Not Giving Up

Giving a sigh Rosetta just shakes her head. She felt bad for Jason and new his pain. Almost losing people was something she dealt with so much.

They had tried to stop the chain and still it continued to the next generation. They had tried so hard and still it continued like it always did.

"Ok, one week but than we need to start thinking what Katie would really want in this whole thing."

Entering the room again Rosetta walks over to the bed and gentily sad down in the chair next to Jason. Resting her chin in her hands Rosetta lets out a small sigh.

She keeps her voice calm as she talks to Jason. Knowing how he was feeling she could sympathies.

"We wouldnt be giving up on her Jason. Only letting her go so she could be at peace. You know as well as we do its what Katie would want."

Rosetta lets out a small sigh as her hand takes Jason's and give it a squeeze.

"Continue to pray Jason, Jay is giving her a week."

Staying curled on the ground with Trooper Thirteen smiles a little when she see Ryder. Though his visits came less often she still always looked forward to them.

Hearing Ryder's question again Thirteens nerves jump again as her hand fidgest picking at a lose string on the blanket. She always got nervouse on this topic. She was happy here she didnt want to leave.

"I'm..not locked up though. You keep the door unlocked Ryder and...I..like it here, and I dont want me to meet new people..."

Thirteen hugged herself a little closer she was a little scaired on this topic.

"...I dont like it out there, it scairs me."

Standing in the doorway for a long moment in his bear feet, jeans with the wriped knees and his red sweater Nate knows Laura dosnt relize he is there. Not saying anything he just listens, contemplates, and watchs her his heart not fluttering like it normaly would have but holding no ill will twords her or anger it was good to see her non the less.

Finally leaning aganst the door frame with his arms cross Nate gives a small laugh as he shakes his head, his eyes giving a bit of a twinkle that was still left hidding in them somewhere.

"Are you going to stand there and grumple to yourself in the rain all afternoon or are you going to come in and dry off?"

Nate pushes off the door frame and stands back opening the door just a little more to let Laura in if she liked. The smell of fresh backed good wafed through the air like some goodies had just been made.

BJ gives a small nod to Mick even though he new the sadness was still there. He only hoped that Katie would be ok.

"I will keep praying for her Dadda."

Curling up a little more in Mick's lap BJ rests his head on Mick's chest while he leans back his arms wraped around him in a tight embrace trying to comfrort his dad the best he could.

"I hope she will be ok and I hope Mom comes home soon. I miss her."

Unexpected Visit... Unvoiced Longing

Jason is fully aware of his friends coming and going, and is grateful for each and every visit. Even so, he remains quiet, not saying much, and barely responding to them. Hope was slipping through his fingers, and each day, despair knocked louder on the door to his heart.

Downing a couple sugar pills, he sits back in the chair and continues to watch, wait and pray. He couldn't have an episode - physical or mental - now... not when he had no hero to rescue him. He could feel negative emotions getting backed up like water being forced not to flow as it hit a dam. He was doing it on purpose... he would not release them until Katie was awake... until she could handle it... until she needed those emotions, whether they were negative or not. Unfortunately, it was starting to wear on him. He knew it was dangerous, and he could feel the emotions starting to work on his mind as they tried to provoke images from the past to arise. But so far he had kept them at bay.

Katie, come home... please.

Thunder rolls outside. The jarring sound brings his thoughts back to his surroundings. Hearing voices in the hall, Jason cocks his head. Rosetta had been there for a while now and spent most of her time here with Jay. Today's conversation sounded different though...

Jason slowly rises and walks quietly to the door.


Jay turns away from Rosetta as she speaks. He knew what she was saying... and he knew it would come up. But it still tore at his heart like nothing else. A fresh tear surfaces. These past few weeks had been murder and he was growing tired. Was his sister right?

Turning back around, he locks eyes with Rosetta for a moment. "How can it be right? She could wake up any moment and.... and the doctor says there is still brain activity. I... I just... I already lost a wife and a son... I can't lose her too."

He swallows hard, his eyes begging his sister for any kind of comfort. The silence between them has a voice of its own, and the cold, hard truth could not be stopped. "But... I can't stand watching her suffer either." His shoulders drop. "Maybe it's time."

"Don't you even think about it."

Jay's head snaps up to Jason's voice. The younger man stands in the doorway, his arms crossed as if guarding the room. "Oh, Jason..." Jay sighs and shakes his head. "I'm sorry. But-"

"There is no but," Jason snaps. He glares between Jay and Rosetta both. "If you want to give up, then why don't you two just leave now?" A crack of thunder seems to seal his anger.

"It's not like that. You know-"

"All I know is that Katie's not dead yet." Jason can feel the heat rising to his face as his emotions boil inside of him. If he wasn't careful, someone could get hurt. He looks to Rosetta, his bloodshot eyes showing his desperation. Glancing back to Jay, his voice comes out as a threat. "You make that decision and you'll find out just what kind of damage I can do."

Jay sighs, trying to stay calm, and knowing that Jason was under a huge emotional burden. "Jason, don't talk like that. Just calm down and be realistic. What would Katie-"

"Think if we abandoned her?" Jason's eyes narrow. "Be it on your head." Spinning on his heel, he stalks back into the room, resuming his place in the chair.

Jay moans and paces a small circle, putting his head in his hands. "I can't do it... I just can't do it." He stops to look at Rosetta again. "One more week... just one more week."


Ryder dashes through the rain into TJY, pocketing the keys to the car he'd finally been able to buy. Heading down through the cubicles, he sees that most people are gone for the evening. He was a little later tonight. But he was trying to wean Thirteen from him just a bit. It was hard... it was taking longer to introduce her to life outside the Agency than he thought it would. He wouldn't mind, if Reese wasn't breathing down his neck about it. The young woman had such a sweet and innocent heart though... Ryder knew she had never wronged another person on purpose. If only she would learn to trust other people. For now though, it was still just him and Trooper. Even Rick hadn't been allowed into the small circle. Susanne was closer - Ryder figured it was because she was a woman, but there was still leeriness there on Thirteen's part.

Rapping his knuckles on the spare room door, Ryder waits a moment, giving Thirteen time to get herself together if need be, before he enters. Glancing down, he sees her with Trooper, and he gives a wry grin. "Are you ever going to sleep in bed like a normal person?" he teases.

Sighing from the long day, he lets himself in all the way, and flops down on the floor near Thirteen, his head resting back against the bed. He saw the remnants from supper and was glad that she'd eaten most of the lasagna that he'd fixed for her.

"Have you thought any more about staying somewhere else?" he asks. The last time he'd brought that up, Thirteen had panicked, but he tried to stay casual about it this time around. Slow and steady... that's what it woudl take, and he had the patience for it.

Grinning, he turns his head towards her. "You're too pretty to stay locked up all the time. You need to get out... meet more people. I know Reese isn't sure what will happen with you, but if you're let go, then you deserve better than this."


"No! No, no, no!" Laura wails and lets her head fall forward onto her steering wheel. The pouring rain was loud against her windsheild, but the vehicle was going nowhere.

"You big piece of junk!" Laura smacks her hand on the dashboard, but knows it won't do any good. She stares out into the rain and feels thunder shake the car. Her umbrella was at home. After Ryder had left, she'd decided to head for the store for some groceries. It wasn't until she'd left the driveway that the rain had started, and it had been coming down by the bucketfull ever since. And it wasn't until about forty seconds ago that she had discovered her cell phone battery was run completely down.

She'd missed her turn at one of the stop signs. She didn't know why... her mind just must have been somewhere else. But as a result, she'd ended up on this street. Why this street? Couldn't it have been any other street?

She groans. She thought she could hear God laugh during the next roll of thunder. "Yeah, you think this is pretty funny, don't you? I haven't had the guts to come here myself, so You decided You'd just get me here yourself. But did it have to be in the middle of this weather?!"

Laura grabs a few things from her purse to put in her pockets then takes a deep breath before getting out of her broken-down car. It would just have to sit here on the shoulder for a little while.

Jogging up onto the sidewalk, she sprints through the rain, running the half-block before turning up the familiar paved walk. Reaching the porch, she tries to catch her breath. She was soaked from head to toe, her dripping hair just adding to her drenched state.

Another little wail escapes her lips as she stares at the doorbell. Maybe he wouldn't even be home. No, his car was in the driveway. Well maybe he'd...

Laura stops thinking and just reaches out to press the doorbell. All she needed was to use the phone or a ride or something. Even though she and Nate hadn't been dating lately it wasn't like they were enemies. She knew he wouldn't leave her stranded. But just being here... like this... and knowing the things that had been running through her mind lately...

Waiting, she turns around to look out at the rain, her focus drifting to God again. "If You think I'm going to tell him now, then you're sorely mistaken," she mentions aloud, folding her arms stubbornly. With her back to the door, she forgets to listen for Nate, not knowing when or if it opened. "I know he's still mad at me so You can just forget it... there's no way... and besides, I.. I... I... well I don't know what." She growls at the clouds. "You could have sent me over here on a sunny day," she grumbles.


Crack.
Scott jumps, knocking over the bottle of paint and spilling it all over his desk. "Awww....." Domino whines and looks up at him as a drop of blue lands on her head.

"Yeah, sorry." Scott reaches down to clean her off, then sets about to clean up the rest of the mess he'd made.

"You alright?" Gunner asks, wandering across the living room.

"Yeah, yeah..." Scott sighs. "Just... jumpy."

"Isn't letting up either. I think the storm system stalled out over the top of us."

"Great." Scott couldn't help it that every time he heard thunder, for just an instant, his mind thought it was a gunshot. Picking up a small stack of papers, he was glad to see they hadn't gotten paint on them. Tucking them into a folder, he keeps the handwritten letters safe. "Did Carson say anything to you today?"

Gunner shakes his head. "Didn't see him. He's been swamped at Mom and Pop's this week so he hasn't been in to the office that I know of. Heard Mable was back on the job down there and I guess Herb was helping with some light work too. Carson says he still doesn't want to expand though... wants to keep it small. Guess he didn't want to have to hire out, but I see he's got his sister working a bit now during busy hours. Suppose that's his business, though I don't know how the place can run with just one cook. Dani and Aerith must help out back there as much as they waitress..."

Scott only half listens as Gunner rambles about Mom and Pop's. Carson had still found nothing. If nothing turned up within the next few weeks, he knew that the inevitable would happen.... his job at TJY would be terminated.


Mick stares down at BJ, his own eyes filling with sadness. He didn't have an answer. Taking a deep breath, he sets aside the work he was doing, and sits down on a bale of hay, inviting the boy to sit on his knee. Putting an arm around him, he ruffles his thick red hair, then takes his bandanna and wipes a dirt smudge off BJ's cheek.

"I don't know," he finally answers. "But if Katie goes to be with God... she will be very happy. Heaven is a happy place."

Leaning his head back against the wall, he tries to be strong in front of his adopted son. Even so, he knew that BJ would sense his own sorrow. The boy was a little slow in some areas of learning, but one thing he possessed was a heart that could feel other people's joy or sadness.

Mick gives him a light backrub. "And if we obey and follow God like we've been teaching you... then we will see her again one day. She won't be gone forever." He pauses, forcing a smile. "But keep praying, okay?"

Time

Time...oh time how is always comes back to that one thing. Something that moves so fast, making the days go by but at the same time feels so slow.

Time...do we have enough of it to finish in life what we started, to walk our full path or will God decied that now is the time for us to be with him.

Time...we often take it for granted untill we get halted in place and showed just how little time we really do have. Another day, another hour, another minute, another second and so time moves on waiting for no one not even those who tryed to grasp onto it the most.

Resting a hand on her brother shoulder tear plaged Rosetta's eyes once more as her daily visit came to a close and she met her brother in the hall way.

So many questions hung in the air, and so much hurt was passed around no matter how much they tryed to turn there pain over to God there was still some that lingered.

The question of what would happen next always hung in the air, though they tryed to dart around it for a long time now it would come sooner or later and though Rosetta hated to be the one to bring it up she new she had to, for Katie's sake.

"You know she wouldnt want to continue on like this Jay. Its a hard desition to make and I have we have been trying not to bring it up for weeks, but we both know Katie would want use to let her go so she could go home."

Rosetta hated the look on her brother face, and though those words had made new tears form she had to. Katie was a fighter, and never backed down, but she wouldnt want to be kept alive by equipment eather.

It had been a month, and they wernt giving up just simply setting her free so she could be home, and see her brother and mother again. Rosetta new it was what Katie would have wanted.

Mama wipe the blood off of my face
I can't see through it anymore
I need someone to talk to, and a new hiding place
I feel like I'm looking at heaven's door

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

Laying a hand on his friends shoulder Nate held a paper bag in his hand. He'd spend most of his time away from the office in the last few weeks doing work Reese needed down outside. Going to court, collecting evadince from Brown and stuff of that nature but never did his mind drift away from his friends.

Worry corsed in his eyes for more than one reason. Things didnt feel the same anymore. So much was changing and non of it was for the good.

Setting the bag down on the table next to Jason Nate gave his shoulder a gentil pat.

"She'd kick your butt if she new you wernt eating right. I can almost hear her voice saying it too. There is an orange in there, and some stuff from Mom and Pops."

Moving slowly twords Katie Nate sits on the edge of the bed and takes her lifeless hand in his own. Tears wanted to come, but he willed them not to.

"Maggie wanted me to tell you Kat, that you have to get better soon. You promised to go fishing with her..."

Nate choked on his own words as he though about what his sister has said, and how much hope was in her eyes. She made a good example for anyone and he feared what it would be like if he had to tell her Katie wouldnt wake up.

"...you can't break your promies to her now could you? We miss you Kat."

Standing Nate leans over her and gives Katie a gentil kiss on the forhead before turning and making his way quickly to the door.

"I'll be back tomarrow Hotshot."

Mama I can hear that thunder roar
Echoin' down from God's distant shore
I can hear 'em callin' for my soul
Feel I'm knockin' on heaven's door

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

Placing the small bottle on the table next to Jason Misty gives him a hug just holding him for a long moment. She couldnt imagen what this must be like for him.

Things wernt the same at the office with out Katie and Jason around. They were like a beacon that gave hope to whoever came in contact with them weather the person needed it or not. Now even though the laughter could still be hurd if you listened closely caught in the halls, it was starting to fade.

"I know you havent been eating right so I thought you could use a refill."

Laying some flowers on Katie bedside Misty says nothing more. There really wasnt anything else to say to her friend that hadent been said already.

Mama take these bells out of my ears
I can't hear them anymore
They're bringin' me down and givin' me tears
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

"Daddy, is Katie going to go be with God?"

The little boy looked up at Mick with his big bright eyes wondering about his cousand. Rosetta had been gone for a while now, and every night they prayed. Though the little boy didnt know much of life and death yet, he didnt need it to be explained to much that his might never see her again.

"I dont want her to, everyone will be sad and I wont be able to see her and Jason anymore."

Mama take these tears out of my eyes
I can't see through them anymore
Just for once, I'd like to see the sunrise
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

Laying curled up on the floor Thirteen sits just petting Trooper and letting the time pass before Ryder would return.

She had done her best to try and do what Ryder said, and answer what questions she could though there was many things she still was to scaired to talk about sooner or later she new should would.

Her heart felt sad tonight though as she staired into the dark. She wasnt ment to hear it but she new Ryder's friend was not doing well. It hurt to think she had been a part of that by choose or not. Thirteen could only hope that Katie would get better soon.

And thus...

Reese's eyes widen as Angelica pushes him, and he can't help but sprint after her, towards the door. "No fair without a warning!" He hollers, the humor dancing in his voice. If anyone were to see him acting like this, they would have thought he'd gone mad. But to him... he was simply finding youth again... a youth that Angelica brought out in him.

Getting to the parking lot, he catches her by the waist and pulls her towards his car. "I win, so I drive," he teases. Yes... amidst the turmoil, there was an oasis where one could go to rest and be revived.


Seeing Thirteen sit on the floor, Ryder just looks down at her a moment, trying to figure out her behavior. He knew that she probably had some strange habits after being raised by the Agency. Deciding to join her, rather than change her routines yet, he takes the food, then slides down on the floor beside her, resting his back against the bed.

"Me, cook? Oh, I think we can manage that sometime." Unwrapping the food, he sets it between them so that she can help herself. "Though I think you'll find this tastes pretty good."

Encouraging her to eat, Ryder doesn't mention questioning or the Agency at all. Instead, he tells Thirteen a little more about the Elite, what he did, and who the people were. Maybe Reese didn't approve of is methods... but Ryder would be Thirteen's friend before he took any further steps.

And thus... the clock strikes the hour, never stopping, always turning.


It is late. Outside the sky is dark, and the stars twinkle, watching over the hours as they pass... the days as they come and go. Jason sits in the chair close to Katie’s bed, his fingers moving gently along his guitar. A new melody comes forth, soft and soothing to the ear. Though his eyes are closed, his hands feel their way on the strings, never missing a note. His voice rises quiet and mellow, the tears held back behind a wall of hope as time slips by.

You were so brave through it all,
No one could blame you now,
If you wanted to go home,
If you wanted to leave this place.

Con gives Kate’s hand a gentle squeeze as it was enveloped by his own. His touch had never been more tender. “Aw, Kat.” Left alone for a few minutes as Laura spoke with Jason in the hall, Con let the stubborn tear escape before quickly wiping it away.

“I tried to look out for you… what happened, hmm?” Another tear comes that is just as quickly smothered by his hand. “You know we can’t live without you. Things just wouldn’t be the same. I mean… who’s gonna keep everyone in line back at TJY? And… how am I supposed to go back to work for Reese without you there to always make things better?”

Con reaches out to brush Katie’s cheek. “Hang in there, Kat… for us?”

You were so strong through it all,
No one could blame you now,
If you wanted to let go,
If you wanted to leave it all behind.

Carson sits beside the bed, his hands folded in front of him. Looking at his young friend, he felt like crying, but felt too empty at the same time. The days were going by in a blur. He had so many things running through his mind, with hardly enough time to slow down. The restaurant was constantly busy, he had Reese bugging him about coming back to TJY, he and Dani were struggling not to argue all the time, and he and Misty barely had time to see each other. He was trying so hard to stay on the right path, but picking himself back up was slow. At least he'd heard nothing of Mackenzie... maybe that was truly over. Even so, he couldn't deny that there was something in the back of his heart that was saddened by that thought.

He came to visit Katie every night after work. Usually it was when Jason was stretching his legs in the hall, and the others were gone for the day. It was his one bit of peace before going home, yet there was still turmoil, seeing Katie like this. Please, God, if there’s any way…

But if there’s a chance, just a chance,
That you would stay with me,
I’ll hang on to that strand of hope,
Hoping that I’ll see…

You again. You again.
That’s what I’m prayin’ for.
You again. You again.
I couldn’t ask for more.
No, I wouldn’t ever blame you,
If you wanted to give in.
But please reconsider for me.
I just want to be with you,
Again.

“God, please heal Katie and help her to wake up again.” Mick kneels with BJ by the boy’s bed, his hands folded as the example, like every night. But tonight it had been PB&J sandwiches and cartoons instead of Rosetta’s cooking and a family game.

“And please bring Mom home safe again. Amen.” Mick gets to his feet and reaches down to swing BJ into bed, wrestling with him for a moment to bring out the giggles. Finally pulling the blanket up to the boy’s chin, Mick runs his hand through the unruly red hair, then shuts off the light for the night.

Slipping into his own bed a while later, he stares up at the dark ceiling. His hand falls to the empty side of the bed and a lump rises in his throat. Katie had been like his niece too, and he hadn’t loved her less than anyone else on the ranch. The fact that Rosetta had felt the need to go, proved that this situation was far more serious than anyone would like to admit.

Rolling over onto his side, Mick tries to sleep. Morning would come early. But it would be a long night. Please… please, God… don’t take Katie yet.

You were courageous through it all,
No one could blame you now,
If you wanted to give in,
If you wanted to call it quits.

“Still no change.” The doctor shakes his head grimly before excusing himself from the small group.

Phil, Mike and Jen enter the room slowly, Phil the first one to approach Jason. “Hey, Hotshot.”

Jason lifts his tired head, managing half a smile. “Hey, guys.” Rising to his feet is harder than he thought. He didn’t know how long he’d been sitting this time. The hours were all just running together.

Jen comes forward to give him a hug. “How ya doing… really?”

Jason returns the hug, but takes a moment to respond after he’s stepped back. “I’m okay.”

Phil gives his arm a pat. “We just wanted to come see how things were… wanted to pray with you if you would like.”

Tears spring into Jason’s eyes and he looks up to the ceiling, trying to remain composed. Biting his lip, he finally nods.

Jen puts her arm around him, giving him a squeeze. “It’s alright… we’re here for you… and God is too.”

The four join hands and Phil begins the prayer. All of their hearts were poured out to God for their friend. They knew that He knew best… but they so wanted their friend back. They knew that if He wanted to take Katie home, then that was best. But if there was any way…

You fought so hard through it all,
Now one could blame you now,
If you wanted to find rest,
If you wanted to leave it all behind.

“Jason, are you gonna go home to get some rest? You can’t be comfortable here.”

Jason shakes his head at Laura. His eyes were tired, his body was exhausted. But he wasn’t going to leave.

“Wyatt says Trooper's doing a good job with Thirteen, but he misses you.”

“Mm-hmm.” Jason really didn’t care at this point. Wyatt had been in earlier like he was every day, but hadn’t mentioned the dog’s behavior.

Laura sighs and pats his shoulder. “Want me to bring up some food?”

He only shrugs.

“I’ll take that as a yes. But it won’t be from here. I’ll pick up something from Carson from Mom and Pop’s, okay?”

Jason shrugs again, his chin still resting in his hand as his eyes stare at the lifeless form of his friend in the bed. He knew he wasn't the only one with problems. He knew that Laura and Nate were hardly even seeing each other right now, even though Laura was trying hard to hide it with a forced smile. But it was hard not to focus on what was right in front of him. This was his life before him, and it was slipping away.

But if there’s a chance, just one chance,
That you would stay for me.
I’ll hang on to that glimpse of hope,
Hoping that I’ll see…

“Mom and Dad are gonna let me come back for a visit sometime soon. Took some convincing, but… they know Axel is here, and Dad thinks it’s pretty safe around all you Elite people.” Liz gives a short laugh. “They said maybe it would be a good experience for me and… they didn’t want to deny me getting to know my brother a little better too.”

Jason sits in the hospital’s dining room, looking across the table at his sister. He nods numbly, wishing he could show a little more enthusiasm. He just didn’t have the energy. “I… I’m sorry that I haven’t been myself. I wish…”

“It’s okay,” Liz interrupts. “I understand.” She slides her hand across the table to take Jason’s hand. “I’m really glad that I got to meet you at least. I’m sorry too, that all this is happening to you. I can’t imagine what it feels like.” She takes a deep breath. “But have faith, okay? Whatever happens, God won’t let you go.”

Jason nods with a little more surety this time. “I know.”

“When this is all over… when I come back… maybe we can get to know each other?”

A faint smile quirks the corner of Jason’s mouth. “I think I’d like that.”

Liz’s own smile forms. “Somehow I’ll check back on this end to see how things are. Dad said he got your email address.”

“Yeah… yeah, I gave it to him yesterday.”

Liz studies Jason’s face for a moment. “He said he’d like to come back to visit too sometime… if you didn’t mind.”

Jason purses his lips, looking down at his water glass. “I don’t.” Lifting his eyes, he sighs. “No… I don’t mind. We said goodbye yesterday, but it was pretty brief. Tell him to stay in touch, would you? And… and I’m not angry with him anymore.”

“Okay.” Liz’s eyes smile for her. “Goodbye, Jason. We’ll all still be praying for you guys and Katie.”

You again. You again.
That’s what I’m prayin’ for.
You again. You again.
I couldn’t ask for more.
No, I wouldn’t blame you,
If you wanted to give in.
But please reconsider for me.
I just want to be with you,
Again.

“No… no change.” Jay leans back against the wall, his cell phone to his ear. It sounded good to hear his wife’s voice, but it made him miss her all the more. “No, I just feel like I should stay. We don’t know how long it could be…” He rubs his eyes wearily. “I’m not ready to make any kind of decision. Tell the kids I love ‘em. I’ll call you again later. Okay. I love you too. Bye.”

Though you’re in my arms tonight,
We’re still so far apart.
I can touch your hand, feel your breath,
But I want to feel your heart.
Please let me feel your heart again,
Don’t leave…
I just need you to be strong for me,
I just want to be with you…
Again.

Ryder sits on the narrow windowsill, his eyes watching Katie. The only movement was her breathing, though he hoped for more. Like almost everyone else from this TJY department, he came close to every day, just to see if there was anything different and to talk to Katie, hoping that maybe the voices and begging for her to come back to them would not be in vain.

His mind was often clouded with thoughts of her here. Even though his days were full. His work with Thirteen continued daily as he worked with her at becoming more secure, and winning over her friendship. Still though, she seemed to only trust him and Trooper. Reese was getting impatient, but Ryder insisted he needed more time. The little spare room had become Thirteen's haven and home, and he wasn't willing yet to take it away from her. He just needed more time... he would find some answers, he knew he would...

Pushing off the sill, Ryder walks back to the bed, reaching down to run his finger over Katie’s hand. “Hang in there, mate,” he whispers softly. He would be back tomorrow, like always.

You again. You again.
That’s what I’m prayin’ for.
You again. You again.
I couldn’t ask for more.
No, I wouldn’t blame you,
If you wanted to give in.
But please reconsider for me.
I just want to be with you,
Again.

The gentle notes slowly fade into the air and Jason’s hand comes to rest on the quiet strings once more. Every night, his voice sang a sweet and quiet melody, and every night, he hoped that when the song ended, he would be able to look into Katie’s eyes once more. But each night, hope was just a little further away.

Setting his guitar aside, Jason leans forward to rest both arms on the edge of the bed. Taking Katie’s hand in his, he buries his face against it, exhaustion having taken its toll. The days had gone by… it didn’t feel like several weeks had passed, but they had. The world was going on around him, but he refused to live outside of this room. If Katie was stuck here, so was he.

Oh, Katie… how much longer? I can’t bear to see you like this any more. I don’t know how long I can last. You’re there… I know you can feel me again… all I want is to feel you too… but all there is is emptiness. I feel so lost. Don’t leave me here alone… please.

His begging was the same every time the moon shone into the room once again. It was the same, every time his body was finally tired enough to pulls his eyes shut, forcing a shallow sleep to take over.


Sometimes the wrong things happen,
And we’re not sure what to do.
Life is slipping slowly by,
I see it passing through.

The tune was familiar, the words almost the same. But as Jason's heart ached, the meaning had been changed. He had once written the song from the perspective of the one who was dying to those awaiting their return. Now it had become a song from the waiting, to the one who was dying.

My tears they fall like raindrops,
On a summer afternoon.
So do me just one favor,
Please grant my one request…

The flowers added up around the room, evidence of just how many lives Katie had touched. Perhaps she had never thought of herself as having many friends, or that many people with whom she had contact. But Jason saw faces he'd never even seen before, show up to say a gentle word. The heart of the church was shown. Jason saw the minister on several occasions, now having his own relationship with him as well. Only now did Jason realize what he'd been missing in a Christian family. There was a bond there that he never knew existed... and he wished he would have known it so much earlier.

Don’t say goodbye…
Tomorrow’s not the end of it.
Don’t say goodbye…
Don’t stay away.
Don’t say goodbye,
Darlin’ please….

…Come home.

"How are you holding up?"

The question seemed to come every day now. Jason nods, his eyes dry. "I'm doing alright." He sighs, fiddling with the guitar pick in his hand. "I just keep talking to her... but there's never a response."

Scott looks down before his eyes drift towards Katie's bed. "You know... I was gonna marry her... we were going to be so happy..." He forces a sad smile. "But that was a long time ago."

Jason cocks his head. "Do you... still have those feelings?"

Scott thinks for a moment, then almost laughed. "It's amazing that feelings like those can ever fade. But life and time have a funny way of doing that." He shakes his head slowly. "She's my friend... and I love her as a close friend. But I've moved on, Jase... After everything I went through... and all the time that has passed... there are certain things that are simply sweet memories."

Jason swallows hard. "I don't want my feelings to turn into memories."

"They won't." Scott takes a deep breath. "They won't... she'll wake up."

Jason can only continue to hope and pray he was right.

"Scott?"

He turns to the sound of Gunner's voice. "Yeah... I'm coming."

Gunner purses his lips sadly, holding out his hand. "I need to get you back."

Scott's shoulders drop a little. House-arrest was becoming downright lonely. Carson had yet to find to find any answers and hope was wearing thin. Some people blamed Reese for not letting Scott pick his work back up, but Scott didn't. It was better if he stayed away until decisions could be made. Until then, Gunner was his guard. And until then, trips to the hospital was the only time he got to get out... no seeing friends... no seeing people at TJY... no contact with Hope... and now no Katie.

Slowly, Scott turns around and heads for the door, waving at Jason. "I'll be back tomorrow like usual."

I’ve fallen down a darkened road,
It’s a mystery I feel.
Choices were spread out before me,
Now time can only heal.

"I made these for you." Susanne holds out a brown paper back. "Couple sandwiches and some cookies."

Jason nods for her to set them on the table. "Thanks."

"Make sure you eat them, okay? Rick said you hadn't been eating very well."

"Would you?" Jason groans and leans back in the chair, rubbing his eyes. "Is Reese ready to fire me?"

"For what? Not coming in?" Susanne shakes his head. "No. You're too good, you know that. He's just as satisfied having you here watching his other favorite agent." She gives Jason's shoulder a pat. "Oh, and there's an apple in there too. Rick said to-"

"Be sure and eat it so my sugar stays up," Jason finishes for her. "I know. Thank you."

Susanne chuckles and leaves him be. Walking over to the bed once, she leans down to kiss Katie's forhead. "Come back, Kat. We miss you at the office."

I’m missing all we used to do,
I’m crying for you now.
So do me just one favor.
Please grant my one request…

"Hey, Tiger, settle down."

Ryder stops his pacing in the kitchen. "Talking to me or Henry?"

Laura rolls her eyes. "You." She sets her dishes in the sink. "You haven't been able to sit still since supper."

"Sorry." Ryder leans back against the counter. "I gotta get back to the office and makes sure Thirteen is settled for the night." For the past week, he'd been coming home at night, but he still checked on Thirteen before making sure she was in bed. "I was just thinking though... too quiet around here, ya know?"

"Yeah, I know." Laura leans against the opposite counter, folding her arms. "I keep... wondering what will happen... what the future is. We all hope Katie will come back to us, but... what if she doesn't?" Her voice starts to crack. "I miss her..."

"Me too." Ryder sighs deeply. "But she's a fighter... she'll come back. Besides, she's got a lot of mail waiting to be read."

Laura can't help a laugh as she wipes her eyes. "You sure know how to spoil a sentimental moment, don't you?"

Ryder grins. "Katie wouldn't have it any other way."

Don’t say goodbye…
Tomorrow’s not the end of it.
Don’t say goodbye…
Don’t stay away.
Don’t say goodbye,
Darlin’ please….

…Come home.

Rick stares at the computer, hitting a few keys and waiting on the results... again. He almost had it... he knew he did. He wasn't even sure why he was working on this... other than at the direct request of Jason. But all the project did was remind him that Katie was still in a coma... there was still a void at TJY.

The machine beeps and Rick groans. "Not again." Why did it seem nothing was going right lately? He sighs. No one ever knew the importance of one person, until they were gone. Nothing seemed right anymore.

Oh the storms around me rage,
And the pain, it cuts me deep.
I don’t want to stay alone down here,
I don’t want to lose it all.
Don’t make me stay alone down here,
Don’t take it all away…

"How is she?"

Hal throws down a tray of food, letting it clang on the interrogation room's table. He glares at Gage. They hadn't gotten rid of their prisoners yet. Interrogations weren't finished, and Reese seemed convinced that they would do something with Gage and Alec other than turning them over to the police yet. At least Gage had quit whining about wanting a fix. "Why should you care?"

Gage looks down, curling up tighter on the cot he'd been provided. "Never mind. I just wanted to know."

"There's no change," Hal finally answers. "No thanks to you."

"Hey, I didn't want to put her in a coma!"

"You certainly didn't help any, now did you?" Hal heads back for the door. "See you tomorrow."

Gage grits his teeth as the door slams shut again. He'd lost track of the days. No one would tell him anything. All they did was ignore him or pump him for information. A least his shakes had stopped, and the headaches weren't as bad. But he'd still do just about anything to get his hands on his drugs again.

Leaning back against the cement wall, he closes his eyes. He kept seeing Katie's beaten face, and a strange stirring crept inside of him. What was right and what was wrong?

Don’t say goodbye…
Tomorrow’s not the end of it.
Don’t say goodbye…
Don’t stay away.
Don’t say goodbye,
Darlin’ please….

…Come home.
Oh come home…
Darlin’ please come home…
Yeah yeah…

… Come home.

Jason stands to set aside his guitar once more. Easing down on the side of the bed, he knew he could get away with it, while the nurses were out. There was just enough room for him to lay on his side and put his arm around Katie. Leaning his head in close, a tear escapes. They didn't come as frequently now, but when left alone, they were hard to hold back.

His hand finds hers, and he just holds it, releasing all of the warmest emotions he could, and holding back all of the bad. At the very least, he wanted Katie to feel at peace, and he wouldn't let her feel his pain... only his love.