It was one of those days, as they say. One of those days that can make you wonder why you didn't go into accounting. After all, who's life depended on some numbers on a paper? Abby finally managed to break away during a brief lull and found a quiet corner of the ER to hide in. Slipping into a darkened exam room she laid some paperwork in front of her to give the appearance of actual work to any who might inquire and then sunk her head down into her hands and let out a groan.

She was startled to hear movement behind her indicating she wasn't alone after all. She peered back into the room curiously just as Luka came out behind an exam curtain. "Oh, God, Luka, you scared me. I thought I was alone."

"Sorry. I was trying to catch a nap while it was slow." Luka pulled up a stool and sat beside her.

"I didn't mean to wake you up" Abby apologized sheepishly.

"Nah" Luka waved her apology off. "I wasn't asleep." Indeed he'd been staring off into space lost in a tumble of thoughts, none of which he'd managed to bring together cohesively into any meaningful introspection. It was just as well he'd been interrupted. "So," he looked at her with concern, "are you ok?"

Abby's eyes met Luka's. "I guess. It's just one of those days, you know. Some days you can come here, do your job and go home, and other days, for some reason, it just gets to you." She closed her eyes and sighed.

Luka touched her arm gently with a small smile. "You do a lot of stuff for other people-not just at work. While you're taking care of everyone else don't forget to take care of yourself, hmm? Go home, spend some time with friends, or just do nothing for awhile."

"Sounds great."

"So do it. Doctor's orders."

Abby managed to return Luka's smile with a small grin. "Speaking of which, I guess our little get-together went well and you and Carter are big friends now. Did I hear he's coming to your place to watch football?"

"Oh, yeah." Luka glanced heavenward." 'Monday Night Football.' Apparently it's an American tradition."

"No kidding. I thought you hated American football."

Luka shrugged good-humoredly. "I'm conforming. Anyway, it can't be worse than Pictionary." He shuddered. This finally got a laugh out of Abby, which pleased him.

"Well, I'm glad you two are getting along so well now. Nearly getting yourselves killed in Africa must be a real bonding experience."

"Yeah, we're still waiting for our souvenir t-shirts. You know, 'I survived the Congo'." He drew his hand across his chest in illustration.

Abby giggled. "Well, I have to say I liked the souvenir Carter picked up and sent back best of all."

"Oh, you liked the medicine man box? I suggested it."

"I meant you. I'm glad you made it back." Abby smiled up at him sincerely, then got an intrigued look on her face. "You suggested the box?"

"Yeah, I knew you were back in med school. I thought it would be clever."

"I guess I missed the connection." Luka nodded soberly, remembering her reaction to it. "I didn't look closely. Did it have printing on it? 'My boyfriend shagged an African beauty and all I got was this box'?" Luka looked embarrassed. Abby immediately regretted saying it. "Sorry."

"He broke your heart, didn't he?" Luka asked quietly.

Abby laughed sharply. "Noo, not really. More like wounded my pride. But that's ancient history." she finished quickly. "Anyway I shouldn't have brought it up. It was all for the best and Carter and I are fine now." Abby squirmed uncomfortably under Luka's intent gaze, mentally kicking herself for bringing Carter up like that, as he tried to read her face.

She was actually relieved when they were interrupted and called to an incoming trauma. They stood up and Luka turned to Abby with concern. "If you're almost off, I can cover this for you. Maybe you can take it easy until you clock out."

"I'm afraid not. I've got 3 more hours. I might as well get back out there." Luka held the door open for her and she was once again swallowed up in the chaos of the ER...