Medical Center

After the release papers were signed, Grissom made his way to the hospital lobby, mentally consumed by the question Dr. Wheeler had posed during their recent discussion concerning Sara.

"Mr. Grissom, what is your relationship with Sara like?"

Admittedly, the question had taken Grissom by surprise. He'd contemplated his response to Wheeler and then scolded himself for failing to be forthright about his feelings. It was, after all, apparent how he felt to everyone that worked on the floor of the ICU ward. "So, why the evasiveness?" he murmured to himself.

But Grissom had cause to worry. Originally, he was led to believe Sara would not survive. This knowledge affected Grissom, moving him to bear his soul during the unforgettable period Sara lay incapacitated and unconscious. Every word that was said, that he pledged to her had been predicated on the belief that he had done so on her death bed. And thus, his true feelings were exposed for the entire world to see.

Yet, Sara managed to cheat death. But it was not without its side effects. Grissom began casually retreating into his protective shell, wavering between Sara's immediate needs in addition to his own.

Feeling skittish, Grissom ran his hand through his curls and glanced over at the wall clock. How time had flown, he thought to himself in response to his memory of having first met Sara.

San Francisco

It was after 1am when Sara and Grissom decided to leave the wharf. At Sara's request, Grissom walked her home to an apartment located not more than a half hour by foot. Grissom surmised she had conjured the idea to ditch her car in an attempt to prolong their time together – a brilliant plan that appeared to show some success, or so Sara appeared to think!

Upon approaching the front door Sara edged ahead of Grissom. With keys in hand and a twist of her wrist, she unlocked the dead bolt, turned toward Grissom and immediately sensed something was troubling him. But before she had a chance to ask him anything, he broke his silence.

"I really had a great time."

"Me too," Sara said, while studying Grissom face. "Hey, you wanna come inside", Sara showing no signs of relenting.

"I shouldn't, Sara. My flight leaves at 8."

Sara stared at Grissom, astonished by his gentlemanly quality. Most other men would just as soon take her where she stood, if given the chance. Yet Grissom, in her opinion, was not like most men. And this belief was solidified by his demonstration of character, truly one of many alluring traits that aroused Sara.

"Can't you take a later flight?" cajoled Sara.
Wantonly, Grissom looked upon Sara sporting a a devilish grin. In the short time they were together, she had made him feel alive, eliciting feelings no other woman has ever been capable of invoking. And now, after having found her, he didn't wish to leave her. However, he found himself reluctantly uttering the opposite of his longing.

"Good night, Sara."

Grissom could see the disappointment in Sara's eyes. He pulled her into him and embraced her, tightening his hold, not wanting to let go. But when he realized she was offering resistance he loosened his grip. Grissom tilted his head in order to see Sara's face when, unexpectedly, she leaned forward and kissed him on the mouth.

Sara glided the tip of her tongue along Grissom's parted lips, producing excitement in him beyond belief. 'She continued her exploits by grinding her hips into his, taking pleasure and satisfaction from Grissom's full erection. Unable to hold back his own persistent urges, Grissom pinned Sara against his body, kissing, tasting greedily, and inhaling her intoxicating scent'. Until, without warning, he broke from Sara's embrace, leaving her standing alone on her porch, her eyes trailing him as he vanished into the darkness...

The subtle body brush of an elderly woman attempting to pass pulled Grissom back into the present. Grissom eyed the older woman, nervously clasping his hands while taking deep breaths in his attempt to calm himself -- when again, his thoughts shifted to his present dilemma – of whether or not he could undo the mistakes he committed from the past, if he could overcome the fear of risking himself, or whether he could abandon his insular lifestyle for the purpose of allowing Sara into his life. And What of Sara, he pondered. Would she accept me? After all that has happened? Does she blame me? Grissom was literally terrified...