The next morning came all too soon, Murdock thought, as he sat on his bed waiting to be discharged. He was almost sorry to leave here.
"Knock knock." Darlene's voice broke into his thoughts.
The brief feeling of sadness quickly passed as she came into the room. Her bright smile lifted his spirits afresh. The doctor followed her a few seconds later.
"Well, Murdock, I think you may return home today. Your vital signs are just fine."
"Thanks, Doc."
"Nurse Darlene, when you're finished here, I'll be in room 11."
"Yes, Doctor. I'll be there soon."
They both watched the doctor leave the room, then Darlene turned her attention back to Murdock.
"Well, we'd better unhook you from these machines here." she said, and started pushing buttons.
"I'm sorry to leave so soon, Darlene."
There, he'd done it. Finally said her name. It felt glorious saying it aloud. He watched the rosy blush color her fair complexion.
"I reckon I'm gonna miss checking in on you, Mr. Murdock."
She began to undo the tape around his arm holding the I.V. in place. Her fingers were soft and gentle as she worked.
"I'm sorry if this is hurting you."
"Not at all, darling." he replied, softly.
The I.V. was soon removed from his arm, and Darlene smiled again at him.
"You take care of yourself now, all right?"
"I will."
She hesitated briefly and then turned to leave. He wanted to call after her. But the words wouldn't come out. With a final smile, Darlene left the room and then she was gone.
The wave of emotions inside him began to go down now, and Murdock could see the jagged rocks in the distance. Sounds of familiar voices coming towards his room broke him out of his reverie. He quickly forced himself to focus on the present and pasted on a smile. Hannibal appeared then.
"Ready to go?"
"Sure thing, Colonel."
Together they walked down the hospital corridors. He had hoped to catch one more glimpse of her, but like a mist, she was now gone. Hannibal and he stepped through the sliding doors and as they closed behind them, Murdock felt the darkness returning. Ah, yes. The jagged rocks lay just ahead now and the wave was going to collapse beneath him. But before it did, Murdock took in one last big breath. He was ready now for the crash landing.