Carrie: I thought that you loved me. Mike: (quickly) I do...I do. I love you more than I ever dreamed I would ever love anybody. But look what that love's done to you, Carrie. Look at the pain that it's caused you. Carrie: Mike, the thought of being apart from you. Mike: I'm just a little...a lot confused about some of the things I've done the past few months. You know...how I've hurt so many people. I just kind of need to get some perspective on that on myself and to do that, I think I need to distance myself. Carrie: Mike, I gave up everything to be with you! And now that we can finally be together, you want to walk out on me?! Why? Mike: (softly) Carrie... Carrie: (with tears in her eyes) Mike, take me with you. Please. Mike: I'm not walking out on you. I just...I think we both need time to heal. There's been so much betrayal and so much pain and I have made so many decisions that I don't respect. I just want to be the kind of man who's truly worth of your love. Carrie: You already are that man. Mike: (shaking his head) Nope...No, I'm not. But hopefully someday I will be...I love you so much, Carrie Reed. He kisses her one last time as tears form in the corner of her eyes. He holds her closer, almost trying to memorize the feel of her before leaving. Mike: But for right now, this has to be goodbye. He releases her and walks to the door. He opens it, and with one lingering glance, he walks through it and closes it behind him. Carrie begins crying. We now see Mike on the other side of the door, hurting. Mike: This is for the best...I know it is. Back to Mike and Carrie: Together Forever