Taking Care Of Each Other
Part 21
By Cari
cxcarleo@naz.edu

The series has exploded :)

Thanks go to Rachel and Lori for allowing me to bounce ideas off them.

Please e-mail me with any feedback that you may have.

I do not own any of the characters except Lucas Leito, Alexandra Reilly, and Robert Varland. I make no money from their use.

Songs Used in this Piece: Reba McEntire's "I'll Be."

It's around 10 AM and Carol and Doug are in an exam room. Carol is sitting on the table wearing a paper gown and Doug is sitting next to her holding her hand. Just then a woman who looks to be in her late 30s enters the room. "Hi Mrs. Ross, I'm Dr. Reilly."

"Hi, please call me Carol. This is my husband Doug."

"Nice to meet you both. Carol, you're one of my first private patients here at County. May I ask how you have heard of me?"

"I'm the Charge Nurse in the ER, but Doug actually found your name. After he mentioned getting the appointment, I recognized your name from research that I have done."

Doug said, "I am the pedes attending and I have had the opportunity to consult with Lucas Leito on a case recently and he recommended you."

"Lucas is a great guy. He and I have known one another since med school. I just got your file this morning from Dr. Jurney so I haven't gotten an in depth look at it. I've gone over the basics. I also know you're looking for a second opinion. What else can you tell me?"

Carol said, "Mainly I'm concerned about the course of treatment. I'm confident in Don Anspaugh, my surgeon's, belief that he was able to get the entire tumor because I trust his ability. But the treatment went from a "few" chemos to two, and now maybe next week is the last. I find it aggravating to not have concrete answers. I'm also concerned that my white count will not be high enough to fight off infections."

"Those are all valid concerns. Did Dr. Jurney do blood work when you saw him on Wednesday?"

"Yes, the white count was borderline and he hoped it would be back up in time to do chemo."

"We don't hope with that, we make sure. I'd like to do a blood test now so we can have the results shortly. Is that OK with you?"

"Yes," Carol said softly, reaching for Doug's hand.

Doug took her hand and said softly, "I'm here."

"You don't care for needles? I'll be as gentle as possible."

"Thanks." Carol lay back on the table and closed her eyes and before she knew it, Dr. Reilly was done.

"Just hold the gauze for a bit. Are you doing OK?"

"Yes, thanks."

A few minutes later, Dr. Reilly came back in. She put a Band-Aid on Carol's arm and said, "We should have the results back in about 10 minutes."

"Wow, the lab is really moving today," Doug said with a smile.

"I put it through STAT. Carol, are you feeling OK? Your color is back."

"Yes, one of these days, I will learn to react better to needles."

"It's OK. Some people just don't handle needles well. I'm just going to examine you now, OK?"

"Yes,"

She pulled the side of Carol's gown away. "You're healing very well. Is there any tenderness?" she asked, pressing lightly around her breast.

"Just right around the incision for about a centimeter in each direction."

"That's normal at this stage," she said, recovering Carol. "You're cold. Do you want a blanket?"

"That would be great."

Covering Carol, Dr. Reilly said, "I forget how cold it is when someone is only wearing a paper gown. If your counts are OK, Id like to do a round of chemo this week. Would that be OK with you?"

"Sure, I believe Dr. Jurney had scheduled me for 11 AM on Thursday."

"That's good because I'm on call Thursday night so I'm available if you need me. How was your reaction to the chemo?"

"It's not in the chart?"

"I didn't see anything and that was something I looked for when I went over the chart."

Doug shook his head in frustration and Carol said, "I started getting nauseous almost immediately, but 250 mg of Compazine got it under control for a little while, but then it was no longer enough. By Saturday I had a bid migraine, I think it may have been caused in part by the dehydration. Dr. Jurney ended up sending over IV saline and a higher dosage of Compazine. That got everything under control by Sunday."

The nausea is to be expected, but not to that extent. This week I would start the fluids by Friday if you can't keep anything down. I would also start you on Compazine during the course of the chemo."

"Could I still be an outpatient?"

"Yes, I'd give you the fluids to take home. Doug, you could do the IV?"

"Of course."

"Let me go check to see if the results are in and then we can make a decision. You can get dressed now."

As Dr. Reilly left the room, Doug helped Carol to get dressed. She said, "What would you say if I suggested asking if she is taking on private patients?"

"Id say you were reading my mind."

"I like her so much better. She is easier to talk to."

"I agree."

Carol was all dressed and Doug put his arms around her. "I'm not as scared," Carol said softly. "She's given me more hope than I've had."

"I'm so glad for that."

Dr. Reilly came back in and sat down next to the exam table. "I'm happy to say your white count is very good. The next five days will give it time to go even higher."

Doug and Carol exchanged happy smiles.

"There is also no trace of any cancerous cells. I would like to do this one last chemo to be sure."

"That's fine."

"So we'll keep that appointment and I will see you on Thursday?"

"Yes, can I ask you a quick question?"

"Of course."

"Are you accepting new patients?

"Certainly."

"I'd like you to be my oncologist. I feel more comfortable with you."

"Thank you. We could follow up chemo with biweekly check ups at first and then monthly. Would that be OK with you?"

"Yes, thank you for taking the time to see me."

"You're welcome. If you have any concerns or questions prior to Thursday, please don't hesitate to call me."

Doug and Carol are waiting for the elevator and when it arrives, they are surprised to see Mark and Elizabeth in it. Mark was in scrubs, but Elizabeth was in jeans and a tee shirt. They all exchanged hellos and hugs and Mark said, "Odd to meet you guys here."

Carol said, "We just came from an appointment with a new oncologist and we're going to eat breakfast. Did you two want to join us?"

"I only got off long enough to go to the OB appointment, but Elizabeth..."

"I'd like to join you if you don't mind. Can you drop me off at home after?"

"Of course."

As they were seated and eating at Magoos, Elizabeth asked, "How did it go with the new doctor?"

"Very well. I'm switching doctors. She's much easier to talk to and more thorough. I feel much more comfortable with her and I feel better about everything."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"How did it go with your OB?"

"Pretty well. The baby is fine. Heart rate is 135. She's more worried about me than anything else?"

"Are you OK?" Carol asked, concerned.

"My blood pressure is higher than normal and she says I'm rundown. It doesn't surprise me with everything that has been going on."

"You've been under a lot of stress this week," Carol said, reaching for Elizabeth's hand. "Did she have any advice on how to get your BP down?"

"Yeah," Elizabeth said with a slight laugh. "She wants me to rest and not get so worked up. I don't think she understands the stress that comes with work."

"Have you thoought about taking your maternity leave earlier than planned?"

"I can't, they will only pay for a certain amount of leave and I can't afford to take too much more time off. Besides, its not just work stress." Elizabeth got tears in her eyes and Carol could tell that they were threatening to spill over. "I need to get out of here," Elizabeth said, rubbing her eyes on her sleeve.

Doug said, "You two go to the car. I'll finish up in here."

Carol put her arm around Elizabeth's shoulder and gently guided her out of the restaurant to the car. She had Elizabeth sit in the front seat and lay the seat back. Carol climbed into the back seat and rubbed Elizabeth's back. Elizabeth was now sobbing and Carol could tell that these tears had been pent up for some time.

Carol said, "I won't push you to talk, but I'm here for you."

Elizabeth reached for Carol's hand and squeezed. Carol kept rubbing her back to try to comfort her. "Do you want my other hand to squeeze?"

Elizabeth shook her head and Carol could tell she was trying to stem the flow of tears. "Don't fight it," she said. "You need to get it out."

Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand Elizabeth said, "I have barely been able to stop crying since yesterday. I hate it."

"It's your body's way of saying it needs a break."

Doug climbed into the driver's seat and he and Carol exchanged sad looks. "Should we go to the house?" Doug whispered to Carol.

"Elizabeth, do you want to come over since Mark isn't home?"

Elizabeth struggled to read her watch and Doug offered, "It's 11:45."

"I would love to because I'd rather not be alone, but I'm expecting a phone call. I also need to get something resembling rest. I'm on at 7, but thank you."

As Doug pulled into traffic, Carol passed Elizabeth a tissue and Elizabeth said, "Thanks for putting up with me. I'm sorry."

"How many times have you been there for me? I just hope I've helped at least a little."

"You have."

"I'm glad. I hope whatever is wrong will work out. Let us know if we can help at all."

"You guys know most of it. Seeing my sister really upset me. It got complicated by something else. I'll tell you more about that when I know more. I think once everything settles down, I'll look back and wonder why I got so upset. Right now it's all just very overwhelming."

"That's understandable."

Doug said, "If it helps at all, Alicia isn't getting the job. It doesn't have to do with what happened yesterday, although that did influence my opinion of her. She just doesn't have the qualifications."

"I feel terrible for saying this, but I'm glad. I couldn't have handled working with her."

They pulled up to Mark and Elizabeth's house. Carol got out of the car to move up front. Doug gave Elizabeth a hug and said, "We'll be home if you need anything. Here is your breakfast."

"Thanks for getting it for me."

Carol and Elizabeth met and embraced on the sidewalk. Elizabeth said, "Thank you, for everything."

"You're welcome. Call me if you need anything, or if you just need to talk."

"I will."

Doug and Carol got home to find a note from Rosemarie saying she and the girls had gone to run a few errands.

Doug asked, "Do you mind if I take a nap?"

"No, I'll lay down with you too."

"Did you sleep OK last night?"

"Yeah, I just miss cuddling with you. I know I haven't been up to much since I got sick and I'm sorry. Thank you for being patient with me."

They crawled into bed and Doug put his arms around Carol who put her head on his chest. "I love you too much to push you to do anything you're not ready for. I'm happy to just hold you in my arms and be glad we have each other."

"Thank you, that really means a lot. I promise, I will be ready soon."

"Don't push yourself before you're ready because I want it to be something you will enjoy too. I will wait as long as you need."

Doug started to fall asleep and the rhythmic rising and falling of Doug's chest soothed Carol. "I love you honey," she said softly.

"I love you too," Doug said, sleepily.

About two hours later, Carol woke up to the sound of Suzy chattering in the other room. She got up and walked into the living room. "Hi Aunt Carol," Suzy said excitedly. "Where were you?"

"I was asleep. I had an early doctor's appointment and I was tired. What are you up to?"

"Nothing."

"Want to come shopping with me?"

"OK."

Turning to Rosemarie, Carol said, "I was thinking of having a picnic tonight. You're more than welcome to join us, but don't feel that you have to."

"I would love to. Want some help shopping?"

"Sure, if you want to. Let me leave Doug a note."

It is Later that evening, and the song playing in the background is Reba McEntire's "I'll Be."

"When darkness falls upon your heart and soul
I'll be the light that shines for you
When you forget how beautiful you are
I'll be there to remind you
When you can't find your way
I'll find my way to you
When troubles come around
I will come to you

I'll be your shoulder
When you need someone to lean on
Be your shelter
When you need someone to see you through
I'll be there to carry you
I'll be there

I'll be the rock that will be strong for you
The one that will hold on to you
When you feel that rain falling down
When there's nobody else around
I'll be

And when you're there with no on there to hold
I'll be the arms that reach for you
And when you feel your faith is running low
I'll be there to believe in you
When all you find are lies
I'll be the truth you need
When you need someone to run to
You can run to me

I'll be the sun
When your hearts filled with rain
I'll be the one
To chase the rain away


We see them all at a park. Doug and Suzy are tossing a frisbee, Carol is walking nearby trying to settle Emma down and Rosemarie is sitting on the blanket, reading a book.

Later there are fireworks at a distance over the lake. Emma is asleep in Carol's arms. Carol is sitting in front of Doug with her head against his chest. Suzy is lying next to them and Rosemarie is in a chair.

It is now Thursday and Carol and Doug are on the oncology ward. It is a large room with twenty little cubicles. Each has a bed, chair, various medical equipment and is given privacy from the others via a curtain. Carol is lying on the bed, asleep. There is an IV stand next to her bed, which has various bags flowing into a tube, which drips into Carol's arm.

Doug is sitting next to her, holding her hand as she sleeps. Just then a nurse comes in to change one of the bags. She says softly to Doug, "There is someone here requesting to visit. She gives her name as Elizabeth."

"That's fine, you can tell her to come in."

Elizabeth came in a few minutes later and asked softly, "How is she?"

"OK. Dr. Reilly gave her Compazine so that knocked her out pretty quickly."

"She got nauseous already?"

"Slightly, she wanted to prevent the nausea as much as possible."

"That's good. Did you have anything you needed to do? I can stay for a bit."

"I'm OK, but you're more than welcome to stay. We didn't do a visitors list because Carol planned on sleeping."

"How long has she been asleep?"

"On and off for about two hours."

"That's good. She probably needs the sleep."

"Yeah. How are things going for you?"

"Better. It's still not settled down but things are getting calmer."

"I'm glad. You'll let us know if we can help in anyway?"

"Of course, you guys have been great."

Carol's IV machine began to beep loudly which unfortunately woke her up. Elizabeth silenced the alarm, which had been triggered by the plug coming loose from the wall.

"Hello, sleepyhead," Doug said. "How do you feel?"

"I don't know. How much longer?" Carol asked groggily.

"This is the last bag, so maybe an hour or less?"

"I'm hungry."

"What do you want to eat?" Elizabeth asked. "I'll go get it."

"Jell-O?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

Elizabeth came back a few minutes later with a bowl of Jell-O. Carol said to Doug, "Why don't you go take a walk or something? I love that you've been here with me, but you need a break."

"And you two need to talk," Doug said with a smile. "I can take a hint. Elizabeth, how long can you stay?"

"About 10 minutes. I'm on at 3 PM."

"OK, I'll be back in a little bit."

Carol ate a few bites of Jell-O before saying, "I can't eat it, I'm sorry I made you go get it."

"It's OK, I'll help you finish," Elizabeth said as she took a bite of Jell-O.

"How's everything going for you?"

"It's all still up in the air. It's been a crazy week."

"It sounds like it," Carol said, reaching for Elizabeth's hand and squeezing it comfortingly.

"I want to talk to you about everything, just not right now. I'm on for 24 hours and I'll get too emotional. I'm off Saturday. Do you want to get together?"

"Yes, but I don't know what I'll be up to. It depends on how I react to the chemo. Last time Saturday was a pretty bad day."

"I will call you in the morning to see how you're feeling and we'll go from there."

"OK, I'll try to at least be up to having company. Can you do me a quick favor before you leave?"

"Of course, what do you need?"

"A drink of water."

"Sure."

It's now a little before 9 PM. Doug had gone reluctantly to work at 6 after Carol promised to call if she needed anything. Rosemarie also promised to keep an eye on her. Show Doug at the admit desk on the phone. On the other side of the split screen, show Rosemarie.

"When did it flare up?"

"About an hour and a half ago. I wanted to call you earlier, but Carol wanted to see if it would pass."

"That's OK. Has she taken Compazine?"

"She doesn't want it."

"OK, she definitely needs fluids. I can't come home, but I'll get someone to come over and do the IV. Does she need anything else?"

"Not that I can tell."

"Do you think she'll take the phone?"

"I'll hold it to her ear."

A few seconds passed before Doug heard a muffled and quiet "Hi"

"Hey baby. I know you don't feel well so you don't have to talk. I'm looking for the chart to see who is off at 9. I promise Ill get someone there to give you the IV, OK?"

"OK, thanks."

"Do you need anything else?"

"A hug," Carol said softly.

"I'm sorry I can't do that right now. But tell Rosemarie and I'm sure she will. I wish I could be there."

"I know, I love you."

"Love you too. Call me if you need anything else, OK?"

"I will," Carol said, leaning away from the phone as she started to cry again.

Rosemarie took the phone back as she tried to comfort Carol.

Doug said, "I'll let you go to take care of her. I'll get someone over there ASAP."

As Doug hung up the phone and sighed softly, he heard someone come up behind him. Mark said, "I'm off now. Did you need me to go to the house?"

"Could you? Carol's been throwing up for over an hour and needs an IV."

"I don't mind at all. Do you have the supplies at home or should I get them from stock?"

"It's all there in the closet. I really appreciate this. I can't promise that she will be in the best mood. She started to cry on the phone."

"That's OK. Hopefully the fluids will help."

"I hope so."

About 15 minutes later, Mark walked into Carol and Doug's bedroom. Rosemarie had warned him that Carol was upset. Mark peeked into the bathroom and saw Carol on the floor. Her knees were pulled to her chest and her head was in her knees.

Mark knelt next to her and put an arm around her shoulder. "Tell me what I can do to help you."

"I don't know," Carol said through the tears.

"Wouldn't you feel more comfortable in your bed?" This floor isn't very soft."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"I got sick in the bed and don't have the strength to change the sheets."

"I'll do it, where are the sheets?"

"In the hall closet, thanks."

Mark went into the hall to get the sheets and Rosemarie asked, "How's she doing?"

"OK, I solved the mystery of why she's been on the floor. Could you do me a favor?"

"Sure, what do you need?"

"She threw up on her nightgown. I don't know how she'd feel about me helping her change and I don't want to upset her."

"Sure."

As Mark started the bed, Rosemarie knelt down next to Carol and said, "How about changing?"

"OK," Carol said softly.

After she changed, Carol said to Rosemarie, "Thanks for everything you've done to help tonight. It means a lot."

"You're welcome. Is there anything else you need?"

"I think I'm OK, thanks. Mark will be here. You've had a long day today, why don't you go relax?"

"OK, goodnight. If Mark leaves and you need anything, just call for me."

"Thanks."

Carol lay her head back against the cool tiles of the bathroom wall and started to cry again. "I can't even change my own clothes," she thought to herself.

A minute or two later, Mark was at her side. " Do you want me to help you into bed?"

"Yes, please," Carol said, wiping tears from her eyes.

Carol was fairly woozy so Mark kept an arm around her waist. As they neared the bed, Carol said, "I'm going to lay on Doug's side so you can put the IV in my left arm. My right arm has had enough needles."

"Good idea," Mark said, helping Carol into bed and pulling a sheet up. He then took two cream covered pads from a bag he had and applied them to two spots on her left forearm. Carol gave him a bewildered look and Mark said, "The cream has an anesthetic to partially numb the area. They use them in pre op."

"Thanks, that's a great idea."

Mark sat on the edge of the bed and said, "I want to give you some time to relax before doing the IV. What do you think would help?"

"I don't know if anything will. I feel horrible."

"Have you taken Compazine?"

"I don't want it yet."

"OK, what about a cold compress?"

"I'll try it."

Mark came back and gently lay the compress on her forehead. He took her hand, and she said softly, "Thank you for doing this. I bet you thought you'd escape medicine when you got off duty."

"I don't mind. You needed me and this is easy. I haven't seen you much lately so its good to get to spend some time with you."

"I never realized how little I see people when I'm not working."

"And I've been working like crazy. Kerry has had to do a lot of administrative stuff as acting Chief so I've been filling in as ER Chief. It tells me even more that I don't want the job."

"How have your interviews gone?"

"OK, I have a candidate to present to the Board."

"That's good. I never realize how much I miss work when I'm not there. Id just gotten back into a routine when I went on leave again."

"Do you think you'll come back eventually?"

"Yes, I plan to now that Romano is gone. Maybe in a month or so depending on how everything goes. I'm sure Doug told you I had considered quitting."

"He mentioned it. Id rather see Romano go than you."

Carol lay her hand on her stomach and Mark asked, "Does your stomach hurt a lot?"

"No, it's just that the muscles ache from getting sick so often. I threw up about 10 times."

"That's rough," Mark said, holding her other hand. "Your stomach seems to have settled."

"I'm still very nauseous, but I've thrown up everything in my stomach and I'm afraid to even sip anything. That's why I knew I needed the IV."

"Good thinking on your part. I hope the fluids make you feel better."

"I do too, but I'm not counting on it. This is worse than last time."

"Did the doc have any suggestions?"

"Nothing we didn't already try."

Mark could see the tears welling up in Carol's eyes so he gently put his arms around her. She lay her head on his shoulder and let the tears go. Mark rubbed her back gently and although she was crying, he could feel that she was relaxing.

A minute or two later, Carol pulled back and leaned back against the pillow. "Thank you, that was what I needed."

"I'm glad it helped."

Carol closed her eyes and said, "Whenever you want to put the IV in, I'm ready."

"OK."

Mark removed the pads, prepped Carol's arm with alcohol and put the needle in as gently as possible. He quickly attached the first bag of saline solution and taped the needle. "All set,"

"Thank you," Carol said, opening her eyes.

"Why don't you try to get some rest? I'll stay with you."

"You don't have to do that. Go home and sleep. I know you were on all day."

"I'll at least stay until you fall asleep, OK?"

"OK, thanks for taking care of me."

Just as Carol started to drift off, the phone rang. "Will you get it?" she asked groggily.

Mark picked it up, the screen splits and we see Doug. "Hey. How's it going? How's Carol?"

"Doing OK. Why don't you talk to her before she falls asleep?"

Mark held the phone to Carol's ear. "Hi," she said sleepily.

"Hey, how are you doing?"

"OK, falling asleep. I'm on your side of the bed so Mark could put the IV in my left arm."

"OK, I'll let you go so you can sleep. I'll see you when I get home. I love you."

"I love you too. Here's Mark."

Mark took the phone back and said, "Don't worry. I'm taking good care of her."

"I know you are. Susan is off at midnight, so if you need to leave, you can. Carol won't be alone long."

"I can stay until she gets here. What time are you off tomorrow?"

"Not until 9 AM."

"I'll come in early so you can get home."

"Thanks. I better go, the paramedics are pulling up."

"OK, see you in the morning."

Around 12:30, Carol heard someone tiptoeing into the room. "I'm awake, you can turn on the light."

When the light came on, Carol saw that is was Susan who had come in. "I didn't expect you to be awake. Mark thought you had fallen back to sleep." Susan said, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking Carol's hand.

"I've been awake for about an hour. I woke up to throw up and am too nauseous to go back to sleep. I'd hoped that if Mark thought I was asleep, he'd go home. I felt bad that he worked all day and then had to come play babysitter."

"He didn't have to. He wanted to spend time with you, like I do."

"Thanks, I'm glad you're here. It's been so long since we've seen each other for more than 5 minutes."

"I know, I've missed you. How tired are you?"

"Exhausted, but I can't sleep."

"Do you want Compazine?"

Carol was quiet for almost a full minute and Susan said, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pushed."

"No, I don't know.... I want to talk to you if you're not too tired and I don't want to feel drugged."

"I definitely want to talk. I have an idea. Let's talk and when we're done, you can think more about Compazine. How does that sound?"

"OK," Carol said softly.

Susan climbed into bed and Carol shifted the IV so she could lie on her side. Susan asked, "Want to know why I'm so happy?"

"Yes."

"Remember I told you I met that man, Dr. Robert Varland at the conference last week?"

"Is he the one from Hope?"

"Yes, the gerentologist. Well the part that I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want to jinx things was that I gave him my number...and he called."

"That's great."

"I just found the message-he wants to go out for coffee."

"I'm so happy for you," Carol said, giving Susan a clumsy one-armed hug.

"I'll call him tomorrow. It will be a fun night out if nothing else."

"I'm sure you'll have a great time."

"I hope so. Other than the nausea, how are you doing?"

"OK I guess, I'm just pretty tired. The nausea is much worse than last time though."

"I'll bet that's rough," Susan said, reaching to rub Carol's back. She saw Carol biting her lip to fight the tears. "Don't fight it. Get the tears out, you'll feel better."

"I promised myself I wouldn't cry when anyone was here. I already blew it with Mark."

Susan moved over and gently hugged Carol. "You don't have to hide your tears. We all know that you're going through a lot both physically and emotionally. It's OK to need to cry."

Tears escaped down Carol's cheeks, but she still tried to fight them. After another minute of being in Susan's arms, she knew she couldn't fight the tears anymore. "I feel so sick," she said.

"What can I do to help?"

"Just hold me, please."

"Of course."

Carol was about half asleep when she asked, "Can I have the Compazine?"

"Sure."

After Susan gently gave it to her, she tucked her in. "Do you want an extra blanket?"

"No, I'm OK," Carol said, still crying steadily. "Can you just change the IV bag? I don't feel up to getting up."

"Sure. You don't have to worry about doing anything."

Susan climbed into bed and Carol said, "You don't have to stay with me."

"I want to. Wake me up if you need anything."

On Friday, Carol woke up with her head on Doug's shoulder. She was lying on her side and Doug had his arms around her. She didn't remember him coming home, much less moving into his arms. She opened her eyes and saw that he was already awake. "Good morning, sweetie." Doug said, kissing her. "How do you feel?"

"Not great. I'm nauseous and hot."

"You do feel warm. Do you want to get up and shower?"

"I think so, but can I with the IV?"

"Sure, I'll help you."

Doug came around to the other side of the bed and helped Carol to her feet. She was shaky and held on to Doug's shoulder. "I don't know if I can do this."

"I'll come in with you."

They walked into the bathroom and Carol asked, "How can I get my nightshirt off?"

"We'll cut the seam," Doug said after a few moments of deliberation.

As Carol's nightgown falls away, she allows her gaze to drift down to the scar. Doug saw the tears forming and he kissed them away. "I love you, sweetie. All of you." To reinforce what he was saying, he kissed the scar and the area around it gently.

Doug climbed into the shower first and then helped Carol in. She kept her left arm out by standing facing Doug, with her back to the shower. Doug helps her to wash her hair while keeping an arm around her waist to steady her.

He soaped the front of her body, and then switched places with her and soaped her back.

After they finished, Doug helped her out of the shower and toweled her off gently. "What should I wear?"

"We can cut the seam of another nightgown and safety pin it closed while you're wearing it."

"OK."

After they were dressed, Doug asked, "Do you want to come to the kitchen? I wanted to get lunch."

"Wow, it's already 12:30. I can't believe it. I'm worried about Suzy seeing me like this."

"She's at school, but Susan was going to explain it to her as best she could."

"That's good."

Doug put his arm around Carol's waist and walked her into the kitchen. Susan was eating a sandwich and watching Emma in the swing. "Hi guys," she said. "How do you feel?"

"So so," Carol said, sitting down.

Rosemarie got off her phone call and said, "Carol, you look a little better than last night."

"Thanks."

"I made some Jell-O, did you want that?"

"I'll try."

Susan picked up Emma from the swing and put her in the crook of Carol's right arm. Emma looked up at Carol and blew a raspberry. "Hi to you too, sweetie," Carol said, kissing Emma's head.

Carol slowly ate about half the bowl before saying, "I can't eat anymore."

"OK."

Scenes switch back and forth with music in the background (I can't decide what song yet).

-Elizabeth at work, looking at the clock which reads 1:15 and sighing

-Carol rocking Emma

-Elizabeth sitting in the lounge, falling asleep. Clock reads 2:30

-Carol and Doug lying in bed with Emma between them

-Elizabeth hurrying to her car

-Carol and Doug in their rocking chair

-Elizabeth playing the messages on the answering machine

-Carol laying next to Doug in bed, crying

-Suzy walking out of school holding Susan's hand

-Elizabeth on the phone, nodding her head and squeezing a tennis ball

-Doug, Susan, Suzy, and Rosemarie at dinner.

-Elizabeth hanging up the phone, smiling slightly, but with tears in her eyes at the same time.