Natalie didn't speak another word after that moment in the hospital.

The psychiatrist the hospital had brought in said that because of the great trauma in her life, she couldn't speak. With time, her voice would return, but, they couldn't say when.

Dan walked into her hospital room a few weeks later, with a bundle of roses.

"Hey Natalie," He said to her.

She was turned, looking out the window, as if almost searching for something... or someone.

Dan walked up to her, and touched her shoulder.

She flinched, but then relaxed, knowing who it was.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no words would come.

"I brought you some flowers. Roses actually. Jeremy said they were you're favorite. I hope he wasn't lying," Dan said, as he placed the roses in a vase he had brought the previous day.

"How are you?" He asked as he sat down behind her.

She turned, and nodded slowly.

"That's good to hear. I know you're going to get better Natalie. You have to. No choice whatsoever," Dan said smiling.

She smiled back, and in her eyes Dan could see laughter.

Dan sat quietly as she walked towards the flowers and smelled them. She smiled, and sat back down on her bed.

Dan frowned slightly. It killed him to see her like this.

Natalie shook her head suddenly.

He looked up at her, and she smiled. She took her index finger and motioned to her mouth. It turned to a frown, and she shook her head vigorously.

She then took her other index finger and pushed her frown into a smile.

Dan laughed lightly.

"I'll try my best Natalie," Dan said as he stood up.

"I gotta get back to work. Dana says she's going to stop by. Casey's gonna bring Charlie, so don't worry about being lonely. I'll be back to see you soon," He said as he bent down and hugged her. He started to pull away, but her arms wouldn't leave him.

He looked down at her.

In her eyes was a fear like none other.

She started to move her mouth. As he tried to tell what she said, he shook his head.

"I can't tell what you are saying Nat," he said sadly.

"Ta...ke.......me....." She said quietly.

"Natalie, I can't..." He started, and she gripped harder.

"Can't... take...it...he...re...." She said, still almost silent.

Dan looked at her sadly.

He knew she was right. Sooner or later she had to leave. He knew that.

He turned towards the door, as a nurse walked in.

"Can I take her home?" Dan asked.

"She's under supervision, she can't be alone for the time being. Being at home would be impossible right now," The nurse replied.

"No... I mean home. To Sports Night," Dan replied.