Finally, getting on to one of the most crucial chapters (and perhaps one of the most awaited). Things are starting to turn full circle. Events described may or may not be based on real-life experiences.

Setting Sun

The air in Angeles Bay may be unwholesome at times with the distant haze that hangs about it, but come sunset, beauty arises from the unsightly. The fuzziness of the sky gives it a blurred pastel tone. Some days, the distant smog turns into a golden-brown crust with fluffy clouds and a bright sun on top. Other days, the entire sky is saturated with magenta, with fuchsia-purple clouds scattered all about. On those rare days where the air is clear and the sun is bright and yellow, one can look far across the sea and catch a glimpse of the isthmus of Catalina Island floating thinly upon the waters. The sun seems to set into the island, as if Catalina is the portal to the other side of the world.

Of the buildings in Angeles Bay, the rooftop of Caduceus USA was high enough to command such scenic views. Derek and Angie had discovered this fact shortly after their transfer one day, when they were supposed to have break for dinner. From that first sunset on, break was never for food anymore. Dinner could wait until it became a late-night meal. Love could not.

"It's a really clear day today. This ought to be a good one," Angie said excitedly as they climbed the stairs to the rooftop.

"Yeah," a voice replied behind her. "It'll be good."

Derek nervously reached into his pocket and grasped the box, praying silently to himself. He had planned this day for a long while now. He had chosen a ring with much "expert advice" guiding it. He had received her daddy's blessing in prison. He had even checked the meteorological report to make sure he picked the best, clearest sunset. For once, everything was set up perfectly.

The stair climb seemed to take an eternity. He was inexpressibly happy, but at the same time, he felt his heart hammer up into his throat. The ring seemed to weigh him down as he climbed in nervous anticipation.

Their viewing point was the same every time: a concrete slab overlooking the west side that acted as a makeshift bench. As soon as Angie emerged from the stairwell, she ran to the slab with a burst of excitement, sitting down and beckoning Derek. He approached slowly with that smile that he always did. As he sat down she quickly grasped him by his coat and kissed him. Derek embraced her slender body as he returned it passionately. So far, it was just the usual.

"I've been missing that for a long time," Angie said with a smile.

"A long time being a day ago, of course."

"Oh, Derek. Every day's a long day…patients to treat, paperwork to complete, supper to skip, sunsets to watch…"

Derek laughed. "Okay, okay, I get it."

She rested her head on his shoulder.

"I could just take a nap right here."

"You'd be missing the sunset then. Look how clear the sky is! I think I do see Catalina over there."

Derek ran his fingers softly through her cool hair, sighing contently. The sun was starting to fall now.

"I wish I could see a sunrise some time with you."

Angie made a glance upwards.

"I wish I could too. Maybe we could wake up early and do that sometime?"

"Maybe, if I could wake up early in the first place."

"You're so lazy, Derek," Angie giggled, punching him in the ribs. "Why'd you bring up the sunrise in the first place then?"

"Well, I think I could wake up early for the sake of something lovely. You know, just wake up and see that it's there, first thing in the morning."

Angie sat up, looking at Derek. There was always something up when Derek went into introspective mode. She held his hands and noticed that they were cold when they were usually so warm and comforting.

"Your hands are cold, dear…if you have something to say, just say it."

She had the sparkle in those green eyes of hers whenever she was curious about something. Derek had learned to recognize it, but even still it made him want to spill every inner thought and emotion in his mind to her. Maybe someday…but this was not the time. Just take it nice and easy. Nice and easy.

"Until we sat out here that day and looked at the sunset, I never knew how beautiful they were. I guess I never stopped to look at them and appreciate them…but I guess the more beautiful things you see the more beauty you're able to appreciate."

He kissed her softly on the forehead before going on.

"You're one of those beautiful things, Ang. Like any beautiful thing—like this sunset or a present or something—I'm willing to wait for it and see it unfold. But you know what? Sometimes, I think it would be awesome to just have that beautiful thing by your side, all the time. I want it to be you."

Angie sniffed a little bit. She could sense what was coming next…she wanted him to get to the point, but at the same time she could listen to him forever.

"Keep…keep talking, Derek. I want to hear."

"Angie, you're like the sun. You light up my life with pink and yellow and purple and every color around. I want to rise just like the sun in the morning when I wake up, and I want to see you set and fall asleep at my side like the sun right now. And if it's overcast or if it's raining and storming outside…it doesn't matter. I would already have the sun at my side."

"Derek…"

"I want to be able to see the sun set and the sun rise together with you forever. I want you to be with me not only during the day but also the night, whether I'm awake or I'm sleeping. I realized, after all these desires, that I need to be with you. Will you be with me?"

Angie breathed heavily now, smiling with small tears of joy at her eyes. Finally…promise of a life together. She had waited so long for this moment…it was more beautiful than she could imagine.

In the distance a cloud seemed to form in the distance, in an otherwise clear sky. Neither of them noticed in their rapture.

"Yes. Yes, I will!"

She embraced him suddenly, and the torrent let loose. He patted her on the back, embrace for an embrace now, just whispering the most wonderful things into her ear.

Another cloud condensed in the background.

Finally the floodgates closed, and Angie stopped crying. Everything seemed to dry instantaneously. She was looking into his eyes now, brown to green, green to brown. She felt as if she could only whisper now.

"Tell me…what I've wanted to hear for so long. Do it, now."

Derek's hand shifted ever so slowly from her side, caressing her as he reached for his pocket.

Another cloud.

Derek's gaze was unbroken as he disengaged himself from her for the briefest moment.

Another cloud.

He dropped down to one knee on rough concrete, but there was no pain here.

Yet another cloud.

His hand reached to his pocket as his mouth seemed to form another word.

And another cloud.

His fingers closed around the box, slowly lifting it to show it the fading light of day.

Another cloud, and this time a man approaching, stopping some five feet away from the couple. His pistol seemed to point at the very sun.

"How precious."