Elliot POV

A/N: I know it's been awhile…but here goes…..

Traffic not too bad my ass! People in this city suck. I must be the only intelligent driver in this place. Oh well, you know, it feels good to be home in the middle of the day. Strange, but good. Ah, the couch. It has been my bed more often than I have wished in the past few months. Kinda odd. So are the looks on my children's faces when I try and explain it away.

"Didn't want to wake your mother," or "too tired to climb the stairs." Yeah, it's pathetic. I don't think Kathleen's buyin', but the twins are just young enough not to question it. Maybe Lizzie more so than Dickie. Ah! There's that thought again. Please God, make this go away…..

Saved by the bell! Hmm, phone calls being a saving grace. Weird.

"Hello?"

"Elliot? I'm glad to hear your voice. I was concerned when you left this afternoon."

Oh God, condescending ass, George Huang. "Called to gloat Doc? Haven't you done enough for one day?" I really hate how he seems to think he knows me. Please, I'm good if I can just keep that image at bay. Might as well get comfortable. He's going to talk for a LONG time.

"I understand you're upset with having to take leave…."

"NO! You made me take leave."

"I also understand that you need someone to blame. Elliot, you have to get this out. You need to let it go. Have you even shed a tear for these victims?"

No use lying now, Stabler. He'll bust you for sure. "Actually, yes. I have. Right before I drove home." Wow, easy again. I see that his silence confirms his shock.

"That's…a big step. At least you've felt something. But I need to be honest with you, when we talked, I felt that something deeper is troubling you. Just be honest with me. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get back to work."

Yes, Dr. Huang. I've been sleeping on the couch for about three months. I actually haven't even had sex with my wife for….can hardly remember…anniversary…had to be. I can see the pain in her eyes, like she's the victim. Oh my God, that's just it. I made her one…a victim of my cold. "Kathy and I are….we…I don't know what we are…"

"We'll discuss it. But my first piece of advice. Don't shut her out of your work. She'll understand. She's your wife."

"Part of the package, or so she says." Well, look at that. My solidarity has ended…Kathy? She left work….early even? She's really worried…"Listen, Doc. Kathy's home from work…"

"I know. She called the office after she talked to you. No one told her anything. She really cares and loves you Elliot. But, we need to meet…tomorrow around ten a.m.?"

"That'd be fine." Nothing like an early head shrinking.

"Take care of yourself Elliot. Good-bye."

Damn….now to face the harder part.