A/N: It's been rather quiet on this site lately, and since it was recently the anniversary of the series finale, I thought I'd post an old story I wrote years ago in response to the following challenge:

Write a one-part story about something dramatic, adventurous, comedic, romantic, or tragic that happened within 24 hours after the finale scene at McMurphy's. Your story must be written from either Harm's point of view, Mac's point of view, or a third person's point of view (any third person, whether they were at McMurphys or not). Your story must not rewrite the series ending. Yes, the coin toss did happen.

This is just an odd little response to that challenge, trying for a bit of a different perspective.

IN THE BEGINNING…

How in the world did I wind up in this situation? I was actually supposed to be on my way to San Diego. Instead, my life has turned completely upside down in a matter of hours – and so far I'm not convinced it's for the better. I will say this, though, it certainly has been exciting.

But was life really that bad before this? It actually had been rather pleasant in a dull sort of way. No drama, no surprises. Maybe I shouldn't have taken that leap into the unknown. San Diego sounded like a nice place to be. Definitely better than this dark tunnel I find myself in. I'm still not sure how I ended up here. It's all rather fuzzy, but one of the last things I remember hearing was something about calling "heads". I vaguely recall a gruff, authoritative voice saying something about a delay in orders and meeting to discuss other options. I have this recollection of words of love spoken, something about a chapel in Virginia, and promises made of 'Will you take this man'.

Then nothing until this - finding myself all alone in this wet, slimy tunnel and dodging the fire of enemy infiltrators. It's just me against them. I dash around another corner and barely avoid being hit by another intruder. The firepower has been relentless! Wave after wave of enemy combatants. You'd think they'd eventually run out of ammo. I swear, it seems like millions coming after me. I don't know how long I can hold out. The odds are not in my favor. While this may seem like a blaze of glory, it really isn't how I want to go down. Why am I not in San Diego?

I'm not sure how long I've been hiding here. Hours, maybe? I realize the attack has lessened and there seems to have been a cease-fire. Cautiously, I venture out of my hiding place. I think it's safe. Then I hear it - those unearthly sounds that I heard earlier. It starts off as a low moan and builds in decibel – ending in an ear-splitting screech the likes of which I've never heard from man nor beast.

I realize I just made a fatal mistake as I'm being peppered once again with enemy fire. Another attack! This has been going on all night and day. Somehow, I've lost track of time. I dart for cover, but it's too late. I'm hit, I'm hit! I feel the impact jolt through my entire being. There is a blinding flash of light and I seem to be spinning through space. The walls of the tunnel are quaking around me. Is this how it all will end? Are those angels I hear? Is that glow the gates of heaven?

The assailant who took me down is there and oddly enough I find myself drawn to him. It seems we were made to be together. As one, we travel north. The pain of the attack all but forgotten. We swirl together and I'm no longer sure where he ends and I begin. Suddenly, I'm flooded by a strange sensation. It seems as if I'm being pulled apart - divided in two. There is a mixture of shapes and colors. He brings aquamarine. I add an olive-toned pigment. Together we mix shades of brunette. A dazzling grin, a cattywumpus ear, brains and beauty blend together. I'm still not sure what has happened to me – to us.

Then I hear a voice that I somehow know as 'daddy', saying, "I love you so much, Mac, I'll never get enough of you."

Then one I do recognize, but now know is 'mommy' answers, "And the way we've been going at it for the last 24 hours, maybe we'll be lucky enough to get our 4% miracle."

That's when I know, what I – what we - have now become. A miracle.

I smile at the thought and wonder what the future will bring with mommy and daddy. I may not have been officially introduced to them yet, but I intrinsically know they already love me. I'm even starting to feel at home in my new skin as I divide once again. And then I feel it. The onset of the now common tremors and quaking. I sigh and prepare myself. I'm afraid the next 9 months are going to be a very bumpy ride.

The End

Happy Mother's Day, Mac!