Author's Note: I recently got the DVD of Mary & Rhoda, and while it definitely left things to be desired, I enjoyed watching it again. But I couldn't help thinking there was something else Mary could've been doing besides the news. This resulted. I don't know quite where it's going yet, but I'm sure I'll figure something out!

Mary couldn't believe what she was doing as she dialed the phone. But she knew it was the right thing to do. "Hello, Murr?"

Murray could hardly believe his ears. "Mary?! What's wrong? Are you OK? I meant to call you when I heard about Steven, but, you know, with my writing and everything..."

"Don't give it a second thought," Mary said dismissively. "That's not why I'm calling. Murray, the news business has changed. It's not like it used to be. I just took a job at ABC as a producer."

"Hey, Mare, that's wonderful!" Murray couldn't have been more proud.

"Thanks. I just did a story I'm really proud of. But I had to fight to do it, and I nearly lost my job because of it. I just don't know if I want to keep fighting. Not at my age."

Murray didn't know what to say. He didn't like hearing Mary so discouraged, but he understood her feelings. He'd been out of the news business for years. Now, he'd discovered he liked writing books much better. "That's understandable. You've been doing the news for a long time."

"I know. You're not going to believe this, but I ran into Rhoda not long ago. She's right here with me!"

"Really?" Murray said. "That's terrific. I always hoped you two would patch things up."

"We did. And Rhoda just reminded me of something. I have been around for a few years. I've had a pretty good life. Maybe it's time I shared it with the world. I was wondering if you'd help me."

"What do you mean, Mare?"

"I was thinking about writing a book."

That was the last sentence Murray ever thought he'd hear from Mary. But it didn't take long to decide how he felt about that. "I think that's a great idea. I'll help in any way I can."

"That's good, Murray. I know it costs money to publish a book, and I'm prepared to put in every penny I can. But I don't know if it'll be enough, especially if I quit my job."

"If it's a question of money, say no more. I've got a few connections, and I'll do whatever's necessary to make this happen for you, Mary."

"Thanks, Murr. I really appreciate that. I can't wait to get started writing it! I'll give you a call in a few days, and we can work out the details."

"Sure thing, Mare. This book's going to be a bestseller, I just know it!"

Mary smiled as she hung up the phone. Suddenly, she felt a sense of hope and excitement she hadn't felt in years.

But Rose could only look at her mother in disbelief. "Mom, what are you doing? You're going to write a book now? Don't you think that's crazy?"

"No," Mary answered. "I mean, OK, yes, it might seem crazy, but it feels right."

"But, Mom, you don't know anything about writing a book. What are you going to write about? Daddy?"

Rhoda shook her head. "No, this has nothing to do with your father. Rose, your mother was the first woman producer WJM ever had. She was a pioneer. That's what she's going to write about."

"I think it's cool," Meredith said. "Life is short. Isn't that what you always say, Ma?"

"Exactly," Rhoda said, agreeing with her daughter. "I've known your mother a long time. And if there's one thing I know about her, it's that when she sets her mind on something, she usually succeeds." Rhoda looked at Rose, hoping her tone showed she meant business.

"Well," Rose said, realizing she wasn't going to change anyone's mind. "I'm happy for you, I guess. My mother, the author."