The ticking of the clock was the only audible sound in the hospital room. Chris's eyes had dark circles under them and his mouth was set in a frown. Though not very religious, rosary beads were in his limp grasp. Steph lay motionless on the stark white hospital bed. She had died during the night. Something about her body sustaining too much trauma in the past few months…her heart gave out. Chris's hand went to her soft brown hair. He made a mental note to kiss the crash cart before he left. He had to watch as they shocked her body to life…it killed him inside. She was in there because of him. Now, her breathing was even and quiet. Chris took her hand and kissed it. The minute his lips touched hers, he knew someone was behind him. He knew that presence too well. Chris slowly put Steph's hand down and turned and looked at Hunter. His eyes looked sadly at Steph and then they blazed at Chris. Hunter put a bouquet of irises on the nightstand and stared at Chris. He blamed him. Chris cleared his throat and stood. "Visiting hours are over in 10 minutes." His voice was calm but the annoyance was evident. "I know. I was hoping I wouldn't run into you." Chris looked at Steph then walked into the hall. Hunter followed. As soon as Hunter closed the Steph's door, he ripped into Chris. "I don't know where the fuck you get off sitting at Stephanie's bedside when everyone God damn well knows you're the reason she's there." Chris flinched slightly. "I care about Steph. But I don't have to explain my actions to you. You. The guy who cheated on Steph so many times that she gave up. You. Who made her come crying to me when you ripped into her. You. Who had the nerve to slap her face when she stood up to you." Chris's blue eyes were like cold ice and they were fixated on Hunter. His fists were clenched at his side. "Don't you dare try and act all high and mighty on me. I was never even close to killing Steph. And none of the bitches I fucked never tried to murder her." Chris was physically on the edge. He could visualize himself punching Hunter. Smashing his head into the wall. He could taste it. But his mind flashed to Steph. Lying helpless in there. He didn't want anything to jeopardize whatever he had left with her. Not even to kick Hunter's ass. Chris got right in front of Hunter's face and spoke with deliberate sarcasm. "Well, see Hunter, there is one crucial thing you haven't mentioned. When Steph opens her pretty little eyes, you're not the face she wants to see." Hunter smiled and stepped back. He tilted his head and popped it. "Just make sure she gets the flowers." Chris watched as Hunter walked away into the elevator. He sighed and walked back into the hospital room. Steph's brown hair was splayed on her pillow and her face was tilted sideways. A look of serenity was on her face. She was dreaming. And Chris would have given his right arm to know what about. His index finger moved a lock of hair that was on her forehead. His heart swelled and filled with possessiveness. Chris grabbed the bouquet of irises and looked at Steph. He moved and leaned over her. His lips gently touched hers. And then her temple. He sighed and walked out of the room. As he left, he made a point to drop the bouquet of irises in the nearest trashcan.