Rating: PG, some strong language

Disclaimers: Major spoilers for Ep 312 "Silent Night," some of the dialogue is taken directly from the episode. I own nothing you recognize.

Thanks to SallyJetson for the beta

Stella met Lindsay outside the morgue that afternoon. She felt guilty for snapping at Lindsay like she had earlier, not, however, for what she said but for the way she'd said it. She wouldn't have been surprised if Lindsay hated her right then. She knew something bad had to be bothering Lindsay, for Lindsay wouldn't snap like that otherwise.

Stella didn't know similar thoughts were running through Lindsay's head as well, feeling guilty for snapping back at Stella, when all Stella was trying to do was be a friend. Lindsay hoped she hadn't done irreparable damage to their relationship.

"Ready?" Stella asked. Lindsay nodded. "Well, let's head in," Stella continued, holding the door open for Lindsay.

---

"Another teenager," Sid began.

"Both with gunshot wounds to the stomach," Stella said.

"Only Mackenzie Wade wasn't shot, she was stabbed," Sid corrected

Lindsay had been gradually walking towards the body, swallowing hard as she did so.

Blood was streaked on the girls face.

Lindsay tried to continue the conversation, attempting to cover up the vision. "But the wound is circular like it's from a bullet."

Sid began to explain, "Caused by…"

Lindsay tried to follow, but looking at Mackenzie, she couldn't. She tried to shake her head to get the images out of her mind, but…

The morgue suddenly turned blood red. The faces turned into those of her friends. Covered in blood. "15-17, one possible survivor," a mechanical voice said. Lindsay wanted to scream.

Lindsay's face was beginning to crumble. Stella, having gotten the information she needed from Sid, turned to Lindsay, instantly becoming worried. "Lindsay?" Lindsay choked back a sob. "It's okay," Stella continued, placing her arms around Lindsay's shoulders.

No, it's not, Stella. Lindsay blurted out, "Why was I the only one?" and a tear trickled down her face.

Stella, shocked, stood speechless for a minute, before realizing she should try to get Lindsay somewhere a little more private. "Thanks, Sid," she called, leading Lindsay out of the morgue.

Stella tried to think of where they could go. Damn whoever designed this lab for making it all glass. There's nowhere that is private. Well I guess the bathroom is. Here's one, at least it's not far from the morgue. Lindsay continued quietly crying, with her head down, as they walked through the hall.

Interrupting Stella's train of thought, Adam walked up, "Hey, Stella, I've got the DNA results on your skater."

Damn it. "I'll be there in a minute," she called over her shoulder. Steering Lindsay into the bathroom, she said to Lindsay, "Well, I'm going to have to go, but just come find me when you can pull it under control, okay. Lock the door so no one comes in here. Remember, it'll be okay," she said, giving Lindsay a quick hug before leaving.

"No, it won't, Stella," Lindsay said in the bathroom. She started quietly sobbing.

On her way to the lab, Stella's mind was racing. Come on, Lindsay. You really need to talk to someone, please admit it. It's for your own sake. I really want to be a friend, but you've got to let me. But I'm going to make sure that Adam knows if he tells anyone he saw you crying, he's in trouble.