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| Note from the author: I hope this came out all right. I'm not an expert on situations like these. Please don't flame me too badly... **************** Two days later the doctors pronounced Mac physically able to leave the hospital. However, everyone had noticed a significant change in her mannerisms. She hardly spoke and wouldn't joke around with Harm or their children. No one knew what to do or what to say. Evelyn glanced over at her siblings as they quietly did their homework. There was no complaining, no fighting, and no shouting. Just silence. It really unnerved her. Maddie was the first one to notice Harm coming in the front door. She got up and rushed over to him. "Hi, Angel." "Hi, Daddy." "Everyone all right?" he asked. The kids nodded, but none of them looked up. Harm gave Maddie a kiss and looked up at Evelyn. He told her with his eyes to follow him. "How's your Mom?" "I went to see her about ten minutes ago. She was sleeping soundly." Harm nodded. "She doesn't sleep much at night," he commented. "From the redness around your eyes," Evelyn replied, "I'd have to say the same thing about you." "Don't start with me, Evie, not right now. I couldn't concentrate at work and I almost forgot I was meeting with the SECNAV." Evelyn sighed. "Dad, you should really take some time off. If not for you, then for Mom and us. We need you!" "I'll think about it," he said. "I'm going up to see your Mom, could you see about making dinner?" "Sure," she said. Without another word, Harm left the kitchen. ************ Harm found Mac sleeping soundly. He was glad for that because it tore him apart inside when she would wake up screaming. She usually allowed him to wrap his arms around her, but last night she wouldn't let him touch her. He kissed her gently on her forehead. "I love you, Sarah. We'll get through this, I promise." "Harm?" she whispered groggily. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." Mac turned over to face him. "It's all right," she replied. "Will you lay with me awhile?" He nodded with a smile. "Of course. Evie's making dinner so we I can stay here until she's finished. Are you going to eat with us tonight?" She felt Harm's arms wrap around her. "I don't know, Harm..." "Please, Sarah. If not for me, then the kids. I know it hasn't been easy for you, but they miss you. They need to see you." Mac nodded. She knew very well that her children needed her. She needed to see them. No, what she needed to do was snap out of it! *You're a Marine, Sarah Mackenzie!* So what, she found herself saying back, you're human too! "Sarah?" "Let’s go to the kitchen for dinner." |
