James didn't get to go see Mary very often because he had to work late. Going to the hospital was spendy. Money wasn't easy to come by. He was usually by himself when he worked night hours. He didn't have to stay around past midnight or anything but for some reason he couldn't get enough sleep. Without Mary the day went slower, it was quiet, and lonely. He almost felt empty inside, like she was gone permanently. Thinking about it made him feel ridiculous. She was just at the hospital for a few tests; he'd see her again. In fact, he decided to pay her a visit on the weekend.

Before he reached her room, the doctor stopped him in the hallway. "We've got the test results back," the doctor said. "We're still not sure what exactly the problem is but I'd like to keep her here for observation for a while longer."

"Will she be okay?" James asked.

"I'm not sure yet. I'll let you know as soon as I can." James nodded and went in Mary's room. She had the blanket pulled over her head. He sat in a chair next to the bed. He couldn't tell if she was sleeping or not. She didn't show any signs of being awake for half an hour. She sat up and said hello. He thought she looked paler than before. He asked how she was doing.

She said, "I'm fine, I guess. A little tired mostly."

"Do you want me to leave so you can sleep?" he said.

"No. I can sleep anytime." 'You barely come around to see me anymore,' she thought to herself. She wished he would comfort her in some way, but he didn't.

"Has the doctor said anything to you?"

"No. Why? Did he talk to YOU?"

"Um..." He decided to lie a little, "Yeah but he didn't say a whole lot. You might have to stay for a little while longer."

"Oh." A little anger bubbled in him. Didn't she care? This ...thing could take her life for God sakes! It was times like these that he just wanted to hit her. Of course, he never did. He could never forgive himself if he did that. Mary stared out the window. Did she want him to leave? Why can't she just say what's on her mind?

"Mary," he said after a few minutes. "Is something wrong?"

"No, I'm fine." She still wouldn't look at him though. He didn't say anything further. There'd be no point. She either wouldn't answer or lie. He sat there until the nurse came in and told him Mary needed some rest.

"I'll come see you later okay?" She just nodded. He walked into the hall. The lady at the desk looked at him like he was a horrible person. He averted his eyes and headed into the elevator. Another woman was in there with him. She had already pushed the button for the first floor. From the corner of his eye he looked the stranger over. Her shiny black hair ran just past her shoulders, her skin was a light bronze color, her eyes were dark, and she wore a form fitting white dress that showed off her curves. He looked away before she noticed but couldn't help taking in how beautiful she was. Wait, what was he thinking? He was married. But his wife was stuck in the hospital. She'd never find out if he messed around a little... He shook the thought from his head. He couldn't do that to her. The elevator bell chirped and they stepped out.

The nights he spent alone after that brought on horrible thoughts. He wondered what would happen if he just got out now. But, he couldn't do that to Mary. She'd never abandon HIM. He had a dream about that woman in the elevator too. Of course, for some reason, he woke up because of it. A guilty feeling stayed heavy on his heart even through morning. He was late to work because he'd once again forgotten Mary was gone. Skipping breakfast, he quickly got dressed and ran to his car. One of his coworkers, Alan, gave him st about it. James growled, "Shut up."

"Hey, man, I was just kidding you," Alan said. "Things still real hard huh?" James just sighed. "Guess that means yes. So what's the deal? Is she on her death bed or what?"

"No, I don't think so, and don't say that."

"If I were you-"

"I don't want to hear it, Alan." James knew what Alan was going to say. He was going to suggest that James cheat on his wife. Alan was married but he was always fooling around. It was bad enough James had thought about the woman in the elevator the way he did. He didn't need Alan provoking those thoughts.

"Just a suggestion, James."

"That's great, Alan. When I need your opinion, I'll ask for it." James sat at his desk and opened his wallet to a picture of Mary. She was such a sweet girl. Sometimes she was almost childlike the way she'd blush and smile. That was one of the things he loved about her. Who could resist that? He smiled as he thought about it. She'd never do anything to hurt anyone. She deserved to live a happy, healthy life; and James felt worthless because he had trouble giving her that.