I don't own Monk or Natalie or Julie 4 that matter

Natalie was going to unpack Monk's groceries when she stopped.

"Mr. Monk suppose we were just going to the store," Natalie said

"Weren't we," Monk asked

"Ugh," she said, "I have a point"

"Go ahead?"

"So anyway we're going to the store for apple-juice. Keep in mind that it's a specific type of apple-juice. It's a very special brand of apple-juice. You really love that apple-juice and you want that apple-juice"

"I have a feeling we're not talking about apple-juice," Monk said

Natalie wasn't surprised that he knew that but she continued on.

"Anyway you really, really want the apple-juice but Julie needs the apple-juice. Who do you think should get the apple-juice?"

"Well Natalie there are a number of factors that would determine that answer," Monk said, "Does Julie really need the apple-juice for example or does she wantthe apple-juice?"

"I just said she needs the apple-juice"

"You also have to consider if the apple-juice is too strong for Julie. What is the expiration date? Can it do what it needs to do? WILL it do what it needs to do-"

"It loves Julie," Natalie said, "Of course it will"

Adrian could see Natalie was actually talking about a very special gift he had been given. He could see Natalie was being reasonable. She was acting as a mother. She was thinking of Julie's best interest not her own. As much as he wanted that "apple-juice" for himself Julie needed the "apple-juice" and he knew his "apple-juice" would insist on Julie getting her "apple-juice"

"I think," Adrian said hesitatingly, "that I'm torn. But I know what my "apple-juice" would say I should do. In fact she would insist that I give you and Julie my gift. But on the other hand I think it would be hard for me not to have my 'apple-juice"

"Mr. Monk I wouldn't even be thinking about apple-juice if Julie didn't need it"

Monk looked out into the distance.

"No you wouldn't be," Monk said, "and you're not thinking about apple-just right now. Apple-juice is symbolic for you want-"

"Need"

"Fine need and want"

"I-"

"Natalie there's no shame in wanting. Anyway y-you can have the apple-juice but only because Julie needs it"

Because he was selfless he also got his own apple-juice. Just one question—what does 'apple-juice' really mean? The world may never know but if you read BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE YOU WILL"