When they arrived home, Grissom retreated to the bedroom and closed the door. Sara stared at the closed bedroom door and shook her head. He's going to start internalizing things again. Sara took her shoes off and tossed them at the chair in disgust. After ridding herself of the constrictive lavender shirt, Sara laid down on her stomach on the couch in her pants and t-shirt. She laid her head in her crossed arms and tried to contemplate how she was going to work out the situation. Gil needs me, there is no possible way that I can stay here and let him go by himself.

Grissom emerged from the bedroom a few minutes later and walked over to where Sara was laying down. He ran his hand up and down her back, and she turned her head toward him. Grissom leaned down and lightly kissed her cheek. Sara turned over and sat up a little so Grissom could sit with her on the couch. They sat silently for a few minutes, arm in arm, before Grissom spoke. "I called the airline, my flight leaves in three hours."

Sara stiffened and turned away. "Gil, you can't go and do this on your own. It's not right."

"And you can't lose your job. We can file a complaint afterward..."

Sara cut him off. "Afterward it's not going to make any difference," she snapped.

"Sara, right now I just want to get there and start making arrangements. I don't want to fight with you about this."

Sara pulled out of his arms. "Well, I'm sorry that I'm trying to help you grieve for your mother and that I wanted to be there for you. Go ahead, back down, do what you usually do."

Sara fled the couch and locked herself in the bedroom. She sat against the back of the door and stared to sob. I know I overreacted, but why does he have to do this?

When Sara left the couch, Grissom didn't even try to reach for her. Although he knew she was upset with the news of his mother's death and was angry that the sheriff was spiting them, Grissom was having enough trouble dealing with his own emotions. They had told each other that they wouldn't drudge up the past, but Sara clearly referenced his previous insecurities. Grissom leaned forward and put his head in his hands. I want Sara to come with me, but not at the expense of her job. Grissom unclipped his cell phone from his belt and speed dialed Catherine. "Willows," she answered.

"Cath, it's Gil."

Wow, he doesn't sound good. "Gil, is everything okay, what's going on?" she blurted.

Grissom was in no mood to answer a barrage of questions. "Catherine, my mother passed away, and I need to fly out in a few hours."

"Gil, I'm so sorry, I know how close you were. Isn't Sara going with you though?"

"The sheriff said both of us couldn't go."

"What an ass!"

Grissom, wanting to finish up the conversation, interrupted her before she could go on a tangent. "Catherine, he's making Sara come into work next shift. I need you to keep an eye on her."

"Gil, she's not going to like that very much."

"Catherine, we already had an argument, and she's upset that she can't come to support me. I just need you to watch her and make sure she doesn't push herself too hard."

"Gil, when Sara's angry we really don't get along too well."

"Catherine, I don't have time for this, I need to go get ready to leave and spend some time with Sara. Please just keep an eye on her."

"Sure Gil. Try and talk to her before you go so she's not such a mess."

Grissom groaned. "Goodbye Catherine."

He closed his cell phone and sighed. What can I say to her?

Grissom walked down to the bedroom and tried the handle on the door. When it wouldn't budge he knocked. "Sara, can you let me in honey?" he pleaded.

Sara pulled herself up from the floor and opened the door. Grissom pulled her into his arms as soon as he saw her tear-streaked face. "Gil, I'm sorry," she sobbed.

Grissom rubbed his arms across her back and shushed her. "Sara, don't. Things are tough right now, and we can't pull away from each other. It is not going to do us any good to argue about something we can't change."

"I'm sorry I overreacted, but I can't help but feel that you're pulling away from me. You always help me; I want to be able to help you through your pain."

"Sara, you are helping. I can't tell you how much I need you right now."

"Gil, I am here for you," she pressed her head into his chest.

Grissom kissed the top of her head and caressed her back. "I need to leave soon."

"Can you call me as soon as you get there?" Sara asked, looking up into his eyes, "I want to know that you got there safely."

"Sure honey. Do you think you'll be okay here by yourself for a few days?" he asked, concerned.

"I'll try and manage," she sighed.

Grissom tilted her chin up and gave her a brief kiss. "If you have any problems or you need to talk, call me," Grissom stated, "we've going to have to talk each other through all of this."

Sara met him for another kiss and ran her hand down his chest. "Let me help you pack," Sara stated, pulling them both further into the bedroom.

Grissom put his carry-on bag on the bed, and the two of them started to pile enough clothes in for a few days. When they were finished, Grissom zipped up the bag and set it on the floor. "Sara, I've got to leave honey," he said, holding her hands.

Sara plastered a small smile onto her face and tried to project a positive attitude. Grissom saw right through the facade. "Come here," he said, pulling her into his arms.

Grissom slowly ran his hands across her back. "She was so happy to meet you Sara, and she loved to have that time to spend with you."

Sara hiccupped and remembered the short time they had shared together. "Gil, you haven't said anything about how you feel."

Grissom stiffened slightly but quickly relaxed again. "I don't think the finality has sunk in yet," he admitted.

Sara, glad for even the smallest bit of insight, gave him another hug and pulled away. "If you need anything, call. Otherwise, I'll see you when I can finally leave."

Sara led Grissom out to the front door and shared another kiss with him. "I love you honey," he spoke.

"I love you too, be careful," she replied. I don't know what I would do if I lost you too.