Kate had intended to return to her desk, but her feet had other ideas. She found herself standing outside Autopsy before she realized what she'd done. She was about to turn away when Ducky looked up from his desk and saw her through the windows. Motioning her in, she felt both embarrassed and compelled to enter.

Caitlin, my dear. Are you okay? Ducky was concerned that she looked a little rundown.

I don't know, Ducky. Can I just talk to you a minute about something?

Certainly, Caitlin. Anytime; you know that. The younger folk didn't come to him often, but he was always pleased to help when he could. He indicated a chair nearby so she could sit.

I'm having problems with nightmares. She looked up, hoping this would be enough to get the conversation rolling. As expected, the good Dr. Mallard did not disappoint.

From your fall the other night? When she nodded in response, he continued. I'm not surprised. That must have been a terrifying ordeal for you. Did you know that Tony was down there when you fell?

Kate just shook her head and clenched her hands together. She was awake, she could cope. She had to, she needed some answers. I didn't even know how I fell, one minute I was standing, and the next minute I was sailing through the air. I truly believed I was dead. Now I'm having nightmares about the fall. When I wake up, I can't breathe and it takes me several minutes to calm down.

Ducky could see the fear the topic generated in the young woman. Just the little bit she'd said had been enough to cause her whole body to tremble. She sat before him, head bowed as she struggled to control it. Finally she looked back up, apparently ready to continue.

Is this a normal reaction? Is it normal to be terrified to go to sleep? Or to become dependent on another person to help you through the terror? On this last question she dropped her head again.

Yes and no, to all of them. It depends on how long the nightmares and panic attacks last. It has only been a couple of days. In traumatic incidents, we tend to block out what happened. Your nightmare is replaying the event; for some reason you can't reconcile what your waking mind and your subconscious mind want to remember. If you are unable to sort out the reasons, then some sessions with someone more qualified would be in order. For your own peace of mind. As far as becoming dependent on another person, well, now. That depends on who that person is and what your reasons are. Ducky's smile was a little too knowing for Kate's comfort and the twinkle in his eye spoke volumes.

I... but I didn't... was Kate's shocked response.

Did you think I'd made it this far in life, especially in my chosen career, without seeing a few of its more interesting twists? I'll not pass judgment on anyone; just be sure you've thought it through. I'd hate to see any of my friends get hurt. He gently patted her knee in a fatherly manner and opened a drawer in his desk. Pulling out a bottle he opened it and shook out two pills. Here, two ibuprofen. Unless I miss my guess, you're working up to a killer headache.

Kate gratefully took the proffered tablets and then just before she stood to go, she leaned over and gave the man a hug. Thanks Ducky. You're the best!

As she exited autopsy Ducky said softly, Ah, Caitlin. If I were just a few years younger, I'd give Tony a run for his money!