InfinityAndOne, that is likely to be the problem for Ethan, unfortunately. He was able to do what he needed to when it really mattered, but it will take a lot out of him. It would be nice to say that moment cured him, but it rarely works like that! It's difficult to imagine Judy getting away with attempted murder. Thank you for your review.

Bonnie Sveen Fan, it really must have been horrible for Kate. There would have been people fairly near, but they probably wouldn't just walk in unless Kate was making a lot of noise and I don't think she dared. So it's really lucky Ethan found the strength to go to her. Thank you for your review.

Tanith Panic, very few people are genuinely as nasty as Judy seemed to be - they have usually suffered pretty badly themselves to get into that state. I wanted to give her some kind of motivation beyond taking a sudden an inexplicable dislike to someone (though that does happen). If only she had known. Thank you for your review.

X-Sammii-X, thank you for your review. I'm glad you liked the twist! Judy might not have been so horrible before she lost someone she loved, but even if Kate had been really rude and told her to get out and never come back, that wouldn't make Judy's actions excusable. Cal and Ethan to the rescue again! They can rescue me anytime.


Cal watched as Security dragged Judy away, shuddering slightly at her angry screams and hoping against hope that Ethan and Kate wouldn't hear, though there wasn't much chance of that. He took a breath to steady himself, then he entered the room and looked at the distraught couple on the bed. They were clinging to each other tightly, both crying, and even Cal's feeling that they'd never let each other go after this gave him little comfort when he thought of what they'd both suffered. He could see Ethan's burst of energy was beginning to subside and he wondered if Ethan would even be able to speak when the tears finally stopped.

But Cal was so proud of him at that moment. For recognising there was something wrong. For resisting Cal's attempts to convince him otherwise. For getting himself to Kate's room when it was so hard for him even to walk a few steps. For dealing with the situation and rescuing the girl he loved.

Ethan would probably think he'd done nothing at all, but Cal vowed to make him believe it. Somehow.

Cal hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should go to Ethan and Kate or not. He cared about them both and knew they'd both be in his life forever, but perhaps they only needed each other.

But he couldn't walk away and leave them. Not when they were so upset.

Cal went over and sat on the bed. He wrapped one arm around each of them and held them both tightly. He knew at once that he'd done the right thing. Although Ethan and Kate didn't let go of each other, they both leaned into Cal's embrace. Cal's arms tightened around them and he silently swore that he would always be there for both of them, no matter what. Whatever they needed, Cal would provide. He knew that was what Emilie would want; what Matilda would want.

But more than that, it was what Cal wanted too.


Kate didn't argue when Cal told her she to go down to the ED to be examined. She didn't think she was badly hurt, but she felt as though she had on strength to argue. Cal said Ethan, who'd sustained scratches and bruises from his attempts to hold on to Judy, really needed to go too. If he'd been himself and able to speak, Kate knew he would have argued. Even now, he came close to it. She recognised it in the tiny movements he made: shaking his head just slightly when Cal said he needed to be examined; his lips parting as though he was going to protest it wasn't necessary and he really was all right.

But Kate couldn't help worrying (and she knew this was in Cal's mind too) that perhaps Ethan was so depressed to feel the extent of any damage caused. He'd been so wonderful when he'd burst into his room with fire in his eyes and dragged Judy away. She'd never seen him like that before and wouldn't have expected it of such a quiet, gentle man, but at the same time, it seemed completely like Ethan. She knew he would do anything for the people he loved - and she was so, so lucky that included her.

They went down to the ED, where Jacob tried to tell them to go into separate cubicles. Despreation came into Ethan's eyes and he held tightly to Kate's hand. Kate looked pleadingly at Cal, terrified to be without either of the brothers (because of course Cal would go into Ethan's cubicle to support his brother and Kate wouldn't have wanted it any other way) but Zoe decided it would be better to keep them together, just this once. Zoe examined Kate and Ethan but came to the conclusion there wasn't anything medically wrong with them, though she said they'd done the right thing in coming to the ED.

When Kate was given permission to return to her room, Ethan went with her. He wasn't speaking, but although his movements were slower than usual, they were decisive. He wanted to be with Kate. Kate didn't want him to tire himself out, but all she wanted was to be with Ethan.

Ethan stayed as long as he could – long past visiting hours ended – but in the end, he was told he really needed to go. Ethan didn't move, but Kate could see the emotions in his eyes: at first a mutinous refusal, then a pleading desperation that was replaced by resigned sadness. He kissed her goodbye and held her tightly in his arms. Kate told him she loved him and although Ethan didn't reply, she knew he was thinking it.

She couldn't be in any doubt of his love now.

She loved him too. She loved him more than anything – and she vowed silently to help him fight and beat his depression. She was sure he could do it. He was the strongest, bravest person she knew. And she loved him.


Ethan could hear a phone.

It seemed to be coming from a long way away, but he was sure it was a phone.

His mind clouded by fatigue as well as depression, he tried to remember what to do next. He was relieved when the sound stopped and he faintly heard Cal's voice. Cal had dealt with it then. He clearly knew what to do.

Ethan heard Cal's voice stop, followed by a creak from his bed. Then came Cal's quick footsteps, coming out of the room and across the hall.

Ethan's door opened. "Ethan, are you awake?" said Cal.

Ethan nodded.

Cal sat on the bed, taking Ethan's hand in his. "That was the hospital on the phone. Kate's had a nightmare and a panic attack. She's asking for you. Is it okay if I take you to the hospital?"

Ethan was battered by several emotions at once. He gasped and stared at Cal, beginning to tremble. His eyes filled with tears, but he knew what he had to do. He nodded and kept nodding.

"Good," said Cal in a soothing voice. "Well done. "You sit there and I'll sort you out some clothes."

"Now?" managed Ethan.

"You need to get some clothes on first." Cal went across to Ethan's drawers and took out several items. "Here: can you put these on?"

Ethan nodded.

"Good. I'll go and get dressed, then I'll come and see how you're doing."

Ethan wondered if he had the energy to get dressed, but he found he didn't need it. It was happening on its own, or that was how it seemed. He made no conscious decisions; put no effort into the task, but the clothes were making their way onto Ethan's body.

Kate… Ethan thought as his arms moved of their own accord. I need Kate…

Then he realised something even more important. Kate needs me.


Cal eased the car into his parking space. The night was cool and quiet, but he didn't doubt the atmosphere inside the ED would be very different. He glanced across at Ethan, who hadn't spoken throughout the journey. His hands were twisted together and there was a pained look on his face as he stared fixedly at something through the windscreen. Cal doubted he was really seeing anything at all.

"We're here, Ethan," he said softly, putting a gentle hand on his brother's arm.

Ethan turned to face him, a slightly confused look on his face as though he wasn't sure what 'here' meant, but then he nodded and moved his hand slowly to release his seatbelt. Cal considered doing it for him, but then he changed his mind. He needed to accept Ethan's slowness as a part of him, even though his current slowness was caused only by depression. Cal needed to show patience and understanding; to behave as though it was normal to wait for Ethan and they had all the time in the world.

Ethan pushed his seatbelt away from his shoulder and opened the door. Cal did the same; he was beside Ethan's side of the car before Ethan had closed the door. Cal put his arm around Ethan and together they walked across the car park and over to the ED. It wasn't the quickest way, but the ED was open and it meant Cal wouldn't have to call up and ask someone to come down and unlock the door.

As they walked through the ED, a few people said hello to them, though few exhibited surprise. Seeing them in the ED was hardly an unusual occurrence. A couple of people asked if they were okay, presumably wondering if they might be patients, but Cal was quick to reassure them. Ethan said nothing and Cal wasn't completely sure he'd heard, but he wouldn't worry about that now.

They took the lift up to the correct floor and made their way towards Kate's room. Cal kept his arm around Ethan and let his brother set the pace. He was itching to hurry him, but he didn't doubt Ethan was trying to hurry too. He watched as determination warred with frustration on his brother's face.

"Nearly there, Ethan," said Cal. "You're doing fine."

Ethan looked as though he didn't agree – how often had he looked like that in response to something Cal had said? – but he kept going. At last, they reached Kate's room and Cal was almost moved when Ethan managed a little burst of speed to take him to the door. Kate was sitting up in bed with a nurse beside her. She looked up as the door opened and looked over at Ethan, her hand outstretched towards him. She was crying and visibly trembling.

The nurse squeezed Kate's hand and stood back to give them space. Cal pushed Ethan forward gently and he sat on the bed, taking Kate's hand in his and putting his other arm around her.

"Kate," said Ethan softly. He let go of her hand and reached up to wipe the tears from her cheeks. "I'm here."

"I'm so glad you're here," said Kate.

"Always here," said Ethan, hugging her tightly. "I love you."

"I love you too!" sobbed Kate.

Cal stood by the door, watching them hug. He hoped they would have years together. He really did.

It took Kate a while to calm down, but it definitely helped to have Ethan there. He didn't say much – she knew he couldn't – but he was still there and he was holding her and she was so lucky.

At last, she lifted her had from Ethan's chest and tried to smile at him through her tears. "Thank you."

Ethan gave her a tissue and stroked her armas she dried her tears. "You can tell me."

He might have meant the nightmare, but Kate knew he meant what had happened between her and Judy. "I would like to tell you, Ethan, but it's late. I don't want to tire you out."

"You can tell me," said Ethan again, the words clearly an effort but his meaning not in doubt. "You can tell me... anything."