Rick awoke first then lay looking at Kate like she could literally disappear. He really wanted to know…How did she do it? Being injured and confused by the plane crash how did she survive? Rick was grateful for her survival but the author in him had to know the story!

Kate awoke to Rick's loving gaze. Kate thought the last time she awoke like that it was slitted pupils staring back at her. Kate at that time just closed her eyes and even out her breathing then when she opened them again the eyes in the darkness were gone. This time she closed her eyes and when she opened them it was the same blue eyes. Nope it was not like out there at all Kate thought to herself.

Hey? Kate sleepily said.

"Hey I have your favorite coffee." Rick said.

"Please take it away! It makes me nauseous." Kate said.

"Oh I am so sorry. I should have known your tastes would have changed." Rick said apologetically.

"You would have a cup of squirrel blood perhaps?" Kate said teasingly.

Rick looked perplexed.

"Uh…Squirrel blood? Nope…Fresh out…!" Rick said confusingly. "How about Milk…?"

"Rick water is just fine." Kate said trying to keep from laughing and spoiling her fun.

Rick moved over to grab the picture and pour her a glass and gave it to her.

"I suppose Squirrel blood was your breakfast drink?" Rick asked.

"No Silly! I drank Moose blood!" Kate said laughing after drinking the water.

"Oh you little Minx…! I was only trying to be nice and you are already tying me in knots!" Rick said accusingly.

"So sorry Rick…You should have seen the look on your face!" Kate chortled. "I have not forgotten city ways but they seem so foreign to me Rick."

"I suppose since I saw that bow you made. I guess you had to hunt your own breakfast every day?" Rick asked.

"Well not every day more like every other day. Most of the time, I did not venture out until mid day." Kate admitted.

"So it was a fluke you were up so early?" Rick asked.

"Well yeah but I heard the Chopper's blades." Kate said.

"That was a good distance away and that awoke you?" Rick asked.

"Yeah, it was a different sound. Forest sounds do not have that distinct sound. So I guess it penetrated my subconscious." Kate said.

"You mean I could have walked past you if you were not awake?" Rick asked.

"I suppose you might have done so other times too." Kate said.

Rick was upset. He had possibly could have rescued her earlier had he known her pattern.

"Rick…look at me I am here and sound other than this leg cast…best of all we are going home!" Kate said as she kissed him.

Rick dark thoughts vanished as he deepened the kiss.

Dr. Thomas her surgeon walked in.

"Excuse me. I need to talk to both of you. I am releasing you today Kate. I understand you will have a care giver with you? Good I want you not to use the crutches for at least 3 weeks. I know it is an inconvenience but it was the use of the crutch that caused it to heal wrong in the first place. Bones tend to want to repeat growth patterns so if you do not want to be lame for the rest of your life stay off the crutches! Next there is a prescription for pain because you will feel it once these drips are removed. Do not try to grit it out. It could cause severe respiratory damage. The Doctor warned. "Please sign here to say I gave you oral instruction and that you understand them completely."

Kate signed as Rick watched.

"Good the rest of your paperwork will be at the nurse's station. I hope not to have to treat you again. Good luck." The Doctor said.

Rick got up from the couch then dialed a number soon a motorized wheelchair appeared.

"Rick what is this?" Kate asked.

"It is yours for the time being I got one for myself too!" Rick said. "I did not want to make you feel odd besides who would you have to get wheel chair races?"

Kate was speechless as the winch was attached to the bed so she could be slowly lowered into position.

"Oh yeah I have the winch installed too plus modified the bathroom door and front door to the loft it is now completely wheelchair assessable." Rick said.

Kate was in the sitting position and her leg jutted out in front of her.

"So Kate…How do you feel?" Rick asked eagerly.

"Embarrassed…but surprisingly comfortable...Thank you Rick." Kate said as she experimentally moved the joystick.

Kate was a quick study and soon the wheel chair race in the hallway was on. They only stopped at the nurse's station then they were lead to the underground parking for VIP only. There a wheel chair assessable van was standing by. Getting secure Kate sat back then watched the world go whizzing by. She was surprised by the amount of press in front of the hospital. Too bad she was not speaking to them today. She had quite a story.

The van stopped in the parking area of the loft and they rode the fright elevator to the right floor. Rick was getting excited. They were almost home. Kate maneuvered her chair expertly then she was able to open and back in to the loft.

Rick followed with his chair. Then everyone yelled surprise. The loft was decorated with banners saying welcome home.

Kate was still tired and thanked everyone from coming but right now she wanted to settle in the bed.

Everyone understood and left the loft.

"I really did not want to hurt their party" Kate said as Rick winched her on to the bed.

"That is ok Kate they understand. There will be plenty of time for parties later when you are felling better." Rick said as he shook out her two pain pills.

Kate took them and drank some water. Finally situated she fell asleep as Rick dismantled the winch. He crawled into the bed with her. She reached over and grabbed his shirt. Soon he was asleep too.