"Dr. Kroger. So nice to see you again." Natalie said as they entered his office.

"It's always a great pleasure to see you, Natalie." Dr. Kroger said. "Listen, I'm sorry to call you over here so late at night but I felt this was important. Do you mind if I talk to Adrian alone for a few minutes?"

"Certainly not." Natalie said. "I'll just sit in the waiting room."

Dr. Kroger and Adrian walked into his private office.

"Thank you for coming over again, Adrian."

"Of course. Is there something wrong? Did Harold find out what I said about him?"

"Take it easy, Adrian. I didn't tell Harold anything. I never divulge private information about my patients."

Adrian breathed a sigh of relief. There was no telling what Harold would do if he were to find out what Adrian really thought about him.

"Have a seat." Dr. Kroger said.

They both sat down and Dr. Kroger looked thoughtfully at his patient.

"Adrian, after I took you home earlier, I had to come back to the office to do some paperwork. I was just getting ready to lock up when I found this..."

To Adrian's amazement, Dr. Kroger produced a familiar box made out of blue velvet.

"But how... How did... I don't understand." Adrian said.

"I realized when you left that I never gave it back to you after you showed it to me. I'm so sorry Adrian. I know that was very traumatic to think that you had lost it. I feel responsible for what happened at Golden Gate Park. I know it's hard enough to investigate a murder with a clear head; much less have emotions hovering over you in the process. "

He held out the box and gave it to Adrian. "If Trudy could see that ring, she would be the happiest woman in the world."

"I-I wanted to give it to Natalie." Adrian said.

"You- Adrian! Really?" Dr. Kroger was astounded.

"And what did Natalie say when you told her about it?"

"She cried."

"How did that make you feel?"

"Are you kidding? I was so uncomfortable!" Adrian said.

Dr. Kroger laughed and looked at his watch.

"Wow, it's almost midnight. I should probably get going. My family is probably getting worried."

"So I'll see you again on Tuesday?" Adrian asked.

"Of course." Dr. Kroger said. "I'm looking foreword to it." He walked Adrian to the door.

"Goodnight, Dr. Kroger." Adrian said.

"Goodnight Adrian. Goodnight Natalie." Dr. Kroger waved as Adrian and Natalie started down the hallway.

They were almost to the front door when Adrian stopped. "What's wrong?" Natalie asked.

"I want to show you this. The only other person who's ever seen it is Dr. Kroger."

"Okay. Great!" Natalie said.

Adrian opened the ring box and showed it to Natalie. Her hand flew to her chest.

"Mr. Monk... that is breathtaking."

Adrian closed the box and put it back in his pocket.

Just as Natalie opened the door to go outside, Adrian stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Mr. Monk?"

"Nothing. I just need to take care of something." Adrian said.

Curious, Natalie followed him back to Dr. Kroger's office where Adrian knocked on the door.

"Come in..." Dr. Kroger said. "Oh good. You're here. Would you mind emptying this- Oh, Adrian. I thought you were our cleaning service. Did you forget something?"

Silently, Adrian stood and stared at his friend.

"Adrian, is something wrong?" Dr. Kroger asked.

"No. Nothing's wrong. I just... I can't thank you enough for finding Trudy's ring."

"Oh... Adrian. Thank you. That means a lot to me. "Dr. Kroger extended his hand, expecting Adrian to do the same.

Instead, Adrian did the unthinkable. He gave Dr. Kroger a hug. "You are a true hero."

Wordlessly, Adrian turned and walked down the hall to catch up with Natalie.

Tears filled his eyes as Dr. Kroger stood; unable to believe what he had just witnessed. Adrian Monk hugged him.

He took his notepad and scribbled a note in the latest entry: Patient expected to make a full recovery.

THE END