She was never afraid of getting older. Every year that came, brought something important and new. To her, it was happening in every three years. At the age of twenty three Gail met Holly at one of the crime scenes that changed a lot in the Division they worked at. Holly was new and knew no one so, when her findings pointed at one of the highly ranked officers there were some problems in division. When Holly tied him up to the murder weapon and scene, it was done. He was arrested and Police of Toronto was without one of the people who made it that efficient. They started dating and she was so happy. On her twenty sixth birthday, they eloped and spent two weeks driving around Canada and having fun. They camped, swam in lakes, fad the animals, made love wherever they could and just enjoyed being married and happy. In next two years, they had a good life and then in third year of their marriage, Holly got an offer for job every forensic pathologist would kill for. She told Gail about it and Gail was not sure why was Holly even thinking about it. They had good life where they were and she had no intention moving across the state and changing their life. It made their marriage and life very difficult. Holly wanted to take the job and Gail didn't want to hear about it. That battle ended in the bad way for both of them. One day Gail came home from work and found that Holly was not home. On the kitchen table she noticed piece of paper and Holly's wedding ring. She opened the paper and there was just one word Sorry. After Holly left, Gail closed up to everyone and buried herself into her work. She didn't look for Holly, she didn't call. She believed she would be back. It took her some time to put herself together, or at least to pretend she was fine. On the night she found Holly's ring on the table, she put it on her chain and wore it around her neck. That was the way she had her always by her side. She never showed interest in dating other people and she never moved any of Holly's things from their place. She gave no opportunity to anyone to approach her and she kept pretty much to herself. She was there, but only as a shadow of former self. Her friends believed it was just a phase but it never changed.

And there she was… She was turning thirty eight in a few days and she was already Chief Superintendent. That was higher rank than her mother had before she retired. She was pretty much like her mother. She was feared, she was talked about and she ruled with an iron fist. Gail knew all the things that were happening at work and she knew how to make her division work better. Even her friends feared her and made sure to do their work in the best possible way. She cut herself from them, but they knew their former friend is still somewhere in there. Gail loved being locked in the office all the time. That meant she didn't have to see people a lot. She had all the time to be by herself. She got to the office early and already buried herself into some paperwork. Her phone rung and she answered…

''Ms. Gail Stewart?''

She took a deep breath. She was not called like that for years. She did take Holly's last name when they got married, but at her police circles she stayed Peck. Peck name in police circles was everything and it hurt less when no one mentioned Holly and anything related to her. She kept the last name, but she almost never used it. It was easier like that.

''Yes…Who is that?''

''My name is Nurse Peterson. I'm calling from the General Hospital in LA. You are listed and Ms. Holly Stewart's next of keen. ''

''Is she O.K.?''

''Mrs. Stewart was in the car accident. She is very critical… We need you to come here so you can give us instructions…''

''Oh…I live in Canada... It will take some time to get there…''

''What about her parents or someone else?''

''I believe her parents live in Europe and I also think that I'm the only one listed…. I'll be there as soon as I can…''

She gathered her things and left the office. She informed her secretary that she will be out of office due to some family emergency. She went home and packed her suitcase and caught first flight to LA. Flight was endless to her. Her feelings and thoughts were all over the place. She was scared, angry, and nervous. She wondered if Holly would be glad to see her. She wondered if Holly changed what she was doing now. She had so many dilemmas and questions. She even had some doubts about herself. Did she change and was she still looking good. Ten hours after receiving the call she got to the hospital. She found the room Holly was in and she was there. In front of the room was one women in her sixties and one young woman in her late twenties. Rules for ICU were special. You had to have permission form the doctors to go and see the patient. You had to get dressed in surgical slippers, have mask, cap and coat. Some patients' didn't need these measures, but anyhow you had to have clear from the doctors. She sat in one of the chairs and waited for someone to come. Two women sitting across form her decided to chat. Apparently it was easier if you talk to someone. Older women spoke to her first.

''Are you here for someone close?''

''Yes, my w… friend…''

Wife sounded somehow….strange now… She hasn't used that word in a very long time. She knew nothing about Holly now, so friend was safer…

''Oh…''

''What happened?''

''I don't know. I just got the call to come and I know nothing….''

Gail didn't want to talk, but the other woman didn't want to stop talking…

''We are here for my daughter's girlfriend. They had a nice evening, my girl proposed and she just run into her car and hit the wall on the side of the road. We are waiting for some news…''

''I hope she is fine…''

''They won't let us see her. They are waiting for someone to come for her…We don't know who that person is. We know nothing about who her relatives are…''

''I'm sorry…''

Doctor came and noticed someone new in the waiting room.

''Are you here for Ms. Stewart?''

''Yes, I was told by one of your nurses to come….''

Two women heard her and stood up.

''You are here for Holly?''

''Yes…''

''And who are you?''

''I'm…''

At that moment, doctor came to Gail and told her she could enter the room. She took her suitcase and rolled it into Holly's room. She was so scared and her emotions were mixed… She wanted to see her for so long…. And now, what? Before she saw her, she could hear beeping of the machines she was hooked on. She approached the bed and saw her covered in bruises and cuts. Her face was full of small cuts, her legs were broken and doctor told her there was some damage to the spine too.

''We can't say anything until she wakes up and we examine her properly.''

''Is she going to make it?''

''I can't promise anything, but I believe she will survive it. I'm not sure about the consequences.''

''Why is she asleep? Is she in coma?''

''No, she is on very strong pain medications. That's why she is asleep. She will wake up in a few hours, but… Just so you know, she will be in and out first few days. It would be better for her to be under the meds. She would be in strong pain otherwise.''

''Thank you…''

''Have a nice day… I'll be back in a few hours to check on her. I believe she will wake up in two hours.''

Gail sat to the chair and let out the breaths she was holding. For some time she sat in the chair just looking at her. She was afraid to approach her. She got up and stood by the window. It was already after midnight. She was so tired and she wanted to sleep, but something didn't give her strength to move away from Holly.

'' Water… I need water…''

Gail moved to the cupboard and poured some water into the cup. She took the straw and got near the bed to give it to her. Holly's eyes were closed, but she could notice her being very upset…

''It can't be… You can't be…''