A/N: One of two obligatory post-"Don't Cry" stories that have been floating through my gray matter. I may not have the law exactly right here, but it works for my story so I'm claiming literary license. I was having a devil of a time with some of the dialogue in this story so I hope it doesn't suck. As usual, I own nothing of IPS, the characters, etc. etc.

Prologue

Marshall was at home for the first time in what seems like years. In actuality, it had been about 30-ish hours; since when he left for work the day before. He took the opportunity to shower, shave and put on clothes that hadn't been slept in. He looked longingly at the bed that beckoned his weary body like a siren call. But he was here on a mission. He went to his file cabinet and pulled out the document he hoped he would never need and headed back out.

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Chapter One

It had been about 14 hours since Mary had been brought to the hospital, her life hanging by a thread. That same thread was also tenuously holding together the emotional state of the four people gathered in the waiting room. Stan had gone back to the office to check in with Bobby and tackle the mountain of paperwork that Eleanor was coordinating for him.

At long last, Mary's surgeon had returned with news. They all huddled together, Marshall standing slightly behind the group. He felt awkward in his position as her best friend, yet not family. The surgeon reported that Mary's vitals were finally stable enough to start the operation to assess and repair the damage. He discussed is broad terms what their plan was and answered a few questions. The wave of relief that swept over the group at getting to the next part of the treatment was short lived with the next words that came out of his mouth.

"This next operation is very tricky and unfortunately I can't guarantee anything at this point." He looked at the pained expressions on his patients' family and continued, "because of this, we need to know what Mary's wishes would be if," he took a deep breath, "if this surgery is unsuccessful."

Raph and Jinx looked at each other in confusion and disbelief, and Jinx tried to reply, "Well, I….I don't know." She said almost pleading for guidance.

Marshall stepped forward almost reluctantly, gathered his composure and said "She has a living will." He cast quick glances at Jinx and Raph, who were looking at him like he'd sprouted a third eye, "and I hold her medical power of attorney."

Words tumbled out of Jinx's mouth like a waterfall. "What? Why wasn't I told about this? What does that mean?….I don't understand what…" The look on Raph's face told a different story. More like why am I not surprised she didn't tell me about this either.

The doctor cut her off in mid-brain dump. "Mr. Mann, what would she want?"

"Basically, she doesn't want extreme measures taken if the only result of them would be to prolong her life tied to a machine." He fidgeted with his hands and tried not to look at her family. "She would rather us let her go than let her live in a vegetative state." Jinxed gasped at that.

"That can't be true! She'd want to fight!", Jinx screeched.

He shook his head as if to clear it and looked at the doctor, "She spelled out specific guidelines, it's in the living will."

"Do you happen to have the documents with you?" , the doctor asked.

Marshall shook his head and replied, "No, I have them at home. I can be back with them in half an hour."

"We don't need them quite that soon. We still need to make some arrangements and get her prepped. You have time to take care of a few things for yourself if you need to while you're home. In the mean time, we'll have you look over these forms and sign them so we can get started".

Jinx looked at the doctor with eyes pleading, "But, but I'm her mother! I should be doing that, shouldn't I?"

"I'm sorry Mrs. Shannon, but if she's signed a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, then that person is the one we need to consult for decisions. Even though you are her mother, she's entrusted Mr. Mann with these decisions and we have to respect that."

The doctor led Marshall out of the waiting room as Jinx collapsed in a heap in the chair and Raph and Brandi tried their best to console her. "But I'm her mother!" she sobbed over and over.