As the clock switched to midnight, Carter and Peter entered the chapel and both men smiled at the sound of choir voices singing Christmas hymns. The service had not yet started.

"It's so peaceful here," Carter commented, as they walked up the aisles looking for a place to sit.

Peter didn't say anything, as he was afraid that he would begin to cry if he did. Instead, he followed Carter to a pew that was closer to the front of the chapel and sat next to his friend.

They sat in silence for a moment, gazing at the choir, wondering what could be said peacefully.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of the door opening and quick footsteps.

Carter looked away from the choir just in time to see Amy, who was dressed in a dark dress suit with her hair done up out of her face, run past him towards a man and woman who were sitting on a pew that was at the front, but off to the side. Upon seeing her, the man and woman rose and they began hugging and quietly whispering, as if very relieved and excited to see each other.

"Hey, Peter, isn't that Amy and Dave with Jeanie Boulet?" Carter asked, suddenly recognizing the other woman that was with Dave and Amy.

Peter looked away from the choir just in time to see Dave sit down with one arm around Jeanie while the other arm was around Amy. The three of them looked peaceful, but solemn.

"What's Malucci doing here with Doctor Faith and Jeanie?" Peter whispered, suddenly concerned that Dave was unknowingly exposing himself and Dr. Faith to HIV.

Carter was quiet for a moment, "Maybe it's the only way he knows how to grieve for his lost wife," he replied. "Christmas Eve was when his wife passed away."

"How did you know that?" Peter asked, gazing at Carter in shock.

"When we were at the cemetery, Daniel mentioned that Dave hated Christmas," Carter quietly replied, watching Dave as he put his head on Amy's shoulder. "Since Dave was at the cemetery with his son and with some very expensive looking flowers, my guess is that they were marking the anniversary of her death...Dave was deep in thought about it, that's why he didn't say anything until he heard us talking to Daniel...Our presence made him uncomfortable, I think."

Peter watched Dave for a moment, "Is Malucci sleeping?" he asked, as Dave's eyes seemed to be closed. "Wait, those are tears coming from his eyes..."

Realizing that Dave was crying, Carter watched for a moment and then turned his attention away, only to find that the choir had stopped and there was a person at the pulpit, ready to speak.

Knowing that questions would have to wait until later, Carter focused on enjoying the service.

Even though it was nearly 1:30, Carter suddenly found himself full of energy as he wandered through the church. Around one, Dave, Amy, and Jeanie had suddenly left the chapel.

"Carter, come on man, we shouldn't be back here," Peter said, as he followed Carter through the quiet halls of the church. "I'm sure Malucci, Jeanie, and Doctor Faith just went home."

Carter shook his head and kept walking, "They went off in this direction," he replied.

A sudden retching sound caught Peter's attention, "Hold up, Carter," he said as he tried to figure out where the retching sound was coming from. "This way, follow me this way."

Without waiting to see whether or not Carter was following, Peter walked quickly and stopped in the doorway to a bathroom, just in time to hear some more retching coming from inside.

"...Jeanie, there's a bottle of gingerale in my purse," Peter heard Amy say in a gentle tone. "Dave, just relax and close your eyes for a moment...it's okay."

There was a cough and Peter then heard another voice, "...I thought it would be all right this year, Amy...Every time I hear that song, I don't know...my stomach just churns..."

Peter sighed and pushed open the door, "Malucci, are you all right?" he asked, as he entered the bathroom and saw Dave sitting on the floor beside one of the urinals with Amy kneeling beside him, holding his hand while Jeanie stood nearby, rummaging through a purse.

"It's not in here, but there is a small bottle of water," Jeanie replied, as she pulled a small bottle of spring water out of the purse and handed it to Dave. "Take a few slow sips."

Nodding, Dave took the bottle of water, opened it, and took a slow sip, "I'm all right, really," he insisted, suddenly noticing Dr. Benton standing there. "You called Doctor Benton?"

Amy sighed and shook her head, "No, I did not," she replied, frowning as she suddenly noticed Carter lingering in the doorway. "Doctor Benton, why are you and John here?"

Before Peter could reply, Dave suddenly stood up, "Amy, let's go light the candles and get out of here, okay?" he stated. "Maybe I can get a nap somewhere before I have to go to work."

Ignoring the look that Dr. Benton was giving her, Amy led Dave out of the bathroom, past Carter, who was giving Dave a concerned look. Jeanie gave Peter and Carter a look and quickly followed.

"...On this anniversary of Dana's death, I light this candle to remember her," Dave whispered, as he didn't want to disturb the singing choir. "I will always love and remember her..."

Swallowing hard, Dave used a lighter that he had borrowed from Amy's purse to light a small candle. He stared at the flame for a moment and then carefully set it on the worship altar.

Feeling a strong urge to light a candle for Joshua, Carter left Peter to sit alone in the pew they had chosen earlier and approached the altar, surprised to see Dave, Amy, and Jeanie there.

"Are you going to light a candle for Carlos this year, Jeanie?" Amy asked, as she put an arm around Dave to reassure him that he wasn't alone in his grief.

Jeanie nodded and taking the lighter, she silently lit a candle and placed it on the altar.

"I was wondering, Amy, if I could borrow that lighter to light a candle for Joshua?" Carter asked, fighting the urge to cry.

Dave looked at Carter, "Who's Joshua?" he asked curiously.

"Back when Kem and I were together, she gave birth to a stillborn son that we named Joshua," Carter explained, choking back a sob. "It was the beginning of the end of our relationship..."

Tears in her eyes, Amy handed the lighter over and pulled another one from her pocket, "I think I'm going to light a candle for the dead tonight as well," she said, suddenly grabbing Dave's hand.

Carter watched in silence as Amy lit a candle and placed it on the altar. As she stepped away, she handed Carter the lighter and watched as he lit a candle for Joshua and placed it on the altar.

"Carter, can I borrow that lighter for a minute?" Peter suddenly said, as he slowly approached the group that was already at the altar. "I think I want to light a candle for Cleo tonight."

There was silence as Carter handed over the lighter and watched as Peter lit a candle and silently placed it on the altar. Carter suddenly realized that the hymn was almost over.

"We should go out and celebrate Christmas morning somewhere," Carter quietly commented, gazing around at the group. "There's a place not far from here that's open 24 hours a day."

At the mention of going out, Dave looked uncomfortable, "I promised Luka that I wouldn't go out and drown my sorrows in alcohol," he stated. "Besides, I'm scheduled to work at six."

"There doesn't have to be drinking," Carter replied. "It's a little cafe on the next corner."

Despite the semi-peaceful mood, Dave still looked uncomfortable and slowly edging away into the shadows, he released Amy's hand, "I almost died on the Christmas Eve after Daniel was born, Carter," his voice a whisper. "I woke up in the surgical recovery ward on Christmas Day night."

Carter's eyes widened, "Your back...that happened on Christmas Eve?" he whispered in shock.

Dave went quiet and looked to Amy for reassurance, "Dave, I know you hate this time of year and I don't blame you," she said, putting an arm around. "However, I think that this year, it would help you to be around friends...If you want, you can even talk about that night...it might help."

"...I'm so reluctant to talk about that outside DeRaad's office, where it's safe," Dave whispered, well aware that he was being watched. "It's been a long day and I'm scared...of what I might say."

Both Carter and Peter watched as Amy quietly talked to Dave. After a few moments, he nodded and looked at Jeanie, "Did you want to join us, Jeanie?" he asked, a plea in his voice.

Knowing that Dave needed both her and Amy there to get through any further interaction with Carter or Peter until he went to work, Jeanie nodded, "That would be nice," she replied.

Peter watched as Jeanie and Amy took hold of Dave's gloved hands, "Carter, since you know where this cafe is, why don't you lead the way?" Jeanie suggested, smiling at Carter.

Nodding, Carter turned and led the group out of the church as another speaker took the pulpit.

The clock switched to three as Carter stood at the cafe counter, counting out money so that he could pay for the mugs of cocoa and muffins he had just picked out for everyone.

"Thank you," the clerk said, as Carter slid a pile of bills across the counter to the cashier.

While the clerk counted out the change, Carter turned and saw that Dave was now laying awake on one of the couches using Amy and Jeanie's coats as a pillow. Amy and Jeanie were lingering nearby, looking at some of the cafe's Christmas decorations. Peter was watching Dave.

"You should really go to sleep if you're tired," Peter commented, as he saw Dave's eyes drooping.

Dave shook his head, "My back's sore and I don't want nightmares," he replied in a tired voice.

Peter nodded, "Why didn't you mention your past when you worked at County before?" he asked.

"With my supposed unprofessionalism, nobody would have believed me," Dave stated bluntly.

Peter was silent for a moment and sighed, "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not a psychiatrist, but maybe talking about it would help you feel better."

"Well, as my wife lay dying in our totaled car, I was on the ground outside, screaming in pain because some psycho had stabbed me multiple times and I was bleeding to death," Dave explained in a soft voice. "Just before paramedics arrived on scene, I took one final breath and passed out...The next thing I remember is waking up in a surgical recovery ward with a tube down my throat with tubes and wires everywhere...When they pulled out the tube, I was told that Dana was in the morgue...I spent that Christmas Day evening crying my eyes out..."

Hating the fact that he could feel tears in his eyes, Dave looked down and suddenly felt a pair of hands on his shoulders, "I left my children and Daniel with my father when I heard the news," Amy spoke, smiling at Peter. "Even though he was in Recovery for two days, Dave welcomed my company, but I think I broke every hospital rule in the book by staying with him..."

Relieved that Amy was there and trying to ease the awkwardness of the situation, Dave relaxed and didn't say a word at the look on Peter's face. He lowered his head and closed his eyes.

Amy sighed and gently massaged Dave's neck and shoulders, "Just relax for a few moments, Dave," she said soothingly. "I know that even now, it's a hard thing to talk about...to relive."

"If anyone wants it, I have some cocoa," Carter said, as he approached the couches after having an interesting, yet awkward, conversation with the cashier about holidays.

Dave's eyes suddenly popped open and he stood, "I actually need to get going," he said, turning to Amy with an apologetic look on his face. "It's a long ride to County on the EL from here."

"If you need to be at work by six, stay a bit and I can give you a ride," Carter offered, wondering why Dave wanted to leave so soon, as County wasn't a three hour journey from here.

Dave shook his head, "I could use some time alone to think," he replied. "Amy, Jeanie, can you walk me to the station?" he asked, offering his arms for the ladies to hold on to.

Knowing that Dave needed time to be alone on the EL with his thoughts, Amy and Jeanie nodded, put on their coats, and, taking Dave's arms, they left the cafe together.

Bewildered by Dave's odd behavior, Carter handed Peter a cup of cocoa and Peter drank it in absolute silence. He had learned a lot about Malucci tonight, but wanted to keep it quiet.

Letting out a yawn as he gently placed the sleepy Joe back in his crib, Luka gazed over at Daniel, who was sound asleep, and quietly walked out of the bedroom.

He had been sound asleep until Joe had begun crying. Fortunately, Daniel was a heavy sleeper and hadn't been disturbed by either Joe's crying or Luka's movements in the room.

As he gazed at the tiny, pre-decorated Christmas tree that sat on his kitchen table, Luka caught a glance of the microwave clock and groaned that it was only four in the morning.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Figuring that Dave had finished his celebratory evening, Luka sighed and, walking over to the door, he opened it. Amy was lingering there, looking upset.

"Amy?" Luka asked, frowning at the look on Amy's face. "Did something happen to Dave?"

Amy shook her head, "No, Dave's on the EL on his way to work," she replied, although there was a touch of sadness in her tone. "I was wondering if we could talk until Daniel wakes up?"

"How did you know where I lived?" Luka asked, as he opened the door a little further.

"Dave told me that you had a listening ear," Amy commented. "Might I come inside?"

Nodding, Luka stepped aside and was silent as Amy came inside the apartment, "I was with Dave at a church service this evening and I lit a candle for the dead," she stated, removing her coat as Luka closed and locked the door. "Katie, my youngest, she was a twin...did you know that?"

"I thought you only had four kids?" Luka asked, as he turned towards Amy. "When we talked at your father's house, you only mentioned giving birth to four kids..."

Fighting the urge to cry, Amy sank down on to the couch, "I gave birth to Katie and another girl, whom I named Kathryn," she explained. "Dave delivered both and was their doctor for the first few months...One evening, both twins came down with a cough and a high fever...Dave was on call that evening and he was able to get Katie stabilized, but Kathryn never recovered and her lung collapsed...Dave worked for over two hours coding her, but Kathryn died..."

Luka didn't reply, so Amy continued, "Christmas Eve is a hard time for a lot of people, including both Dave and I," she stated, gazing at the couch. "It reminds us of what was lost..."

"If you want to talk, you can," Luka said, as he joined Amy on the couch. "I will listen."

Amy was silent for a few moments, contemplating her words as she gazed into Luka's eyes.

Relieved that it was four in the morning and slow in the ER, Mark walked into the lounge to get some coffee and was surprised to find Dave standing next to his open locker dressed in a suit.

"You're not on until seven," Mark commented, walking over to the coffee pot.

Dave nodded as he removed his suit jacket and hung it in his locker, "I wanted to come in early," he gently replied, as he removed his white coat from his locker and put it on.

"Is everything all right, Dave?" Mark asked, as Malucci's calmness was beginning to worry him.

Dave was silent as he closed his locker, "Everything's fine," he replied tonelessly.

"Did you receive any more of those phone calls?" Mark asked, taking a sip of coffee.

Shaking his head, Dave moved over to the fridge and opened it, "Elton doesn't know that Daniel and I are living with Luka," he replied as he took a half empty jug of milk out of the fridge and studied it. "Besides, he only phones on Christmas Eve because of what happened..."

"You've had a call like that before?" Mark asked, watching as Dave made a face and put the milk back in the fridge. "Have you ever talked to the police about this?"

Dave sighed and shut the fridge door, "If I go to the police about this, it will only cause more problems for Amy and her kids," he replied. "Besides, I don't want anything to happen to Daniel."

In silence, Dave moved back over to his locker and opened it, "Almost forgot my stethoscope," he said, smiling as he removed his stethoscope from his locker and shut the door again.

"Have you gotten any sleep between your shift yesterday and now?" Mark asked, concerned by the fact that Dave seemed both shaken and tired from the call yesterday.

Before Dave could reply, the door opened and Kerry entered the room with a thick file in her hand, "You're an early riser, Doctor Malucci," she commented, very surprised to see Dave in two hours early. "How was your Christmas Eve with Daniel?"

"Before I got sick, I managed to save enough money from my custodial job to buy Daniel some stuff that he both wanted and needed," Dave replied. "I got him a new backpack, new shoes, and his first soccer ball so that he can play soccer with friends in the spring if he wants to...Hockey is too expensive for either of us now, otherwise we'd be playing it every day..."

Kerry smiled, "Mark, can you give us a minute?" she asked. "I need to talk with Doctor Malucci."

Mark nodded and walked out of the lounge. Dave sighed, she was probably going to tell him that his hospital bill was now paid off and he would no longer be needed come the new year.

"Why don't we sit down?" Kerry suggested, gesturing to empty chairs that were at the table.

Dave nodded and obediently sat, watching as Kerry sat and placed the file on the table.

"After that phone call last night, I took the liberty of accessing your file from the medical school in Grenada," Kerry explained as she opened the file. "According to the file, you continued medical school despite the whole ordeal of losing your wife and nearly dying...is that accurate?"

Nodding, Dave swallowed hard, "I didn't think Dana would want me to stop living just because she was unexpectedly ripped from mine and Daniel's lives," he replied.

"The file said that you failed both your Psych and OB/GYN rotations because of physical difficulties following your wife's death," Kerry stated in a gentle tone, as she gave Dave a gentle gaze intended to encourage him into opening up. "Did you want to talk about that?"

Knowing that Kerry only wanted to help him, Dave looked up and met her gaze, "It was hard trying to assist deliveries from a wheelchair and while I was on crutches," he explained. "While I was on the psych rotation, I was also relearning how to walk and I was often in a lot of pain...I was allowed to graduate medical school and when I finished my residency at Mercy, I redid those rotations..."

"I know, I also had a look at more recent files that Doctor Romano happened to have," Kerry stated as she closed the file. "You just needed people to have faith in your abilities."

Dave sighed, "I don't want to badmouth anyone here because of the past," he replied softly. "Whatever I was like in the past, I'm a very different person now...I'm really trying to make a fresh start, but it's not easy."

Kerry nodded, "I know and from what I've observed, you're doing a great job," she replied, now certain that Dave was sincere in his work to mature. "Are you going to be all right today?"

"I plan to spend the down time doing chart work at the desk," Dave replied. "No doubt Daniel's going to be asleep until noon since he opened his presents last night. After I took him to dinner, we went back to Luka's, he opened his presents, and then we spent some time reading."

Kerry was silent, so Dave continued, "Anyway, since I'm here, you can go and share a nice Christmas with Henry," he stated. "Doctor Greene's probably already gone home."

Dave rose from his chair and helped Kerry to her feet. Together, they walked out of the lounge.

"Frank's supposed to be in at about eight and Carter will be on at seven," Kerry explained as she and Dave walked into the waiting area. "Frank's going to be leaving around three so he can have Christmas dinner with his family, but Jerry will be here around four...If it gets busy, don't hesitate to call people in...There are a few nurses on today, but they're all sleeping in exam rooms..."

Dave nodded, "It'll be fine, Doctor Weaver," he replied. "Go and enjoy the day with Henry."

Kerry nodded and smiling, she walked out into the ambulance bay without looking back.

Dave watched Kerry leave for a moment and then turned and made his way over to the desk.

The sound of a baby crying jolted Amy awake and she realized that she had fallen asleep on the couch with Luka's arms around her. They had been talking about what she could remember from her ordeal and ended up falling asleep.

Realizing from the cry that Joe was probably hungry, Amy gently pulled herself from Luka's gentle hold and stood up. She gazed at his robe and pajamas for a moment before taking her coat off and covering him with it. There was no point in waking Luka, she would take care of Joe herself.

"Hey there, Joe," Amy whispered, as she quietly entered the bedroom and hovered over the crib to find Joe staring back at her. "I guess you're pretty hungry, huh?"

Joe responded by yawning and extending his arms up towards her. Even though it had been a few years since she had cared for a baby, Amy leaned over and gently picked Joe up.

"Auntie Amy?" Daniel groggily asked, surprised to hear and see Dr. Faith there.

Placing Joe against her shoulder, Amy turned and was surprised to see Daniel laying there, staring at her through tired eyes, "What are you doing here?" he sleepily asked.

"I was just talking with Doctor Kovac about some stuff," Amy replied, smiling at Daniel. "It's only six in the morning, Daniel, so why don't you go back to sleep for a little while?"

Daniel nodded and quickly fell back asleep. Amy sighed and quietly carried Joe from the room.

From what Amy could see, Luka was still sound asleep, "Looks like your daddy's sleeping like a log, so I get to feed you," she cooed at Joe as she carried him off into the kitchen.

Yawning, Luka opened his eyes to find that he was covered with Amy's coat and Amy was nowhere to be seen. He suddenly heard Joe's laugh coming from the kitchen.

Letting out a sigh, Luka rose and wandered into the kitchen. He was surprised to see Amy standing at the stove, cooking some eggs in a pan. Joe was sitting in his high chair with a bowl in front of him and he was in clean clothes with a toy on the highchair counter. Amy looked up from the eggs with a content smile on her face, as she and Joe had been getting along very well.

"Good morning," Amy said, as she turned off the burner. "Where do you keep your plates?"

Luka said nothing, instead he moved over to Joe, "Did he eat?" he asked in a concerned tone.

"Yes, I gave Joe some baby food that I found in your fridge," Amy replied, as she began looking through the cupboards for the plates. "He woke up at six and you were sound asleep."

Frowning, Luka gazed at the microwave clock and was shocked to see that it was almost eight.

"After I fed Joe, I gave him a bath and got one of his sleepers from the bedroom he and Daniel share," Amy explained, as she put the eggs on to a plate. "I also made you some breakfast."

Luka raised an eyebrow, "Thanks, I guess," he said, bewildered at the fact that Amy was suddenly being so nice and open around him. "Um, Amy, did we fall asleep on the couch talking?"

"You had your arms around me, but we didn't have sex or anything like that," Amy replied, as she picked up the plate and carried it over to the table along with a fork. "Anyway, thank you for the listening ear, but I really should be headed home, as my own kids will be wondering where I'm at."

Luka nodded and watched as Amy walked out of the kitchen, "Enjoy Christmas with your son, Luka," she said. "Oh, Daniel will probably run off later today...he'll want to visit Dave at work."

Before Luka could reply, he heard the door close, signalling that Amy had quickly left.

Rolling his eyes, Luka sighed and after glancing at Joe, he turned his attention to his filled plate.

Ignoring the panic that was rising in her chest, Abby looked around the empty waiting room and sighed. She had not been at County for a long time and being there made her nervous.

It was almost eleven and the ER was still slow, but it would probably become busy later on.

The only reason that she was there now was to visit Carter while her mom made dinner at home.

Closing her eyes, Abby thought back to the night that she came into the ER after waking up from her blackout. Despite it being over a year, she could remember every detail clearly.

Ignoring the pounding in her head, Abby stumbled into the ER still wearing the jeans and sweatshirt that she had been wearing earlier. Where were Luka and Joe at?

Abby rushed over to the desk where Jerry was swamped with paperwork, "Jerry, did Luka bring Joe in here?" she asked in a frantic voice. "I have no idea where they are at right now."

Jerry shrugged and turned away, he was swamped. Kerry came out of the lounge and saw Abby standing at the desk looking frantic. She walked over to the desk with a frown on her face.

"Abby, do you remember what happened tonight?" Kerry asked. "Did you black out?"

"Where are Luka and Joe at?" Abby yelled, her voice anxious.

Kerry sighed, "Abby, I have to go upstairs to the NICU and talk with the doctors," she replied. "Just wait in chairs until I come back, as Admin wants to meet with you..."

"NICU?" Abby asked, concerned. "What happened to Joe? Why is he in NICU? Where's Luka?"

Kerry gave yet another concerned look, "Abby, you have a very serious drinking problem that caused you to black out while Joe was in the bathtub," she solemnly explained. "Luka found him unconscious and not breathing in the tub...Fortunately, Joe was rescuscitated and is now recovering in NICU...Luka's upstairs with him...For now, I think you should wait in chairs."

Kerry moved off down the hallway. Abby sighed and watched her go in silence.

Fighting the tears that she could feel in her eyes, Abby sank down on to one of the plastic chairs and placed a hand over her face. Her life had gone downhill from that night onward.

Merely a week later, Abby sat in a courtroom beside a lawyer and watched as behind a table across the room, Luka held Joe close and stared straight ahead at the judge.

"...Due to the circumstances, I have no choice but to grant full custody of Joe Kovac to his biological father, Luka Kovac, with the parental rights of his biological mother, Abigail Lockhart, fully terminated," the judge declared, ignoring Abby's shocked look. "Doctor Kovac, I apologize for the inconvenience of time that I've caused you this morning...This session is adjourned."

Luka rose and in silence, he carried Joe from the courtroom. Abby silently gazed at the table.

"Excuse me..." a male voice said. "Ma'am, are you okay?"

Abby opened her eyes and was surprised to see Dave kneeling beside her with a concerned expression on his face. She raised an eyebrow at seeing him in a suit and a white coat.

"Malucci, I thought you were fired years ago." Abby stated, as she gazed at him curiously. "I didn't know that you were back...I thought Weaver vowed to never let you work here ever again."

Dave sat down on a seat across from her, "Well, a few months ago, Carter hit me with his car, I ended up as a patient here, and the medical bill had to be paid somehow," he replied. "Anyway, it's been a while and last I checked, you were still working here..."

"Well, I'm a recovering alcoholic and since I almost killed my son, I haven't," Abby replied, her voice full of tension. "I spent some time in a California rehab and afterwards, I was a counselor."

There was silence for a moment, "Dave, where's Carter at?" Abby asked, afraid what Dave's reaction to her confession might be. "I heard he was working today."

"Paramedics brought in a homeless man about 15 minutes ago and Carter's examining him in Exam Four," Dave replied, gazing at Abby. "He'll probably come out when he's done."

Abby nodded, "Do you think I'm the most horrible person in the world for almost killing Joe?" she asked, finally allowing herself to look up at Dave. "You must think me a despicable person."

"No, I just think you made a horrible mistake that you're still carrying intense guilt over," Dave replied in a thoughtful voice. "It happened in the past and you're obviously trying to do better."

At that, Abby was silent, as Dave's words made sense, yet she wasn't expecting them from him.

However, she needed someone to talk to and who better than someone who was offering a non-judgmental ear?

The Dave Malucci she knew was brash and immature. Obviously, that man had since faded away.

Carter sighed as Haleh opened a suture kit on the portable tray and the patient, a gray haired man with ragged clothes and a frizzy beard, grinned, revealing a set of crooked teeth. There was a huge gash on his forehead that was bleeding profusely, yet the man was in a cheerful mood.

"Hey, where's Doctor Dave at?" the man asked, as he looked at Carter. "I heard a rumor that he was working here again and it's been a while since I last saw him and his kid."

Thinking that the man was just delirious, Carter looked at Haleh, "Haleh, can we get something for this guy?" he asked in an amused tone. "I think he might be dehydrated..."

"I can't believe I slipped and cut my forehead on icicles," the man said, watching as Haleh put a needle in his arm and hooked up an IV. "I'm gonna miss the meal at the soup kitchen now..."

Carter nodded, "I could get you a food voucher and you could get something from the cafeteria after I stitch your head up," he offered. "Everyone deserves to eat on Christmas Day."

"You know, several years ago, I went to the soup kitchen for the first time," the guy continued, eager to talk now that Carter and Haleh were now listening. "I was sitting at a table, eating my meal, when this young guy dressed in rags comes staggers in with a little boy in his arms...the manager goes to talk to the man and it turns out that the poor guy was fired from a job not long before and he was starving himself just to keep his kid fed and clothed..."

Haleh frowned, "If it wasn't for soup kitchens, half the city would starve," she commented, as she began to irrigate the wound. "Food prices are just getting higher and higher..."

"Anyway, the manager gets the guy to sit down and gets him some food," the man explained. "As the guy is eating, he tells the manager that some woman at County tossed him out on his ear even after he told her he had a kid to support...The guy and his kid came in there last year, but they ate together and quickly left..."

At those words, Haleh froze and placed a hand over her mouth, realizing that the man was referring to Dr. Malucci, as she remembered those words being spoken from nearly seven years ago when she overheard that final confrontation between Dr. Weaver and Dr. Malucci.

"...I need this job, you can't fire me, I have a kid to support..."

In silence, Haleh left the room and as she passed the desk, she saw Frank sitting at the desk.

"Frank, where's Doctor Malucci?" Haleh asked, as she stopped at the desk.

Frank gestured to the lounge, "Daniel showed up a few minutes ago and Doctor Malucci took him to the lounge to find him some lunch," he replied. "Did you need him for something?"

Haleh shook her head and made her way to the doctor's lounge, needing to talk to Dave.

As the lounge door opened, Dave looked up from the book he was reading with Daniel and was surprised to see Haleh standing there, "Haleh, does Doctor Carter need something?" he asked.

"Did you get anything to eat today, Doctor Malucci?" Haleh asked, wondering if the homeless man's comments about Dave going hungry to feed his kid were accurate.

Dave shook his head, "There's nothing edible in the fridge and there's not time to go upstairs to the cafeteria," he replied, not wanting to confess to Haleh that he was now broke because of spending what little money he had on Christmas Eve dinner, Daniel's presents, and the bouquet of flowers that he had placed on Dana's grave. "We could get busy at any time..."

Giving Dave a look that indicated that she didn't believe him, Haleh nodded and silently left the lounge. Swallowing hard, Dave smiled at Daniel and they turned their attention back to reading.

After a moment of silence, Abby rose from behind the couch and moved over to the coffee pot, "Thanks for not saying that I was in here, waiting for Carter," she replied, giving Dave and Daniel a smile. "I'm just not ready for a lot of people to know that I'm back in Chicago yet."

Nodding, Dave smiled and put an arm around Daniel, "Your secret's safe with me," he replied.

"You almost done there, doc?" the homeless man, who had introduced himself as Donny, asked, as Carter finished the sutures and removed the draping. "I'm starting to get really hungry..."

Haleh entered the room and tossed a takeout menu on the portable table, "Carter, when you're done, can you order lunch for Doctor Malucci?" she asked, as she walked over to the other side of the room to change the IV bag, which had almost run dry.

"We're not busy, Dave can take ten minutes and go across the street to the Jumbo Mart if he wants food," Carter replied, as he placed some dressings over the sutures and applied tape.

Donny chuckled, "The Jumbo Mart is full of overpriced chemical garbage," he ranted, his voice slightly shaky. "If I know Dave, he's got no money for that crap..unless it's for his kid."

Carter was silent, so Haleh quickly changed the IV bag, "I don't think Doctor Malucci has any money and he's too ashamed to say anything," she stated, glaring at Carter for his ignorance.

"Doctor Dave's never really worried about himself, you know?" Donny stated, suddenly reaching into his coat pocket with his free hand and pulling out an old photo. "If you happen to see Doctor Dave later, could you give him that photo? It was taken last year during the New Year's Eve Day health blitz...that clinic does a lot for the entire city."

Intrigued, Carter took the photo and looked at it, "That's Dave all right," he commented, recognizing Dave despite the raggedy attire he was wearing in the photo. "Who's the guy he's got an arm around that looks determined to succeed?"

"Doctor Dave does a lot of volunteer work at various places all over the city, not just at the clinic," Donny stated, peering at the photo. "Oh, that's one of Doctor Dave's proteges..Chase Carter, I think...he looks too old to be Nathan Romano."

Carter's eyes widened, "I didn't know Dave knew Chase," he stated, shocked.

"Oh yeah, when the clinic opened, some gal from the Carter Family Foundation stopped by with Chase and offered Doctor Dave some money," Donny replied. "Doctor Dave refused the money, but he, Doctor Faith, and some woman named Jeanie all hang out with Chase now and then."

Bewildered that he was hearing the oddest things about Dave, Carter smoothed down the tape, "You're done, Donny," he stated, standing up. "Once the IV runs dry, you're free to leave."

Carefully tucking the photo in the pocket of his white coat, Carter looked at Haleh, "Haleh, can you keep Dave in the lounge for a little while?" he asked, as he picked up the menu. "I think that I'll order a little food for Dave so that he can have some sort of Christmas dinner."

"Well, since Daniel borrowed some money from Doctor Kovac and came here in a cab to spend Christmas with his father, Dave's already in the lounge," Haleh replied. "I'm pretty sure Daniel had breakfast thanks to Doctor Kovac, but I'm sure they could both use some lunch.

Carter nodded and the two of them left the exam room discussing their plans to surprise Dave.

Across town, Amy sighed and watched as her father put the turkey in the oven and shut the door, "...I don't know what compelled me to go over to Luka's early this morning," she said, giving her father an exasperated look. "Dave said that Luka was a good listener..."

"Well, Dave wouldn't tell you to do anything that would cause you harm," Robert replied, as he moved over to a bowl of yams that needed to be mashed. "I think it did you some good."

There was a moment of silence and Nathan, who was dressed in a t-shirt, pajama pants, and slippers, wandered into the kitchen with his laptop under his arm, "Is there a space where I can do my homework?" he asked, annoyance in his tone. "Erinn and Katie are putting together Katie's Barbie doll house and Lucas is playing Nintendo...The noise is driving me absolutely insane."

Robert gestured to the kitchen table, "You can sit there until dinner is ready," he replied, relieved that his grandson seemed to be suddenly serious about school. "Where are your glasses?"

Giving his grandfather a look, Nathan set the laptop on the table and opened it, "They're right here," he replied, as he took them out of his pocket and put them on. "I know it's Christmas, but I need to do some today, since my new girlfriend and I are volunteering at the clinic on New Year's Eve day...Her dad's a doctor and she wanted to help, so Doctor Dave's letting me bring her."

"Well, if Dave says that it's all right to bring her, it's fine with me," Amy replied, gently mussing Nathan's hair as he sat at the computer. "I'm going to mash the yams and then I'm going to take a small nap until dinnertime...Dad, go and see what those kids are up to..I'll watch things in here."

Robert nodded and left the room. Amy gazed at Nathan before moving over to the counter.

"Did you sleep with Doctor Kovac, Mom?" Nathan asked, as he began typing.

As she picked up the masher, Amy shook her head, "No, Luka and I only talked," she replied.

Nathan shrugged and turned back to his homework, he didn't necessarily believe that to be true but he didn't care, as Luka seemed to be a good guy and for once, his mother should be a little happy.

As the digital clock switched to 13:00, Carter pushed open the lounge door and found that Dave and Daniel were sitting upright on the couch asleep. There was a book on Dave's lap.

"Dave, do you have a minute?" Carter asked, as he walked over to the couch and gently tapped Dave on the shoulder. "We've got a patient that I could use a little help with...Frank's got the information about it at the desk."

Blinking, Dave nodded and gently moving his arm, he stood up, "Yeah, could you keep an eye on Daniel for me?" he asked, moving towards the door. "Hopefully, this won't take too long."

Carter was silent and watched as Dave moved out of the lounge and over to the desk, "Frank, where's the patient that Carter needed me to look at?" he asked, his voice groggy.

There was silence and Abby suddenly came out from around the corner accompanied by what looked like a delivery man who was carrying a large bag full of takeout boxes, "Doctor Malucci?" the man asked as he held out the bag. "I believe this is for you."

"Um, I'm a little short on cash so I didn't order this," Dave replied, both fear and reluctance in his voice. "It smells really good, but I can't afford that...can you just take it back?"

Abby smiled, "Dave, it's already been paid for," she replied, giving Carter a glance. "Carter, why don't you wake Daniel so he and Dave can share their Christmas dinner together?"

Carter nodded and moved back into the lounge, "Abby, I don't understand," Dave said, as he stared at the bag in confusion. "Why would Carter want to buy food for Daniel and I?"

"It's Christmas Day and you're balancing working with spending time with Daniel," Abby replied, managing a smile. "Carter figured you could use a pick-me-up and both Haleh and I agree."

Dave gave her a look, "You talked with Haleh?" he asked. "How did that go?"

"No, I waited out in chairs while Carter and Haleh conspired to order you and Daniel something nice for Christmas dinner," Abby replied, crossing her arms. "I'm not really comfortable with anyone besides you or Carter knowing that I'm around...I don't want to be judged."

The lounge door opened and Carter came out with Daniel, "Hey, Abby, do you still have your medical license?" Dave asked, as Carter and Daniel approached the desk.

"Yeah, I still have my medical license," Abby replied, giving Dave a curious look. "Why?"

Dave smiled, "Well, the clinic that Amy and I run is going to be slammed with patient on New Year's Eve day," he explained. "If you and Carter aren't doing anything, why don't you come by, I'll get you some volunteer badges and you can learn a little about street medicine."

Abby nodded, "That actually sounds like an idea," she replied. "What time should I be there?"

"I'll be there just after midnight, prepping things while Daniel's asleep," Dave replied. "You can come at any time. Just knock on the door and I'll let you in...any willing help is accepted."

Carter smiled and put an arm around Abby, "Enjoy Christmas lunch with your son," he said, as he watched Daniel hug Dave. "I'm going to take a walk with Abby. Page me if we get busy."

Dave took the bag and carried it over to the counter, "If you want to take a break, Frank, I can watch the desk while Daniel and I eat," he said, gazing over at Frank as the delivery guy left.

Frank gave Dave a look of gratitude, "I think I'll go up to the cafeteria, grab something to eat and maybe I'll call my family," he stated, rising from the desk and walking off down the hallway.

Smiling, Dave opened the bag and began putting takeout boxes on the counter, "Hey, Daniel, while I finish setting stuff out, could you get the plates out of the bag and dish us up some food?" he asked in a gentle tone. "I'll eat whatever you put on my plate...I'm just grateful that Doctor Carter was kind enough to provide us with a decent Christmas Day meal..."

"I think Mom's watching over us today, Dad, I really do," Daniel said, as he grabbed the plates out of the bag and began putting food from the takeout boxes on to each plates with the plastic utensils that were also in the bag. "I love you so much, Dad, I really do...you know that?"

Dave nodded and not wanting Daniel to see tears in his eyes, he looked heavenward, "I love you too, Daniel," he softly replied. "I know that your mom is watching over us each and every day."

Blinking, Dave looked down and smiled at Daniel as they dug into their Christmas Day meal.