This is a short ONE-SHOT that came to me. Thought I would share.

When life gives you a kick in the teeth, you just get up and keep on going. At least that's what they say.

One cold morning, in January, life did just that. It kicked my square in the teeth. I wasn't expecting it at all. It's funny, because my life has never ever been predictable. But on this particular morning, life certainly surprised me.

As I'm getting of the elevator, I notice something is off. Very off. I continue walking down the hallway to the squad and stop cold in my tracks. You could hear a pin drop and for this place that's highly unusual. I slowly look around the doorway and I see why it's quiet. I gasp at the sight before me. It's devastating. I immediately turn away and unlock my gun. When I turn back, I notice a movement to the far left corner. I set my eyes on the movement and wait. I can't make out who it is. I aim my gun toward them, but then I see him. He is lying there and there is blood. It's everywhere around him. The tears spring immediately in my eyes. I try to keep them at bay, but it's no use. They fall down my cheeks onto my sweater. I wipe them away quickly.

There is more movement the corner. I still can't make out who it is; so I hold up on shooting. It could be one of us. I can't chance it. Looking around my shoulder, there is no one else in sight. I think to myself, where the hell is everyone.

There is only one thing to do; act. I have to save him. My eyes fall back to his body and I look for some kind of movement. His head is turned the other way; all I can see are his legs from this view point.

The person moves to get up from the corner. I see it's the perp's brother from our last case. The bastard is back for revenge. I set my sights on him and aim my gun. The shot is clean. Then he's down.

I immediately run in, calling 911 on my cell. I go to the suspect first and slap cuffs on him. I rush to El's side, flipping him over and all I see is all the blood. It's everywhere. I begin to sob. I know it's not the time, but this is El, my partner. The man that I…

I shake my head and begin checking his vitals. I feel a faint pulse. I can't tell where he was shot exactly, there's just too much blood. It's in the chest area. I yank off my coat and use it for pressure. I sit and wait until the ambulance gets there.

I write down that day as one of the worst I've ever had. Seeing him lying there pale and lifeless was indescribable. I don't take things for granted anymore. I get out more on the weekends. In the summer, I go on vacation. I've learned to enjoy skiing and horse back riding.

These days, I enjoy the calms of life not the dangers. In these past few years, life has seemed to be gentler. My life is more about what I have; not about what I don't. I cherish every moment with the ones I love.

After that dreadful morning, 5 years ago, I finally gave in and admitted my love for Elliot Stabler. I made a promise that day, while I was waiting to find out his fate. I would tell him the truth, if he made it through the surgery alive. It was the most profound day of my life.

Yes things changed; some good and some bad. But years later, we both can look at each other across our bed and tell each how much we love one another. I'm the proud mother of a 3 year old brown haired, blue eyed little boy. He is our world.

It was the scariest time for me when I carried him. All the doctors warned me about the risks at my age. But in my heart, I knew everything would turn out just fine.

Now as I lay next to the two men in my life; I smile and thank God for them. There's a saying; it takes the worst to bring out the best. I guess that faithful day was the worst and now we have the best.

The End