Prologue

"Mom? Dad? I'm here!" Elizabeth called out as she walked into her childhood home.

A moment later her mother, Grace, came walking from what Elizabeth assumed was her bedroom putting her earrings in. "Elizabeth! So good to see you!" she said warmly as she walked down the stairs.

Elizabeth smiled thinking about how her mother's presence always made her feel at ease. "Hi, mom! Good to see you too. Even though it's only been a week" she teased while giving her mother a hug.

"Oh hush. So how are you? Ready for dinner?"

"Yes, I'm starved! I swear the school days feel longer the closer to summer break we get. The kids are ready to be done… and so am I if I'm being honest..." Elizabeth quickly cast her eyes down, though her mother could see the sadness within them. But then just as quickly she looked up with a smile asking "Where is dad?"

Grace paused for a moment not knowing if she should address the feelings she knew Elizabeth was trying to hide. Deciding now wasn't the time she responded "He was just finishing up some work in his office."

Grace looped her arm through Elizabeth's as they walked down the hall towards William's office. Elizabeth leaned into her mother, thankful her mom didn't bring anything up. She wanted to avoid her complicated feelings for the night.

"William! Our daughter is here. Stop with the work already and let's go enjoy our evening!" Grace stated as both women walked into his office.

"Hi Dad!" Elizabeth smiled.

William shut his laptop and stood while holding his arms out to his middle daughter. "Hi sweetheart" he said and he embraced her in a warm, tight hug. "I'm all done here so let's get going. I thought we could try out that new brewery that just opened up not too long ago."

"Sounds great! Do you want to drive or would you like me to?" Elizabeth asked as they headed to the hall to put on their coats.

"The roads may be slick with the rain so why don't I drive," William responded.

After grabbing their coats and umbrellas, they were in the car headed towards the restaurant happily chatting away. William was discussing a big case that he had going on at work. "Hunny, I think that's enough work talk from you" Grace joked. "Elizabeth, what plans do you have for your kiddos these last few days before…" Grace wasn't able to finish her sentence as a car came barreling into her side of the car.

Hope Valley ER

Jack sat inputting orders into the computer. He was exhausted having been paged into the ER not long after finishing a grueling 10 hour shift. He hated losing any patient, but the child today was affecting him even more than normal.

"Lookin rough man" his friend and fellow doctor, Carson, said slapping him on the back.

"It's been a long day," Jack responded flatly.

"Well you headed out soon right? You were just called in for a consult?"

"Yep, just need to finish this charting up then I'm out of here."

"Jealous. I'm just starting. Hopefully, it's not too rough of a night."

"Famous last words," Jack laughed.

Over the next 10 minutes Jack worked quickly to finish his work though he kept being interrupted by the nurses. "Dr Thornton! I haven't seen you in forever!" a young nurse Cora flirted.

"Oh you know… been busy" Jack responded kindly, but not the least bit interested.

Just then Carson and 3 nurses went rushing past. "We have an incoming motor vehicle accident. At least 4 injured." Jack groaned. He had to get out there. He couldn't take much more. He wrapped up his work on the computer, quickly checked his phone, then stood up to leave.

As he was walking out he could hear a female frantically crying out "Please! I am fine! Just tell me how my parents are! Please!" Jack dropped his head to his chest. He could hear the fear in the woman's voice. Knowing it would be some time before the staff would be able to get her answers, he decided to go in to try to smooth over the situation.

As he walked into the room he wasn't able to see the woman's face as the two nurses tried to calm her down so he said loudly enough to get their attention, "Hello. I'm Dr. Thornton. Anything I can do to help in here?"

With that the nurses moved to the side so Jack could finally see the patient. He stood frozen. "Elizabeth."

"Jack."