When Chloe came back to the hospital that night. The nurse had gotten her a small bed instead of a cot. Brady did not look good. His face was pale and his cheeks were slightly hollowed. He had lost so much weight. His body was weak. Chloe leaned over Brady and gave him a soft kiss on his head. She had to fight back the tears as she was watching the man she loved fade before her very eyes. Brady stirred and looked at her.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up" Brady said, his voice strained. The fight was still in his eyes. Last night, he looked like he was going to give up. As if he could not go on any longer. Today his eyes looked like he could handle more despite the condition his body was in.

"Oh you were huh? So you're not going to try to kick me out anymore?" Chloe laughed. "How are you feeling?"

"Same."

"I brought you some things" Chloe pulled a brown paper bag out of her back-pack.

"First, I have slippers for your feet. You know how it gets chilly in here at night. Then we have some magazines to read during the day and some ice cream for me."

"Thanks." Brady chuckled at her motherly concern. "Did you say ice cream?"

"Yeah. Do you want some?"

"Well since I don't have to worry about my weight I think I'm entitled to some."

"Oh really" Chloe said, grabbing a plastic spoon. She sat down on the side of his bed and put a small amount on it. Chloe fed a little to Brady.

"Ice cream has never tasted so good." Brady took Chloe's hand that was nearing his mouth. "Thanks Chloe...for being here. I'm really sorry for how I was before."

"Brady, you don't have to apologize. You're going through something right now that no one can really understand. I knew sooner or later you would let me in."

Brady yawned. They ate a little more ice cream and Chloe told him all about her day. Chloe went to ask one of the nurses to put the remaining ice cream in the freezer. Brady was struggling to keep his eyes open when Chloe came back.

"Why don't you lay down and I'll read to you"

"What are you going to read me?"

"Hmm? Chloe checked her bag" she found the perfect book. "How about 'The Catcher in the Rye'?" Chloe looked up as if in deep thought then added. "You know you kinda remind me of Holden. You know, you tell it like it is"

"Oh come on Chloe, even I'm not that scattered." Brady laughed.

"It's really good to see you laugh again, Brady." She smiled down at him. "Fine. No book."

"How about you sing to me? The way I showed you though."

"Okay close your eyes." Chloe sat next to him and gently touched his cheek. She sang with all the emotions she could muster. Her heavenly voice filled Brady's ears and he smiled, knowing she had it in her all along.

Chloe sang to him until he fell asleep, using all the emotions she was feeling. Then she went to the bed the nurse had provide for her. She curled up and fell asleep.

Chloe woke up to the most frightening sight of her life. The machines that were hooked up to Brady were lit up and buzzing loudly. Brady seemed to be gasping for air.

Chloe ran to the nurses station and dragged someone into the room. The nurse ran out to page the doctors, she came back in accompanied by three more nurses and an orderly. Chloe followed them back into the room. She felt as though she too, could not breath. The nurses surrounded the bed. Chloe stood on her tip toes to get a better look at what was happening. Then she heard a sound she would remember for the rest of her life. A shrill, continues buzz filled the air. He had just flat lined. His heart had stopped.

Chloe stepped outside of herself as if she was living in a dream. This could not be happening. Not now.

"He's crashing" Yelled the nurse.

"Hurry"

"We're losing him"

"Nooooo" Chloe screamed. She fell to the ground. He tears taking over her body. A nurse came to her side. Chloe heard the sound but did not know what she was saying. She could not remove her eyes from Brady's bed.

"Clear"

"Miss. Miss, you can't be in here right now" The nurse said desperately trying to bring Chloe to her feet.

"Clear"

Chloe watched as they wheeled Brady's lifeless body passed her. How could she lose him now? What was she going to do without him?

"Braaaaaaddy" She yelled not even conscious of the fact she was doing it.

Chloe rocked herself back and forth on the floor.

Never had she met someone who understood her so completely. She had not felt whole without him, and now he seemed to be slipping away. When they needed each other most.

Chloe laid down on the cold, cement floor. Her heart ached.

'No, this is not happening.' Was the only thought that Chloe had. Soon, she was going to wake up. Brady would be safe in his bed and she could hold him. Chloe slowly got up knowing it was not a nightmare. She had to find out where they had taken him.

Chloe ran out of the room and down the hallway. Everything was a blur.

To be continued..............