While everyone talked and remenised, Stella looked towards the door and seen Horatio and Calleigh standing there. Walking toward her, Horatio could see her tears dancing in her eyes. Reaching out for her, he wrapped her into his embrace.

"Horatio... she choked out.

"Shh... I know Stella. I know." He said as he continued to comfort her while Calleigh headed up to the casket to say goodbye to Mac.

"I still can't believe he's gone, Horatio. It just doesn't make sense. He was so alive and happy a few hours before. I don't understand." Stella cried.

"Well... sometimes things happen that leave us questioning the events for years Stella. We all knew Mac was ill. Though he was very strong. I don't know many people who could have held on so many years, especially after three very serious strokes. All you can do now Stella, is keep his memory alive in your heart and your children and grandchildrens hearts. You're a very strong woman Stella. I know you will get through this, and I will always be there for you, when you need me, right?"

Nodding her head against Horatio's chest, he said... "Good. Good... Now let's go say goodbye, to Mac." as they walked toward her husbands casket.

After most of the friends and visitors left, Stella knew the time had come for the private memorial.

"Will you and Calleigh stay, Horatio?" asked Stella.

"We will... we will, won't we Calleigh?"

"Of course Horatio. " smiled Calleigh.

....................................................................

Meanwhile...

"Mom... is daddy going to be okay? I mean how long does it take to figure out why he's in a coma? They already ruled out a stroke. How could he just sleep, and not wake up? With no logical explanation?" cried Claire as they waited for news from the doctors.

"I don't know love. We just have to be patient." said Stella as Don and others arrived with coffee.

"Any news yet, Stel?" asked Don.

"Nothing. They are still doing tests on him. All the doctors have told me so far is that his brainwaves are off the charts. Like he's locked inside a dream he can't wake up from." said Stella.

"I'm sure they'll figure it out, Stel. They have alot of specialists working with him." said Danny.

"You know what interests me," said Sheldon. "Just what the hell is he dreaming about? I've heard of people going into unconscious states like this for years. When they wake, they tell all kind of stories, and places they went. They call it dreamscape. It's like being locked in a dream, and you have to finish it out, before you can come home."

"Only you Sheldon," said Danny."

"Sorry, it's the scientist in me, and it's obvious Mac has a fear. A fear that has taken him into the deepest recesses of his mind. Once he figures out the fear, he'll find his way home." said Sheldon. "I have a thirst for the unusual," he smiled. "Anyway... how you doin' Stella."

"Not good. I just don't understand it. I told him to go lay down, he did. Then when Alan tried to call him, he just wouldn't wake."

Sitting down beside her, Sheldon reassured her he'd be fine.

.......................................................................

As everyone sat in the little Chapel, Stella walked up to the podium with Alan. Looking out at everyone, she tried to hold back her tears.

"As we gather here today to say goodbye to my husband Mac Taylor. a father, grandfather, Marine and detective. a man who devoted his life to everyone who needed it. You know I still remember back to when Mac and I had first met. always from the begining we knew there was something between us that sparked. A kind of emptiness. Him from losing his first wife Claire in 9/11. Me from never having the gift of knowing the love of parents. I could remember the times we'd forever butt heads about a case. The type of case that drove our spark of love we ignored, always chalking it up to......"

Trying to walk away from the pictures he was being forced to see, he wandered to the next room. Opening the door he seen his beautiful wife with Alan and some young lady.

"Hey mom... where did you put our memories book, for the wedding guests?" yelled Alan."

"I don't know son, check on the table in your fathers den. It's most likely there." yelled Stella.

Walking into his fathers den brought him back to five years ago. The day they lost their father. Now at nineteen, Alan was getting married and moving on.

"Found it mom, thanks. We'll see you later, love you."

"Love you too, son. Have fun." said Stella.

Watching as the shadow appeared from around the corner of the hall, he seen his lovely wife with five year old Bryan attached to her hip. Mac had a feeling Bryan would become his nana's boy. Trying to reach out to his wife, he seen her fade, fade into the background as it disappeared. Turning to leave, he seen another door, not sure whether he was ready to open it or not, he sat on the floor and decided to think about it. He just couldn't figure what the hell he was doing here, and why the hell he couldn't wake up. He knew he wasn't dead. He knew everything he had seen was all a dream. But why? Why did this place hold him here? Was it an omen? Was it God's way of showing him that his family would be okay when the time came for him too pass on? So many questions he didn't have the answers too. So much confusion and broken paths. Leaving him discouraged and frustrated. For each door lead to a new window of time yet to come. Times that would be when he was gone.

Rubbing his hands over his face, he got up and neared the next door. Closing his eyes, he prayed that this would be the door to lead him home. Home to those that he loved.

tbc...