And Non-Awakening

"Do we have any news?" Niles Crane asked the doctor for the twelfth time that hour. He gazed into the small hospital room where his ex-wife Maris lay. She has been in a coma for the past several months now, but he had just received the news through her former maid Marta. He was concerned as anything. His current wife Daphne was less than thrilled that he was spending his free time down at the hospital.

The doctor shook his head. "No, Mr. Crane, we do not. We will let you know as soon as we have something," he said before rushing down the hallway.

Niles shook his head sadly. "I don't believe this," he said.

"Yea, I don't believe it either," Daphne put in. "You divorced her. She was controlling and manipulative. I don't see why you care so much." She sighed and started walking down the hall. "I'm going to find Roz," she announced. "I'll see you in the car," she added.

With that, Daphne started walking down towards Radiology. Without a doubt she would find Roz Doyle there. Her friend had been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor a few months ago. They had removed parts of it through surgery, and now they were discussing her options for the rest. Daphne sighed as she turned right and started walking down the next hall. She had a strong feeling that Roz would be ok.

"Shh," she said as she approached Roz. She wrapped her hands around her friend's shoulders in a gentle, comforting hug. "It's going to be ok," she whispered.

Roz looked up at her with slight confusion.

Daphne placed a gentle hand on Roz's shoulder. "It's Daphne, honey," she said in a soothing voice. "You remember. I'm your friend."

Roz nodded and instantly snapped out of her trance. "Sorry," she apologized. "I don't know what's come over me."

"No need to apologize," Daphne said. "You're going through a lot." She sighed. "How's Alice taking it?" she asked. "Your daughter," she reminded Roz gently.

"I know, but I haven't told her yet," Roz admitted. The tears were apparent behind her eyes. "She's only five. What am I supposed to tell her?" She tried to choke back her tears, but she was finding the task difficult. "This wasn't supposed to happen," she finally managed.

Daphne did not know what to say. There was nothing she could say that would make Roz feel better. She wanted to tell Roz that she would overcome this, but Daphne could not be sure of that. Instead she just pulled her friend into her arms again and rubbed her back soothingly. She promised herself she would stay there until Roz felt better.

"I'm ok," Roz said a moment later as she pulled back from Daphne's embrace. "It's just a lot to handle."

Daphne nodded. "Of course," she said. "Well, I'd prefer that to my life right now," she mumbled.

"Maris is still in a coma?" Roz asked curiously.

Daphne nodded again. "And Niles is still coming down here every day spending nearly all visiting hours with her," she muttered angrily. "I don't know what's overcome him." She sighed. "What would you do in a situation like this?" she asked. "And be honest."

"Well, I'd find myself another man," Roz noted. "It is me, and Seattle has a lot to offer if you look hard enough."

Daphne rolled her eyes. She did ask for it though. She was talking to Roz. "Ok, say for a moment that you're in a serious relationship where you're actually in love with a man. Then what would you do?"

"Well, I dunno. Go to Victoria's Secret, buy something little, and surprise the hell out of him when he gets home. Give him the ride of his life that will make him forget he ever knew Maris," Roz instructed.

((Hehe. Lemme know what you think, and I'll update soon.))