"That was a good lunch," commented Kate sipping her glass of water.

She started collecting the plates.

"No, you're the guest," remarked Stu collecting the plates and silverware, "Besides I'll have to leave."

"Wish you didn't have to leave," stated Kate.

"Got a town to look after," he said getting up, "anyways got to leave the women to their private jokes and gossipy."

After putting the dishes in the sink, Stu said his good byes and left with the two women still at the table.

"You got a good man there, Fran," stated Kate.

"He's thoughtful," said Fran.

"Wish I could find one."

"What about one living with you?"

"Lets not talk about Rath."

"Why? What's wrong with him? Let me guess, he likes men."

"No, he's straight. It's complicated. There's a few issues left to workout."

"Do you love him?"

"Badly."

"Stu isn't the father of this baby."

"He isn't?"

"No, the father left me before Captain Trips wipe out the country."

"Captain Trips?"

"That's what we call the plague."

"Oh."

"Left with Harold and met up with Stu. I knew he would be a good man."

Kate laughed.

"What's funny?"

"Knowing the definition of a good man."

"Doesn't Rath fit the definition?"

"He tends to be a loner. He acts like he knows more then everyone else."

"Sounds like Harold. He starts arguments to show off."

"Rath doesn't do that. He doesn't need the praise of others to know his self worth."

"Listen, I decided that Stu was right for me. You need to decide what you want."

"Thanks for advice. Hope I put it in practice."

"If you need a shoulder to lean on, I'm here."

"Thank you."

Kate left knowing she discovered a friend. On her way back, she knew that she wanted Rath only if her pride doesn't screw it up first. Finally returning to the cabin, she discovered it empty.

"Where in hell is he?"

Rath was exploring the woods. Stumbling across a clearing, his eyes studied it.

"It's a perfect a circle," he concluded.

There was connection here. It flowed through him. Then he remembered the emptiness that he felt earlier. He carried it with him since childhood. Captain Hook had Tick-Tock, he had this emptiness.

Like Kate, he couldn't connect with people on an emotional level. On an intellectual level, but not on an emotional level. Death took those close to him. He accepted this, but Kate couldn't.

Leaving, "Note to self," he thought, "must bring Kate."