Their conversation had died out for the rest of the surgery. It was only then that Meredith had seen how broken he was.

Meredith had watched Marks hands work in great detail and had fought to stay focused on the surgery.

When it came to scrubbing out Meredith stood beside Mark nervously washing her hands. She hadn't intended on washing them longer, but she couldn't stop.

Mark stood hunched over the sink. He was lost in his pain.

Both stood there in silence too scared to look at each otehr. Both were able to read each other well and were worried what them might see.

The door to the scrub room opened. Neither looked up until Meredith felt her mothers hands on hers. "It's enough Meredith. Your hands are clean." Ellis told her firmly.

Meredith blinked and pulled her hands back from the water.

"I... I... didnt realise." Meredith whispered.

Ellis sighed. She looked up at Mark, and took in the look on his face. She looked back at Meredith and could feel the sadness that had been shared between them. She had noticed their demeanours change during surery. Richard hadn't. He had only been focused on their hands.



"You did good in there Mark." Ellis told him as she moved closer to him.

Mark pushed himself up so he was standing tall.

"Thanks" he muttered.

Ellis reached up and rested her hand on his cheek.

Mark took it in his hand, kissed her palm, before dropping it.

Ellis could read the pain in his every move as well as see it in the depths of his eyes.

Ellis turned and looked at Meredith. She was able to read the pain in her stance too, but she could see that the worry in her eyes was about Mark, and nothing more. Ellis needed to know why.

"I have to go talk to the patients family." Mark muttered before stepping around Ellis.

"I'm proud of you Mark." Ellis whispered.

Mark simply nodded and continued walking.

Ellis looked at Meredith.

"Mom..." Meredith said weakly.



Ellis stepped forward, and Meredith fell into her arms.

"It's ok sweetie." Ellis soothed as Meredith began to sob.

"No...no... he... she... he... broken..." Meredith stammered.

Ellis couldn't bear to think the pain her family was in.

"What did she do?" Ellis asked.

"I... I... cant... i ... promised." she sobbed.

Ellis sighed. Meredith didn't need the burden of Marks secrets. But she held her daughter until the pain she had was washed away.