Dealing
Somewhere in the back of her mind, the voice was asking, "How long has it been now? Two weeks? Three?" For Catherine, it seemed so much longer. So many questions ran through her mind. How had this happened? Why had it happened to her? Why was her baby gone? Somewhere along the way she had just shut down. Lately, the voice seemed to be her only companion. There was the voice again; reminding her that she was the one who pushed everyone away. She had even pushed her closest friends away.
Catherine slowly realized where her aimless wandering had brought her. She was facing the fence that surrounded the playground of Lindsey's elementary school. She recalled other times she had stood in this very spot watching Lindsey play. Kids began pouring out the doors of the school, and for a moment Catherine could almost believe that Lindsey would be there too. Almost. That had been a long time ago though. At least, it seemed like a long time ago.
Nothing seemed real anymore. It seemed to Catherine that this was some horrible nightmare, and any time now she would wake up and Lindsey would be coming home from school. She couldn't believe that this had really happened, but at the same time she couldn't wake up.
She heard him come up behind her, but Catherine didn't bother to turn around. She knew who it was, but she was too caught up in the memories to acknowledge his presence. Gently, he laid his hands on her shoulders.
"I thought I might find you here." Gil's voice was soft and comforting. Catherine's shoulders remained tense beneath his hands.
He felt for her; Catherine was his best friend, and he would do anything for her. This loss was hitting him hard as well, and he couldn't imagine how Catherine must feel. She was taken from them so suddenly. It had shocked them all. The whole team had tried to help, but Catherine wouldn't have it. She needed time to come to terms with Lindsey's death. Gil knew that he should be there when it finally sunk in. She trusted him; and if she were going to break down in front of someone, she would rather it be him than Nick, Warrick, or Sara
Gil was pulled out of his silent reflections by Catherine's voice, "My baby's gone, Gil." All of her strength seemed to leave her as she turned against him and buried her face in his chest.