Kyle's bed was at a small incline. His head was turned toward his window, looking out through the partially opened shades. A clear breathing tube was placed beneath his nose, supplying him with extra oxygen. The clear adhesive strips holding the bandages tugged at his chest with every breath. His right hand had been re-stitched and bandages once again, leaving his left hand free for the IV. His fingers played with the hem of the sheet just beneath his stomach. He looked up, sensing someone had entered his room. He opened his dry mouth. "Dad."

Horatio sat in the chair beside Kyle's bed. "How're you feeling?"

"My chest hurts, but I did get shot. Twice." Kyle answered. He swallowed. "How's Marisol?"

Horatio sighed. Telling Kyle now could be dangerous for him. But he would inevitably find out somehow. "Marisol…didn't make it, son."

Kyle's tired eyes grew wide. "What?"

Pain and realization spread through Kyle's face. It had taken years for Kyle to accept Marisol into his life. To find his father after sixteen years married to another woman was too much for a kid to accept. But after Julia's breakdown, Kyle only had his father and Marisol to turn to. And with Horatio working most of the time, Marisol was the only person Kyle was able to talk too. She had also been the one to calm Horatio when Kyle had enlisted. She'd been a wonderful step-mother, and Kyle couldn't help but feel guilty for not giving her a chance sooner. Hell, it was just this last May that he'd given her a gift for Mother's Day. That was his way of admitting they were a real family.

"Kyle, I need you to listen to me." Horatio said.

Kyle looked back to his dad.

"I put a call in, and as soon as you're able to, you're getting out of Miami." Horatio explained.

"But dad-"

"This is not a discussion, Kyle." Horatio said. "I want you out of the city."

It was useless to argue with his dad. Kyle knew that from experience. It was even more difficult when his dad was angry, and with Marisol's passing so raw for them both, it would be more grief for both of them if Kyle argued. Horatio was only sending him away to make sure Kyle was killed as well, Kyle knew that. But he also knew that would leave his alone to mourn the loss of Marisol.

"Where will I go?" Kyle asked.

"I won't know and for your safety, I can't know." Horatio explained.

"How long will it last?"

Horatio shook his head. "Until we're sure there's no threat."

"But you don't that'll take." Kyle said.

"No." Horatio replied.

"Dad-"

"LET ME SEE HER!" someone yelled.

Horatio looked out the wall. Eric was standing beside a nurse. He was obviously having problems passing her, and his growing rage in his face warned Horatio he needed to step in.

"Kyle, I'll be right back." Horatio said. He rose from the chair and walked back into the hall.

"SHE'S MY SISTER, WHY CAN'T I SEE HER?" Eric demanded.

"Sir, I understand your upset, but I have strict instruction from the doctors not to allow any visitors." She explained.

"Whose orders?" Eric demanded.

"Eric." Horatio said.

Eric turned. "H. Why the hell can't I see Marisol?"

"Marisol has been moved down to the morgue." Horatio explained.

"What? Why would they do that?" Eric asked.

"I asked Alexx to perform the autopsy on Marisol."

"You could wait until I'd said goodbye to her?" Eric fumed. "She's my sister."

"I understand, Eric. I do." Horatio replied.

"Why would you do that H?" Eric asked.

Horatio held his gaze with Eric. "Because you don't want to remember Mari like this."

Eric shook and lowered his head. It felt like a dream. A terrible, horrifying dream. Marisol was his older sister; she was the one who looked after him. Every time he needed support, he could always count on Mari. And after she got sick, it was his turn to return the favor. They'd seen each other at their worst moments. But then they'd seen each other at their best. He'd seen how Marisol had grown happy with Horatio, and how Horatio was visibly happy. He'd watched her fight for her life against the cancer and against a bullet. And she won. How could it all have ended now?

"I didn't get a chance to say goodbye." Eric said.

i wanted to show some of Kyle's thought of Marisol. i mean, Kyle hasn't exactly had it easy, so i was just kinda assuming who he would react. not sure i got that right.