"He's in a very critical state madam," the doctor said. The hospital wing gave Rose the shivers; it was deathly white as though it were a symbol of the afterlife to come. It was so sterile and so cold without an ounce or warmth or homeliness.

"Will he make it?" Rose asked, her eyes almost seemed as if they were pleading with him, begging him to do more.

"I'm afraid I cannot say madam, its best not to raise your hopes. Mr Dawson's condition although at the moment stable, is critical. He was in the icy waters for far too long and his body is not recuperating. He has severe hypothermia and pneumonia. I can assure you that we're doing all that we can." The doctor's tone was so cold and formal and not very reassuring. Rose couldn't stop the tears falling from her eyes.

"I don't mean to upset you madam, perhaps I can arrange for you to talk with someone during this difficult time," the doctor said.

Rose shook her head. "No thank you. May I sit with Jack?"

"I'm afraid it isn't a good idea madam; he needs to be in isolation and he hasn't regained consciousness. You really should be focusing on your own health; you've been through quite an ordeal. Have you been checked over?" the doctor said, trying to be sympathetic.

"Yes," Rose lied. Being checked over was the last thing on her mind although she was showing the beginnings of a chesty cough.

"Really madam, I don't like the sound of that cough, I'll get somebody to check you over."

"No!" Rose snapped.

"Very well madam, I cannot force you, but I highly suggest you get yourself checked over. Worrying will not help your state either, you'll make yourself ill."

"How can I not worry, when the love of my life is fighting for his life? Do you not have any feelings you monster?"

The doctor was rather shocked by this fiery lady's outburst, but he was used to dealing with distressed loved ones. "Madam I do understand that you're upset, but you're not helping the situation by making yourself ill. Please madam I'll get somebody to escort you to your cabin, you should be in the warmth. Martha dear will you take Mrs Dawson to her cabin please," the doctor said beckoning over a nurse.

...

Everything was touch and go. Rose simply didn't know what to do with herself. She just stayed in her bed in her cabin and cried the whole time. She refused to eat, do anything or speak to anyone. A few days later she decided to venture onto the deck to catch some air when she saw the person that she hoped never to see again. There was Cal, pacing up and down on the deck. She had tried her best to avoid him. She cocooned herself in her shawl and kept her head low.

"I'm looking for a young woman; she has red hair," she heard Cal go around asking the people on the deck. She prayed that he wouldn't see her and that he would eventually go away. She almost jumped out of her skin when she felt someone pull back her shawl.

"Rose! I'm so relieved!" Cal cried, embracing her before she could even push him away. "Thank heavens! You look as white as a sheet; I'll get a doctor to see you."

"Cal leave me alone, I thought I told you we're through!" Rose barked angrily.

"I'm so sorry for everything I've put you through Rose, give me a chance, I can change. I forgive you for running off with that sewer rat, but we can make a new start."

"You forgive me!" Rose almost wanted to laugh. "I wouldn't want you forgiveness even if you went down on your knees and begged for it. You make me sick! I still love the sewer rat." Rose suddenly burst into tears. The thought of losing Jack was too much to bear.

"I'm sorry," Cal said surprisingly, patting her shoulder. He had never been very good with expressing his emotions or sympathies, so a pat on the shoulder or a cold "there, there" was about as deep as he ever got.

"He's not dead, well not yet. He's in the hospital ward, but the doctors say it's not good. I'm scared he'll die. They rescued a man from the water and he didn't make it."

"I'm sure the doctors are doing all they can. Look I'll make sure he has the best medical treatment; I'll pay for it. I'll arrange for him to be taken to one of the best hospitals in New York."

"Why are you doing this Cal? What's in it for you?"

"It breaks my heart that you don't want to be with me, but I want you to be happy Rose, even if it is with that gutter rat."

"And you're sure this isn't some game?"

"Rose, do you really think with everything that's happened that this is the time to be playing games? The ship has sunk; people have lost their lives. It's made me realise that life's too short to hold grudges and be petty."

"Fine I believe you." Rose wondered if Cal was genuine; he seemed genuine. Maybe the tragedy really had shaken him and made him want to change his wretched and wicked ways.

"There's only one thing I ask of you."

"I knew that there was something in it for you."

"No there isn't anything in it for me. I just want you to let your mother know that you're safe; she's been worried sick about you Rose. She's convinced that you're dead; she's in hysterics. Please put her out of her misery. Please."

"Fine," Rose agreed hesitantly. "You can tell her that I'm alive and that I don't wish to speak to her."

"I'll tell her, she'll be relieved. I'm so relieved that you're alive Rose! Don't worry; I'll make sure that Jack is in good hands, he'll be OK."

"Thank you," Rose said. "I appreciate it." She really hoped that Cal meant what he said!