In two days Emmalin makes her last return to university. She is entering her fourth and final year. The next day she must take the train, alone, to go there. This is reminiscent of what happened on the eve of Amanda's return, she too had to take the train alone. Claudia is not easy.

C: Do you have everything you need, honey?
E: Yes, everything is ready.
M: Are you sure you do not want us to take you ourselves?
E: No, two more girls from my class will be on the train, so I will not be alone.

Claudia and Michael exchanged a worried look. Emmalin knew that their anxiety was great.

E: Dad, mom, I know what you're thinking right now. But I promise you that nothing will happen to me.
M: It's just that your mother has been with you every school year since you started kindergarten. And we have never experienced that, the entrance to our daughter's last year of university.
E: I know. But no fourth year arrives with his parents and I'll just have time to put my things in my room before going to my meeting back. So you will not stay, so much road for so little, I prefer to travel by train.
C: Okay. Michael, do you realize? Our baby is older, in the last year of university, a bright future in hiccups.
E: Mom ... and maybe for hiccups.
M: Oh no Em', you know you'll get there. Your work will pay, I'm sure.
E: I hope. But I would just like to be able to approach this project without pressure. If it does not work this year, do you ...
C: Emmalin, whatever happens, we are very proud of you. And we will stay. We know that you always do the maximum, that's enough for us.
M: Your mother is right, I said her in a joking tone.

Claudia shook her head with a smile.

M: What are you thinking?
C: Oh no, I do not know if I should bring out that old story tonight ...
E: Oh, mom, please, I love old stories.

Michael and Emmalin stared at her.

C: Ok. It's just that I realize you're not a kid anymore. Everything has gone at a speed. And I remembered that short time about six years ago, when I thought I was pregnant ...
M: Right. I had a little forgotten this period.
E: What? But wait, I had just returned to high school at that time. You never told me anything!
C: If you remember, it was a few months after your sister's departure. And I had this desire to have another child, contradicted by the lack of your sister. Except that when I had this doubt, everything was questioned. To tell you, I did not tell your father right away.
M: That's right. And ... it seems to me that it was after your first departure alone on vacation with your friends Emmalin, that your mother told me about it. She announced it to me as having a little fright.
E: Did you want to ... replace Amanda?
C: Oh no honey, that was not it, absolutely not.
M: No, I do not think it was that.
C: Let's say that having this doubt, I imagined everything, and if I really was pregnant? On the other hand, I thought that there was a false alarm and it was not true. And every time there was this question coming back, what if I really was? The doctor told me that I was not, so the discussion was quickly forgotten.
M: We had talked about it one night, remember.

Claudia plunged into her memories.

C: Yes, it's true.
E: And you dad, what did you think?
M: I never told your mother about it, but I wanted to have another child. This desire came on my return from two years of mission in Iraq. I thought a lot and the time passed without me talking to your mother. But with Amanda's disappearance, I could not ask her that, knowing we were in a morally difficult time.
E: I can not believe I almost had a little brother or sister.
C: That's why I smiled just now. I thought that if we had this child, he would be six years old now and we would still be worried about the concerns of the primary school.
M: That's right, you're right. We should have waited another fifteen years to see him finish university and finally be quiet ...
C: Michael ...

Everyone laughed.

C: Life was what it was and it was probably better like that.
M: Your mother is probably right.
E: Yes, of course, but it's always very special to hear that kind of thing. And I'm sure there are many more to tell hum?

Claudia thought about the medical problem she had when Michael returned to Iraq. His daughter had never been aware. Just like this story of nightmares before the deployment of Michael 4 years ago.

C: Surely yes, but it's late and tomorrow a long day is waiting for you.
M: Yes, I propose that everyone go to sleep.

After wishing good night, everyone joined his room. Before going to bed, Claudia came back to a sentence Michael had said.

C: Honey, why did not you ever tell me about the desire you had after your two-year mission?

Michael looked at his wife. He sighed. After all, they had never had a secret between them.

M: It was during my three weeks of leave to return. I watched the girls, I watched you and I thought we had a cruising rhythm in our life. Everything was going so well and for the better, as much for my career as for the girls at school and even for you compared to the support group. It was there that I realized that girls no longer needed us. With the army they learned to be autonomous and ended the hugs before sleeping, the stories at bedtime, those times when she came to see us when she had an argument at school.
C: Michael, I ...
M: I know honey, we did not have the same vision, and for you life is not punctuated by someone who needs us. But that's what I thought about this period. I went back to work, and remember you I had some difficulties to regain stability. And then I told myself that my desire was probably unthinking. I could not ask you to relive a pregnancy, especially that when you were pregnant with Amanda or Emmalin, you had to live a part all alone.
C: Even if we did not share the same opinion, you should have told me about it. The girls were slowly getting away from us, because they were teenagers and for having hardly crossed this period with Emmalin, you know very well that the parents are not the people with whom the teenagers want to spend their time.
M: Yes but several weeks later, this desire has returned. I missed so many important moments with the girls, I felt guilty so much that I needed to prove to myself that I had not missed my role as a father. Would a new child still need me so much where was it that I no longer had this role of father to girls because of my too many deployments?

Claudia came to him and took him in his arms.

C: Oh honey, you were a wonderful father to Amanda and Emmalin. You have always been there even thousands of miles away. You sent them letters, little presents when you found them a few times. You phoned us often and then with the computers everything was simplified. Girls have always been very proud of you. They have always admired you and loved you a lot.
M: I know.

They broke off and went to bed, each on their own.

C: You should have told me about all this. I do not know if at that time I would have been ready to have a third child, given the support group's place and your career in our life. But we could have talked about it anyway. I understand our discussion better when I thought I was pregnant. You must have been disappointed that day ...
M: I had a touch of disappointment, that's right. But when we lost Amanda, everything was questioned. And I knew deep inside me that we would be contradicting on this subject if I spoke to you about it. Amanda's departure to reinforce this desire to be a father again. Simply because I wanted to be able to live something with you that brings us together, and that we can live together. I thought that might help us. But when I looked at you, I thought it was impossible for me to ask you that. You suffered so much, you had so much trouble even to trust me again. How do you ask to carry our child, when we had just taken away our eldest daughter?
C: And you saw right because you know that for a long time I thought only of my own pain and the horror that I lived of not having Amanda with us anymore. I could not have become pregnant during this period, it would have been impossible. On the one hand because I would not have wanted, but on the other hand because my body would not have wanted. Because you know that it could have been a possibility ...
M: What do you mean by that?
C: I mean, I had forgotten for two weeks to take my pill Michael. Remember that I got pregnant with Amanda and Emmalin while I was taking her. That's why I was afraid of getting pregnant without really wanting it. When I believed it, I waited a good week before going to see my doctor, so much I was anxious to think that I was really pregnant. But that did not happen, because being so consumed by grief, I do not even know how I did to stand up every day. But my body gave me strength just to stay upright, and nothing else.
M: You mean that if life had decided, everything could have been different.
C: It's even safe. And if I did not talk to you about it, it's because I wanted to be able to accept this new one alone before announcing it so that I could bear the consequences with you and not on our own.
M: But we did not have to do it.
C: No And so much the better. I'm sorry to hear that for you it started from a real desire. I hope you do not have too many regrets about that.
M: Well, no, because the moments we had afterwards made me so happy that I forgot that little time. And nothing matters to me to have you by my side every day of our lives.

Claudia approached him and kissed him. She answered with a little humor.

C: So in this case, get ready because tomorrow we will only be both, and we will have to support ourselves say three months since Emmalin will come back for the end of year celebrations.

Michael laughed.

M: This program suits me perfectly.

Claudia smiled at him.

C: I love you honey.

They kissed each other.

M: Me too. Good night.

They fell asleep entwined in each other's arms, soothing. And yet, the next day, Emmalin left for three months without being able to return to Fort Marshall. Michael was back to work on Monday. And despite all, as much as Claudia felt some anxiety.
Emmalin's trip was at its best and his parents were reassured to have him on the phone that night. A new year full of challenge for her including one of them who was back in a big ice hockey team. She wanted to take the test of selection to enter the United States national team directly, but coming from a university team, she knew she should make her way. She hoped to be admitted to the Whitecaps of Minnesota or the Boston Blades. She would know it in a few months.
For Michael, it was also a bit of a comeback for him since he was going back to work that day. Claudia continued her work habits too. Work in the office in the morning and work at home in the afternoon. Even if they did not talk about it, they feared this recovery. Michael will adapt easily to the situation at work, but what about this new organization? He feared that everything would go wrong, how before. For her part, Claudia hoped not to fall back into the problems of previous months. That morning, she accompanied her husband to the office to wish him good luck. She went to the secretariat to see if she had any administrative mail in her name. On leaving, she passed Colonel Young.

K: Oh ... hello Mrs. Holden.
C: Claudia, please. Hello Colonel.
K: How's the general this morning?
C: Michael is fine, thank you. He recovered perfectly and he was delighted to be able to resume.
K: Nice to hear it. Everything has been complicated in recent weeks without him here.
C: I doubt it yes. I think he will fix it quickly.
K: All the better. I ... I'll leave you, my reports are waiting for me.
It's good. Have a good day.

They left each other courteously. Kat Young had been to see Michael at the hospital during his coma. She had come twice to check in at home too, Claudia had then directed her to Michael but they had never really discussed. Seeing her that morning, Claudia thought that maybe instead of being so cold, everything could be improved. She decided to talk to Michael that night. Their respective day went well. Michael was a little lost and all the reports had arrived at the same time today. He had found his marks despite everything and arrive in the coming days to find his organization too. Claudia as expected returned to work at home in the afternoon, Monday morning being devoted to the FRG recently. She appreciated being able to give her opinion and help Jackie and Denise to organize big events on the base.
When Michael returned around 7pm, it was nice to see Claudia at her desk. He suspected that she still had to work. While he hoped that she would not work too late, he saw her arrive in his office. Hearing her husband back, the latter had recorded his record in progress and tidy his office to join him. No matter what she was doing, she had decided it had to be that way every day. Arriving in Michael's office, she saw that he looked tired. She then approached him.

M: Hey ... how are you?

She kissed him very gently.

M: It's good to have this little attention when you get home.

They hugged each other.

C: Hard day?
M: We can say that. I was a little lost, and a lot of reports arrived at the same time. Without forgetting that I saw everyone parade to wish me a good return, so I was often cut in my work.
C: Give yourself time to find your marks. I'm sure Franck did a great job, followed by Kevin afterwards.
M: I grant you, they did an exemplary job. I would also like Franck's work to be recognized in the Pentagon, to have a promotion, he really deserves it. And you, how was your day ?
C: All right, I went to the FRG and this afternoon I worked at home.
M: Until I get home?
C: Yes, without pause. I have a lot of work so I prefer to do like this to be available when you come back.
M: Okay. We're having dinner soon?
C: In an hour.
M: Well, I'll be able to read some reports in this case.
C: Ok.

Claudia joined the kitchen. But she stopped to observe her husband. They were gradually regaining their balance. They were relieved to see that everything would become normal little by little. The week ended quickly. On Friday night, Claudia put a discussion on the agenda.

C: Michael, I've been thinking a lot this week and ... how's the work with Colonel Young going?
M: With Kat ... professional relationship, nothing more.
C: Kat?
M: Claudia, we are called by our ranks at work but outside as with Franck, I call him by his first name. Do not forget that we had become friends before ... well before what.
C: I know. Do not you have trouble working with her anyway?
M: Yes, but only because I can not be natural with her. Yet you know that I like to put a climate of trust at work and to behave humanely towards everyone, despite the ranks and the rules.
C: Listen, I met Kat Young on Monday morning by going to the secretariat. Our discussion remained very cold. I do not like that either. She is a colleague at the same level as Franck and Kevin even if it is not the same rank. You work in collaboration with the Air Force and she is the referent of this collaboration for you. You can not let this climate settle between her and you.
M: Thank you for the advice. But should I remind you that wanting a friendly relationship with her has almost cost us a divorce?
C: Honey, I'm just talking to you about whether or not you could put things flat?
M: Yes, we talked a lot the days before I left on a mission. But despite his few visits to the hospital or here to take news, we never spoke of all that. I do not know if I really want to do it Claudia. We managed to regain our stability, I do not want to go back to the past. Are you going to talk to him hum?
C: No, no Michael, I ... I just wanted to avoid that every time we cross her and I are on the defensive. And ...

Michael was staring at her insistently.

C: Yes, I would like to talk to him.
M: I have always trusted you, it is not today that it will change so if you think it's a good thing to do it then do it.
C: Do you think?
M: Yes. I spoke with her before my mission, I told you and it allowed us to leave behind us. But concerning you, it would be nice if you did the same thing.

Claudia nodded. Michael was right and she hoped to talk to Kat Young quickly. What could be done the following Friday. Indeed, Claudia always took Friday afternoon to help the FRG. That evening, a rally was held at the headquarters level, in one of the party rooms to welcome newcomers. All were busy in the afternoon to prepare the room. Claudia then saw Kat Young back in his office. She told Denise she was coming back. Denise was quite surprised to see her call Kat Young and talk to her.

C: Colonel Young?
K: Oh hello Claudia.
C: Excuse me for disturbing you but would you have a few minutes to give me?

Kat Young was destabilized.

K: Hum I ... yes of course. Come to my office.

They settled in the colonel's office.

K: I'm listening to you.

Claudia watched him for a few seconds. Then she spoke.

C: Have you been able to talk to my husband again about this little incident?
K: Well if you talk about the same thing I'm thinking about, yes. But do you really want to talk about that now?
C: No, absolutely not, the past is in the past and everything is fine with my husband and I do not want it to stop. What I will just like is that ... let's say, that our exchanges are less cold.
K: I understand what you mean. But ... listen, I apologized thousands of times and I ...
C: I know, and I do not want to go back on that either ... but I wanted to tell you that nothing can be forgiven you since there is nothing to forgive. I was not mad at you, but at myself ...

Kat wanted to talk but she changed her mind. She did not really know what to say.

C: It's not a secret for anyone; we had a lot of trouble with Michael and I had a lot of trouble in this story. So I wish to excuse myself for being carried away towards you.
K: Oh I ... it's not worth Claudia. The situation has been complicated for everyone.
C: I can only agree with that.
K: And I'm really bad at judging you. I think we can leave that in the past and have a more cordial relationship in the future. And I'm glad to know that everything is fine now.
C: Thank you. I leave you to work. Good evening.

They shook hands. Before leaving, Kat gave one last word to Claudia.

K: Just know that you are very lucky to have him by your side Claudia.
C: Thank you.

Claudia then let Kat Young work. Leaving the office, she met Michael. She explained quickly that everything had gone well, before they met at home at 6 pm, before returning to the reception at 7 pm. They kissed tenderly in front of Kat's eyes. The latter radically changed the image she had of Michael. She was really touched to see them both, even after 25 years of marriage, even in public. She then saw Michael as a simple friend and colleague and was rather in awe of the relationship he could have with his wife.
That evening, Michael was delighted that between his wife and his colleague everything was less electric. So they went to the party, happy to have their life back in their hands. Michael was not worried anymore. As early as the next Monday morning, he found that his relationship with Colonel Young was improving and they began to joke and start small spades as before. Michael was delighted with that and was not worried about the future. This good agreement at work with Kat could not continue. Indeed, he learned that at the end of the month, he would be expected for three months in NATO in Brussels, after a week at the Pentagon. As his mission was not completed, it was important for the Pentagon and NATO to have the necessary reports, and the leaders wanted Michael to attend the meetings and hold various talks with the generals to give them as much information as possible. . When he returned that night, he was demoralized. Claudia saw him immediately.

C: Something is wrong honey?
M: Claudia, I'm leaving at the end of the month.

She felt her heart racing.

C : What ? Are you deploying ?

Michael felt in his voice a great fear. Claudia panicked. Michael had just emerged from an extremely difficult time. Having to go on a mission was dangerous, and that could have serious consequences.

M: No honey, I leave for a week at the Pentagon, before flying to NATO in Brussels.
C: You scared me Michael.
M: I'm leaving for three months, to be able to bring what they expected higher by the mission that ended badly.
C: I see. That said, three months is not much.
M: I will not be here again for the end of year celebrations.
C: Emmalin will be here for two weeks. What do you say to see us come to Brussels for a week or more hum?
M: Do you think that would be possible? And despite your work?
C: Michael, I have leave to take like any employee in this country. So of course it's possible. Even though Emmalin will have revisions, I'm sure she'd love the idea.

Michael took his wife in his arms.

M: In this case I am reassured.
C: You're leaving soon then.
M: Yes. I'm starting to get used to my job here, and I have to leave.
C: Michael, you have to skip all that. Are you going to Europe, not to a war country?
M: I know.
C: The separations we are used to. Everything is back in order now, our problems are behind us. It's time to get back to our habits before, when you went on a mission and everything was fine for everyone. Whether you're far away, or me, you've been married for 25 years, and a departure from one or the other will not change that. Nobody abandons anyone, everyone just does his job. Our life now is to live together at home, in our intimacy, in our relationship; but to live separately for our work. And that's what will happen in a few weeks. This will not prevent us from calling, chatting with Skype every day if you wish. We will need this daily contact anyway, you know it as well as me. But finished the anxieties. And you will see that we will be much better at keeping our couple united, that it will create us much less worries.
M: And you're absolutely right. What will I do without you ...
C: I love you Michael.

For a simple answer, Michael kissed him. He was so proud to have married this woman and to have him close to him every day. Claudia's words had reboosted her so much she was right. Everything had to come back as before when they had that infallible confidence between them, and the certainty that everything would be fine, despite the small inconveniences that could sometimes occur. He apprehended much better his future departure.
The next day, Claudia contacted the First Lady first, who explained that the project was progressing little by little and that there remained some bases to visit in the country including two in the coming weeks. Michael was delighted to learn that his wife was resuming his obligations to the army at both grassroots and national levels. He knew she would manage everything without forgetting her or forgetting her daughter now. Claudia also had the President of the Spencer Prize on the phone. A meeting was scheduled to take place in two weeks in Washington. She realized then that Michael was leaving on Friday for the Pentagon, that he would be on Saturday in important lunch with a meeting in the afternoon, day of his own meeting for the Spencer Prize. When she hung up, Michael was coming home from work. The latter appeared in the living room.

M: Hi honey.
C: Michael! I have a good new !
M: Good news?
C: I'll be able to come with you to Washington, at least for the weekend you're leaving.
M: What?
C: I have a meeting for the Spencer Prize, the last one before going next month the four days on the base where the events take place. And it's the same weekend. So I could go with you on Friday afternoon, I will not go to the FRG exceptionally, I think Denise will understand.
M: But it's great!

Claudia stood up with a smile.

C: I find it too.
M: Oh Claudia, I'm really happy.
C: I will not be back here until Monday morning because I could not go to the FRG meeting for once. So we can enjoy, go to dinner on Saturday night just both and enjoy our Sunday really entirely.
M: Claudia, you do not have to miss out on your obligations to the FRG, you know it's important that you keep this activity on the base.
C: I know Michael, but I'll have the next three me to keep this activity.
M: Okay. Thank you sweatheart.

They took each other in their arms and hugged each other tightly. Everything smiled on them. And nothing could have tarnished all that. Simply, the two weeks that followed, Michael noticed something that intrigued him. Indeed, that he returns at 18h, or 21h because of meeting, work, he found Claudia working on his computer. But the latter joining him directly, he did not pay more attention to this detail. Indeed, Claudia made sure to turn off his computer when Michael returned. She did not want to endanger her relationship anymore, and decided to spend her evenings with her husband rather than with her computer. Michael did not worry. Still, he should have.

The day of departure had arrived. They were driven to the airport by Michael's driver. The flight went very well. Upon his arrival, Michael was greeted by army officers. Claudia was a little behind, before Michael introduced her. She noticed that she had missed following her husband for important events. She was so proud to see that Michael was really considered in his job by his career and his actions on the ground during his missions. They were then taken to one of the big hotels of the city where a big room waited for Michael, the one where he would stay the week to come. This Friday night, they had free quarters, each having their obligation the next day. They went out to dinner in the city, and wandered a little in the streets. It was the first time in months that they could enjoy just two.
Saturday was busy for each of them. So they stayed for dinner in their quiet hotel room.

M: How lucky that your meeting fell this week.
C: I told myself exactly the same thing. Too bad you're in Brussels in three weeks because I'm going back here to join the first lady. We have two bases to visit, one of which we were when we settled together.
M: That's right?
C: Hmm hum, the very first. Do you remember ?
M: If I remember? Small house, without any furniture inside, we had to borrow from the deposit of the base elsewhere. My schedule to extension, which we also have some concern at the start.

Claudia smiled at him. Indeed she had trouble managing the little see Michael the first weeks of their life together.

M: What else to add? That I was the happiest in the world because it was our first days together, our first nights together. I'm sure I remember it.
C: I think one of the greatest joys lived there is our marriage.
M: How to forget it? We found the foundations of our couple there because you agreed to live with me by settling with me there, you accepted my marriage proposal and our wedding took place there. I can not forget what this base has allowed us to live.

Claudia was touched. She thought the same thing. Time had passed so fast. And yet this base reminded them of the beginning of their life together, the beginning of their beautiful story. They watched each other in silence before Michael spoke.

M: I love you so much Claudia.
C: Oh ... I love you too honey.

They took hands in affection and continued to dine. They enjoyed a maximum of Sunday rest for both. Although they feared Claudia's departure the next morning, they felt a touch of sadness; to leave for three months. They did not want that but the army decided otherwise. Goodbye on Monday morning was still smiling and full of tenderness.

M: Do you warn me when you're okay?
C: Accounts-on me. Good luck for the week ahead and let me know about your departure and arrival in Brussels. I will be so worried.
M: You will not have to be everything will be fine. But I know that with distance everything is more complicated. You kiss Emmalin for me as soon as you have it on the phone.
C: I would, promised. I will tell you for the holidays how we organize ourselves. But I can not wait to be there.
M: Oh Claudia, honey, I miss you so much already.
C: To me too Michael. But we love each other, it's the most important.

Michael then took his wife in his arms and kissed him on the hair. When he broke away from her, he imprinted the beauty of his face, of his eyes in his head. He then captured his lips with a lot of love. It was time for Claudia to leave. She turned to see Michael one last time before leaving and he read on his lips "I love you". In the early afternoon, he received a message from Claudia. She had arrived safely at Fort Marshall. Life was resuming. Michael was very busy the first week and had little time to call Claudia. They only had a few minutes each time to tell themselves that everything was fine for both of them, that everything was going well and that they were constantly thinking about each other. Michael could not see whathe was going to his place.

While Michael was not home, Claudia made the decision to move forward on his files. She kept the Monday morning and Friday afternoon important for the FRG but the rest of the week was not really organized anymore. Either she spent the day at the office or the day at home and worked tirelessly on her records. His former colleague retired, the firm was officially renamed "Chandler, Holden & White". Michael was so proud to hear the news. Denise and Jackie did not come back either. Claudia was then more than proud to read her name at the entrance of the firm now. Everything was smiling at him right now, everything was fine in his work, and they loved each other more than ever with Michael, everything was back to normal. However,Denise quickly noticed that Claudia was working tirelessly. She wanted to point him out.

C: Do not worry, I know it. But I take advantage of it that Michael is not there to precisely advance a maximum. I have three big files right now plus a dozen more on hold. We can not do everything in time it is certain and our customers know it very well, but very sincerely there are some business which I would like to get rid quickly because morally heavy enough.
D: Okay, I understand. I was scared that ...
C: No, as soon as Michael comes back, I'll take over my organization. But I would never fall back into what happened, I give you my word.
D: So I'm reassured.

Denise did not feel any problem with that. Maybe she should have. The following weekend, Michael left for Brussels and moved even further away from his wife and daughter. However, his busy days made time fast. Claudia had weeks but also busy weekends, between appointments for the Spencer Prize and appointments with the First Lady and visits to the bases of planned. She did not breathe much. The more days passed, the more she worked. She was passing from Fort Marshall to Washington in the space of a few hours and came back practically in the wake. Without noticing it, fatigue increased for her. Little by little, she reduced her sleep hours to finish a paragraph in a report or to go to an early appointment as early as had a really fast lifestyle. When Michael phoned or skipped her, he did not notice anything as she was still taking calls so she could see him or talk to him. Emmalin used to call him regularly and no one was worried about all this because everyone was living the life he had to live at this moment as they were all separated for a while.
But after two weeks, Claudia had a lot of headaches, she thought that had been due to her diabetes but after various exams, everything showed that on that side, everything was fine. She became sensitive and became angry more quickly. She was often on the verge of tears when everything was not going the way she wanted at work. She chained weekends and weeks between Washington and Fort Marshall. So that after a while she was completely exhausted. It had been a month since Michael had left. The month of November arrived with him the beginning of winter, less sun and longer nights. But Claudia did not stop her rhythm of life so far. That week was more than difficult. She hardly slept anymore, and her round trips had exhausted her. One morning,she was unable to get up, her mind and body were not responding. She collapsed to the ground, in tears.

Not seeing Claudia come to the office that morning, Grant worried. He knew Michael was not there, and it would be useless to call him. Claudia was not answering her cell phone or her landline. He then remembered that Claudia had planned to work at home, having to receive her friend to be able to validate printed flyers for an upcoming event on the base. But without answer from him he was worried despite everything. For her part, Denise arrived at her friend's house. Having the keys, she opened the front door. Claudia was not at her desk, her computer was closed. She could hear the telephone ringing and the mobile phone ringing. After a quick tour in the kitchen, she realized that something was wrong. She found Claudia on the floor near her bed. She lifted it.

D: Claudia, what's going on?

She saw that Claudia was really bad. She called an ambulance and Claudia was admitted to the hospital. Denise warned Jackie who arrived immediately.

D: I'm not allowed to see her. There must be something.
J: His diabetes or kidney?
D: No, it's something else. The doctor is with her in her room.
J: We have to wait for Denise. I'm sure it's not that bad.

Seeing the doctor's face as he approached them, Jackie regretted his words.

Me: Denise, come to my office.

Denise found herself in front of the doctor, a colleague.

Me: If I made you come here it was because I did not want to talk in the waiting room.
D: Something happened?
Me: It is clearly established that the general's wife is doing a burnout.
D: What? But how is it possible?
Me: Stress and anxiety, little sleep see not at all, much too much work. These are the signs generally. You did not notice anything?
D: No, her husband is in Brussels and yes she was working a bit more than usual since he is not here but I know Claudia, she would not have put her health at risk.
Me: She did not put herself in danger, she did not realize, it's different. We'll have to warn her husband.
D: I take care of it. Can I go see her?
Me: No, for the moment I do not want her to see her friends, her family, her relatives, everyone she knows by sight.
D: Why?
Me: To avoid reminding him of his current life, synonymous with this burn-out.
D: So when will we be able to see it?
Me: When I will have decided. For the moment she must rest, and stabilized her state of anxiety and above all her state of sensibility. It is the most important.

D: Okay.
Me: I'll give you news, do not worry.

Denise exited the doctor's office stunned. How could this happen? She explained the situation to Jackie who was also in shock. They warned Roland, Pamela and Roxy, among others. All agreed not to divulge Claudia's condition to anyone else. Denise wanted Roland to come but he explained that it would be useless because for the moment no friend can go to see Claudia.
That night she called Michael to explain what was going on.

M: Denise, how are you?
D: Michael, I'm calling you because something has happened.
M: How so?
D: Claudia is in the hospital!

Michael sighed, worried.

M: What's going on?
D: Listen, I saw the doctor and according to him, Claudia burns.
M: A burnout? But that's not possible, Denise. I got her on the phone every other day or so, she was fine. Yes she had a few dark circles but nothing dramatic. You did not notice anything particular?
D: I went to see her many times and not nothing. She took the time to come to the FRG, take you on the phone or on Skype, she was fine. At first I was a little worried because she worked quite late at home but she told me that since you were not at home, she took advantage to advance on issues quite difficult morally.
M: Denise, even though she has worked a lot more than normal, she can not burn out! I will contact the doctor tomorrow morning.
D: I'm like you Michael, in shock. Especially since they did not let me see her.
M: For what reason?
D: The doctor told me that it would remind him of his current life and therefore the reason for his burnout.
M: Denise I ... I'm lost, I do not understand.
D: Believe me, I'm in the same situation as you.
M: Listen, see Chandler in the office, ask him for an explanation. If something has happened with the job he will know how to tell you.
D: But they do not work in the same office and ...
M: I know but he was always considerate with Claudia and he told me the last time he kept an eye on her. As odd as it may sound, I was a little reassured that he could watch over her during his work days. I know that nothing will happen between them and I trust him now.
D: Ok, I'm not on guard tomorrow morning, I'll go see him.
M: I call the doctor between two meetings to find out more. We remember after lunch.
D: Okay. Michael, whatever happens, even though I can not see her for the moment, I'll do my best to make sure everything gets better.
M: Thank you Denise, I'm so worried.
D: Me too. But you know Claudia, she'll be fine.

They hung up next. The next morning, Michael telephoned the hospital to talk to the doctor who had Claudia in charge. The latter gave him the same diagnosis as Denise. He hoped that she had more information from Chandler's side. It was at noon that his cellphone rang.

M: So?
D: It seems that Claudia had a frantic pace.
M: What do you mean by that?
D: The week after you left, she returned to Washington on weekends, and the next two weekends were weekends to two bases in the country. And Chandler told me that the week she was working a lot. It is true that on Monday morning and Friday afternoon she was with us at FRG but according to her schedule, she worked without practically taking a break. He told me that she did not even take the time to eat this week. Michael, she pulled too much on the rope. She wanted to move at best to be more quiet on your return.
M: I do not understand how she got into this situation, not after what we lived a few months ago.
D: She was aware of what she was doing Michael. And in my opinion she was caught in a gear without realizing the schedules she was doing. Chandler told me that on several occasions she had returned one morning with complicated minutes of drafting, briefs for the trial. According to him, she could only do that by being a sleepless night.
M: Lord ... the doctor's diagnosis is plausible.
D: Too much accumulated fatigue, work stress and the fact that you're not here, and a lot of anxiety for a lot of other things and we have the perfect cocktail of a burn-out Michael.
M: How will it work for her?
D: She has medication right now. You have to wait for her anxiety state to decrease so you can start talking with her, see what happened in her mind. Then she will have a little less difficult treatment and I could think I go see her at that time.
M: The doctor told me that I could not even call him.

D: I know, but it's the best for her right now. You know, even if I'm in Mercer, I can not go see her myself, so you'll be there, it'll be the same.
M: You do not imagine my condition right now.
D: I can imagine Michael. But I give you my word to take care of her as I do not agree?
M: Of course. You hold me informed.
D: Of course. I take news every day, do not worry.

Claudia's condition was improving little by little but the doctor was not confident. A week after being admitted, Denise who came to the news every day arrived in the doctor's office before taking custody.

M: Ah Denise, come in.
D: How's Claudia today?
M: A little better. She sleeps now for several hours in a row at night.
D: With all that she takes as medicine is normal no?
M: Denise, she has anti-depressants yes but it's to help her get better at the level of morale already. If that does not work out at this level, the result may be complicated.
D: I know, I know the procedures in this type of situation. I'm so sick of knowing it alone in a room. Her husband is very bad too.
M: Denise, her diabetes is stabilized, and the tests show that her kidney is fine. There are no after-effects other than exhaustion, this great anxiety and the beginning of depression. And it will settle, we will take the time it takes but it will get back on its feet.
D: For her, she would need to be able to see her.
M: It's impossible. To see you will relapse. It will come one day but not right now.

Denise really understood the doctor's goal. Claudia get better as much as possible. Days followed and looked alike. Michael had more and more trouble not being able to call him. Emmalin was also very worried and had trouble concentrating in class. A week later, Claudia was still better. The doctor could reduce or even stop some drugs. Claudia was slowly regaining her senses. During a daily visit the doctor understood that his condition was really improving. The nurse came in to give her morning medicine.

I: Hello, how are you this morning?
C: I do not know, I have the feeling that I'm slowly getting back to my senses.
I: I know it's difficult but do not worry, your condition really improves.
C: Do you know Denise Sherwood?

The nurse was surprised by this question. It was the first time in two weeks that Claudia pronounced the name of a close person. This questioned the nurse.

I: Yes, I am his colleague.
C: How is she?
I: She asks for your news every day.

The nurse then mentioned her husband's name. She wanted to see how Claudia would react.

I: Just like your husband.
C: Michael?
I: Yes, he often calls the doctor and Denise gives him news every day.

The nurse saw that Claudia's eyes were fogging and she began to cry.

C: What will he think of all this?
I: Do not worry, what matters to him is to know that you are well, nothing more.
C: Ok.

The nurse left Claudia to find the doctor. The latter found that Claudia's sensitivity was really important just talking about her husband. It was therefore not advisable to give permission to relatives to phone or come to see her. The following days were complicated because no improvements were visible. The nurse felt guilty for mentioning Michael's name because maybe it had brought back bad memories to Claudia. She met Denise in the corridors and explained to her that for the moment she was no better. Denise could not stand in front of this door without being able to enter it. So that three weeks after Claudia entered the hospital, she went to see her. The doctor not being there that day, he would not know it. The nurse explained to Denise that this could be a good test. Denise then knocked on the door.

C: Yes?

The door opened on her best friend.

C: Oh Denise!
D: Hey my beautiful.

Denise came next to Claudia. She took her in his arms.

C: Thank you for coming.
D: Claudia, how are you?
C: I'm lost Denise, I do not understand what happened.
D: Did not the doctor explain to you?
C: No, he told me that the most important thing was to rest, that he would talk to me about it later. Why am I so bad Denise?
D: You burned out, honey. And what I ask myself is how did you get there?

Claudia sighed. So that was it. She had arrived at a point where her body let go. She was fed up with all this. Everything was complicated in a few months. When was all that going to stop?
Claudia was holding her head with one hand in front of her eyes.

C: So with Michael have made it to that? That everyone in turn is lost or something happens to us? How many trials will we still have to undergo?
D: I know Claudia, I know.
C: I'm sorry Denise. I could see that I was working a lot but I got into a gear without being able to get rid of it. I set goals for myself before Michael came back. I wanted nothing to change when he came back, and for that I had to finish important files.
D: So is it for Michael all that?

Claudia nodded. She had tears in her eyes. Suddenly, Claudia got angry with herself and became angry. Denise understood that this beginning of depression, accentuated her feelings, her moods. Claudia saw herself as negative and denigrated herself. Denise had never seen it like that. Denise managed to calm her down. But being her best friend, she also realized that seeing friends and family would be good for her. The doctor did not come back until the end of the week. Denise went to see Claudia every day. And his condition was getting better and better, more than the last three weeks.
On Friday the doctor came back. Denise and the nurse informed her of the Claudia's progress. The latter was astonished that in such a short time she is this positive evolution. She slept better, had no more mood swings, and had talked with Denise and the nurse from Michael, Emmalin, and others, without being too emotional. But the doctor was categorical. Denise got angry and started a verbal battle with the doctor. She won her case. Claudia would be entitled to a few visits and agreed, subject to conditions, that Michael could call him. Denise was more serene. She knew that her best friend would be better. She wanted to warn Michael about all this, but she could not reach him. The latter was on a very important meeting day and he had turned off his phone. The same evening he dined with the senior officers. He only saw Denise's missed call when he came home, rather late. He noticed that she had not left voicemail or text messages. Given the time, he did not call her back and preferred to wait for the next day, Sunday, so that she could call him back.

So the next day in the early afternoon, his phone rang. However, he did not expect to receive this call.