They went inside and Dr. Kroger turned on his office light. "I don't usually see patients this late in the evening, but for you I made an exception."
"Thank you." Adrian said.
Dr. Kroger handed him a bottle of Sierra Springs water. Have a seat."
Adrian sat down in the familiar chair. It felt like home to him.
"So now, Adrian. The Captain tells me that you were upset."
Adrian took a big sip of the water and nodded.
"Okay, earlier we were talking about how you've been missing Trudy. How are you coping with that?"
Adrian covered his eyes with his hand.
"I see... Adrian, do you still have the ring box?"
Immediately Adrian stood "No! I don't. I can't find it anywhere and it's driving me crazy! My one connection to Trudy and it's gone!"
Now Dr. Kroger understood.
"I'm sorry Adrian. I know how much that ring meant to you. But that doesn't mean you've lost your connection to Trudy. She's always in your heart and in your memories."
Adrian looked up at Dr. Kroger. The thought had never occurred to him before.
"So you're saying..."
"That you don't need material things to hold on to those you love. They always live on in your heart."
To his amazement, Adrian smiled a little. Then he remembered Natalie. He'd probably never see her again.
"So is there anything else you want to talk about?" Dr. Kroger asked.
"I think I've lost Natalie, too." Adrian said.
"What makes you think that?"
"Well when I realized that the ring was gone, I..."
"What happened, Adrian?"
"I hurt her."
Dr. Kroger was intrigued. He'd never heard this kind of talk from Adrian before.
"Hurt her in what way?"
"Well, I started yelling at her and told her to go away. So she did."
"Did she know why you were so angry?"
"No... I can't tell her about the ring. She'd never understand."
"Well, she's a woman. I think she'd find the story of Trudy's would-be ring very fascinating." Dr. Kroger said.
"Really?" Adrian said.
"I really do." Dr. Kroger said.
"Well, it doesn't matter anymore because it's gone forever." Adrian slunk lower in his chair.
"Now Adrian what did we just talk about here? Material things aren't important. It's how much you love and care for people that counts, okay?"
"Okay..." Adrian said.
"All right. Now let me drive you home."