Mariah sat in Crimson Lights immersed in the laptop sitting before her. Her new job had her deep in thought, her fingers tapping keys to record her thoughts and ideas. She was so intent on her work, she was startled when a voice hovered close to her, saying, "Don't I know you?"

Mariah sharply looked up, a smile crossing her face. "Kyle," she said.

He smiled back at her as Mariah stood up to hug him. "It's so good to see you," she said.

"You too," Kyle said, "But you look busy, I'll leave you to it." He waived her back to her work, taking a few steps away.

"Get back here," Mariah said. Kyle slightly laughed as he turned back around. "It's nice to see that smile," Mariah said.

"It's nice to have it," Kyle said.

"Does that mean, there's been some good news?" Mariah said, hopefully.

"Unfortunately no," Kyle said, "Everything is still the same."

"Well, you're out and about," Mariah said, "That's a good thing."

Gesturing to Rachel, who was across the room, talking to Tessa, Kyle said, "Rachel and I are going up to the cabin for a few days, to take a break. We stopped in here for a pastry run first."

"I'm happy to hear you are getting away," Mariah said, "It's important you take care of yourself."

"I agree with that," Tessa said, walking over with Rachel. Tessa gave Kyle a hug, adding, "I'm happy to see you."

The patio doors opened, to reveal Summer and Fen, walking hand in hand. Fen was leading the way, stopping when he noticed Summer holding back. Fen followed her gaze across the room as Summer said, "Oh my gosh, Kyle…" She let go of Fen's hand and rushed towards Kyle.

"Kyle, you might want to watch out," Tessa said, gesturing to Summer running towards him. Reaching out Summer flung her arms around Kyle, with a sigh of concern. Kyle hugged her back, until she pulled away, stammering, "I'm sorry…I just…I didn't expect to see you…and I…are you okay?"

"I'm doing alright," Kyle said.

"I couldn't believe it, when I heard," Summer said.

"That makes two of us," Kyle said.

"This must be so hard," Summer said, "If I can do anything…"

"Thank you," Kyle said, "I'll keep that in mind."

Spying Fen, standing on the patio, Rachel waived him over. "Fen," she said, "Don't be so shy."

"I didn't want to intrude," Fen said, stepping towards them.

"Of course you're not," Summer said, taking Fen's hand and pulling him closer to her.

"This is what I need," Kyle said, "Friends around me."
"In that case, why don't we all hang out here for awhile," Mariah said, "Unless, you two are anxious to get going on your travels."

Kyle looked at Rachel, who nodded. "We can spend some time here," Rachel said. "Sounds good to me," Kyle said.

Mariah and Tessa rearranged extra chairs, for everyone to sit at the same table together. An awkward silence produced itself among the six of them.

"So?" Mariah said, her attempt to break the silence, making Fen slightly jump.

"From what Mariah said, it sounds like you two are going away somewhere?" Summer said.

"We are going up to the cabin for a few days," Rachel said, "To try and decompress."

"That's a good idea," Summer said.

Looking at Rachel, Kyle said, "She comes up with a lot of them." Rachel shared a smile with him.

"What comes next for you?" Tessa said, "If you don't mind me asking."

"Not at all," Kyle said, "I'm having surgery first thing after the weekend."

"I was reading about that," Mariah said, "I've heard they can do that procedure while you are awake."

"Why would anyone want to be awake for something like that?" Fen said.

"So, you can answer questions and they can monitor how you are doing," Kyle said.

"I can't imagine doing that," Fen said.

"They numb the area," Rachel said, "The patient doesn't feel a thing."

"Still, I'd be scared to death," Fen said. Immediately regretting his comment, Fen closed his eyes for a moment, before apologizing. "Sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to say it like that."

"It's okay," Kyle said, "That's how I feel."

"Are you having the awake surgery?" Summer said.

"No," Kyle said, "Considering the area they need to work on, it was decided it would be best to put me under anesthesia." Focusing his eyes, down Kyle said, "I just hope I wake up."

"Of course you will," Rachel said.

"That's right," Mariah said, "Don't think you are going to weasel your way out of our date for that drink." Kyle slightly laughed.

"Besides," Fen said, "Who is going to torment me, if you're not here?"

All eyes were on Fen, as Kyle said, "Thanks Fen, that will get me through."

"Everything I'm saying is coming out wrong," Fen said, "I mean one thing and a more stupid thing comes out."

"I'm used to that where you are concerned," Kyle said. Silent faces were looking at Kyle. "What?" Kyle said, "It was a joke. You people need to lighten up." This made everyone laugh.

"You see, this is proof Kyle is going to be just fine," Mariah smiled.

"That's right," Tessa said, "You will put all of this behind you and then there will be a wedding to focus on."

"That's right," Rachel smiled, "Which reminds me, Kyle do you want to take care of that thing we were talking about?"

"What thing?" Kyle said.

"You know," Rachel said, slightly nodding her head in Fen's direction. Looking at Kyle she mouthed the words, "Ask him."

"Oh, that thing," Kyle said, "Not going to happen."

"Is everything okay?" Mariah said.

Focusing on Fen, Rachel said, "Kyle has something he wants to ask you."

"Rachel…" Kyle sighed.

"What's the harm?" Rachel said.

"My sanity?" Kyle said.

"Kyle, if you have something to say, then go ahead," Fen said.

Kyle glanced at Rachel, who nodded. "I can't believe I'm doing this," Kyle muttered.

Turning his attention to Fen, Kyle said, "The thing is…I was wondering if you would consider…" Kyle paused, struggling to get the words out, "If you would be one of my groomsman at the wedding."

Fen turned to look behind him, before looking at Kyle again. "You mean me?" Fen said.

"You," Kyle said.

Fen was quiet, contemplating the request.

"Don't feel obligated," Kyle said.

"Okay, I'll do it," Fen said.

Everyone one at the table said, "You will?"

"Why not?" Fen said, "Sounds to me, like a good time. Besides, it's free cake, right?"

"Kyle asks you to share in one of the most important days of his life," Summer said, "And your first thought is cake?"

"He makes a good point," Rachel said, "Cake is important." She shared a smile with Fen.

"I was just kidding," Fen said, "I would like to do this for you two."

"What's going on here?" a voice spoke beside them. Everyone one looked up to see Theo standing next to them. "I guess my invitation to the party got lost in the mail," he said.

"Last minute get together," Kyle said.

"Hi Summer," Theo smiled.

"Theo," she said, with a sarcastic smile.

"Who's your friend?" Fen said.

"Theo," he said, introducing himself, "Summer, was my girlfriend."

"Hardly," Summer said.

"Well, we sure had some good times together," Theo smiled, "You know what I mean?" He laughed.

"Maybe you should not talk about her like that," Fen said.

"And you are..?" Theo said.

"Fen Baldwin," Fen said, "Summer's boyfriend."

"You?" Theo laughed, "Summer, is he serious?"

"Quite," Summer said, putting her hand on Fen's shoulder.

"Wow, whatever," Theo said.

"Do you have something to say?" Fen said.

"You're not her type," Theo said.

"How would you know that?" Fen said.

"Like I said, we had some good times," Theo said, "You getting the same?"

Fen's chair shot out behind him as he stood up. "Where do you get off…" he started.

Summer jumped out of seat, saying, "Fen don't argue with him. This is what he wants, just ignore him. He can say what he wants, I don't care."

"I do," Fen said.

"Good man," Theo said.

Kyle also got to his feet and said, "Okay, everyone just calm…" Kyle stopped his hand going to his head. Rachel and Mariah scrambled to his aid.

"Kyle?" Rachel said, "What is it?"

"I've got a dizzy spell," Kyle said.

"Okay," Mariah said, "Let's sit you back down." Rachel and Mariah held on to Kyle until he was once again in his chair.

"I'll get him some water," Tessa said, rushing away.

"Do we need to do something?" Summer said, "Like get you to the hospital?"

"It's okay," Kyle said, "It will pass."

With one hand on his shoulder, Rachel rubbed Kyle's back with the other. Watching the scene unfold, Theo said, "Dude, you okay?"

"He's fine," Rachel said.

"He doesn't look fine," Theo said, "What's going on?"

"Here you go," Tessa said, handing Kyle a glass of water. Noticing Kyle's shaky hands, Mariah assisted Kyle with the glass, as he took a drink.

"Would someone tell me, what's wrong with him?" Theo said.

The dizziness dissipating, Kyle sighed and said, "I guess you haven't heard."

"What's that?" Theo said.

"I'm having surgery next week to remove a cancerous brain tumor," Kyle said.

Theo stared at him. "What?" he said, "You serious?"

"No, he made it up for fun," Fen said, "Of course he's serious."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Theo said.

"Is there something you wanted?" Mariah said.

"I was curious," Theo said.

"About…?" Kyle said.

"I was going to ask you about the wedding," Theo said, "But I guess that's not happening."

"It's postponed until Kyle is better," Rachel said.

Theo nodded. "Kyle, I don't know what to say."

"That's a first," Kyle said.

"This whole situation," Theo said, "You guys can't seem to catch a break. First you have this weird thing where someone runs you off the road, next you cancel your wedding…"

"Postponed," Mariah reminded

"…and now you are really sick," Theo continued, "It sucks."

Kyle and Rachel stared at Theo, as Tessa said, "You know, if you don't have anything productive to say, perhaps you should go elsewhere."

"I've outstayed my welcome," Theo said, "I will leave you all to it. Summer, it was really nice to see you again."

Fen took an angry step, but Summer grabbed his arm and held him back, with a caution of, "Don't Fen." Theo laughed as he walked away.

"I have not been here in ages," Rachel said, as she entered the cabin, followed by Kyle, "I see there's been some changes since I was last here."

"When was that?" Kyle said.

"It must have been when Billy and I…" Rachel trailed off with a pause, before she said, "It was a long time ago."

"You two were really a thing?" Kyle said.

"A lifetime ago," Rachel said, "I don't want to talk about Billy."

"What do you want to talk about?" Kyle said.

"Not sure," Rachel said, "You?"

"Talk is overrated," Kyle said, engaging her in a kiss. Kyle continued to kiss her as he led her to the couch. Once there Kyle pulled away and taking an unsteady step, he quickly dropped onto the cushion.

"Hey," Rachel said, sitting next to him.

"It's okay," Kyle said. Sighing he said, "I can't even kiss you right, without getting exhausted."

"You know," Rachel said, "Your kisses sometimes make me feel weak too." She smiled at him. Kyle slightly, laughed as Rachel nuzzled close to him.

Resting her head on Kyle's shoulder and linking fingers with his hand, she said, "Have you had any more ideas?"

"About…?" Kyle said.

"Your wedding party," Rachel said. Raising her head and looking at him, she continued, "Do you still want your friend in the wedding?"

"You mean the one who so rudely interrupted us earlier?" Kyle said, "More and more, I get the feeling Theo and I are not as good friends as I thought. I don't want people like that ruining our wedding."

"I can think of someone else who would like to try," Rachel said.

"Are you still upset Lola was at the house?" Kyle said.

"No, but she would like to upset us," Rachel said.

"Her attitude earlier was strange," Kyle said.

"Did she actually thing she could make you change your mind about us?" Rachel said.

"Not possible," Kyle said.

"She has some serious issues," Rachel said, "She needs to learn to control herself. Makes me wonder."

"Wonder what?" Kyle said.

"She can lose control so easily," Rachel said, "Remember, she attacked me once before. I shudder to think what else she might be capable of."

"She's not going to hurt you again," Kyle said, "I won't let that happen."

"What if she has already tried?" Rachel said.

"How's that?" Kyle said.

"We never did find out who ran us off the road that night," Rachel said.

"You think that was Lola?" Kyle said.

"I don't know," Rachel said, "It might be worth the police looking into."

"Lola would not do something like that," Kyle said.

"Are you sure?" Rachel said, "I can't think of anyone else who could have done it."

"Maybe it wasn't anyone we know," Kyle said, "Could have been some random jerk."

"What about your friend Theo?" Rachel said, "I don't trust that one."

"Please don't refer to him as my friend," Kyle said, "Now you think he's the culprit? I hadn't even reconnected with him back then."

"That doesn't mean he was not keeping tabs on you," Rachel said.

"You make it sound like he's stalking me," Kyle said.

"I just want to find out who did this to us, so they can put him away," Rachel said, "So he can't cause anymore hurt."

"Like I said," Kyle said, "No one is going to hurt you. Not on my watch." They shared a quick kiss.

"What should we do with the rest of our evening?" Rachel said.

"Not sure," Kyle said, stealing kisses on her cheek.

"It's a nice night for a walk," Rachel said.

"It is," Kyle said, continuing to kiss her neck.

"We could dig into those pastries," Rachel said.

"Sounds good," Kyle said, nuzzling her.

"Did you have something else in mind?" Rachel said.

"Thought you would never ask," Kyle said, "I have an idea."
"I'm intrigued," Rachel said.

"We should practice," Kyle said.

"For what?" Rachel said.

"Our wedding vows of course," Kyle said, taking her hand and standing her up.

"You want to do this now," Rachel said.

"Just repeat after me," Kyle said, "I Rachel Brantford…"

"I Rachel Brantford," she repeated.

"Take Kyle Abbott as my husband…" Kyle continued.

"Take Kyle Abbott as my husband," Rachel smiled, "To love and to cherish, forever and ever and ever."

Kyle smiled, with a chuckle, as he said, "I Kyle Abbott take Rachel Brantford as my wife. To love and cherish forever and ever and ever." Kyle leaned in closer to her and softly said, "We get to be husband and wife."

Rachel was about to kiss Kyle, when he straightened up, saying, "There is just one thing."

"What?" Rachel said.

"I need permission to kiss the bride," Kyle said.

Taking a hold of the sides of his open shirt, Rachel pulled him towards her. "Permission granted," she said, kissing him.

"How about turning in early?" Kyle said.

"You look tired," Rachel said.

"I don't want to turn in because I'm tired," Kyle said.

"Mr. Abbott, are you trying to seduce me?" Rachel teased.

"Trying," Kyle said, "We don't know how many more moments we will get like this."

"Kyle…" Rachel said.

"I did not mean because something bad could happen," Kyle said, "Even if things turn out the way we hope, it's a long road to recovery. For once, I'm not feeling too bad, so we should make the most of our time here."

"I couldn't agree more," Rachel said, "But you have to catch me first." She scuttled towards the bedroom.

"She's trying to get away," Kyle said, quickly coming up behind her, followed by a squeal of delight, as her took hold of her.

Clothes dropped to the floor and the couple tumbled in to bed together. Kyle and Rachel were so involved with each other, they were not aware of the nearby phone screen which mirrored their image. No notice was taken of the shadow at window, recording Kyle and Rachel making love.

Watching Kyle sleeping beside her, Rachel was grateful he was able to get some rest. Having often observed him asleep, she would smile as she thought about what a good man he is, so handsome and how very much she loves him. This night she still had those feelings, however they were compounded by sadness for Kyle. He did not deserve to suffer through such a horrible illness. Although Rachel tried to stay positive for Kyle, she feared one day this ailment could take him from her. She knew Kyle was afraid of losing his fight and she could not admit to him that she felt the same. As much as Rachel was determined to try and convince Kyle he would be alright, she was having a difficult time making herself believe the same.

"You have to be okay," Rachel softly whispered, "You don't deserve this. I need you to stay with me." A few tears slipped out as Rachel closed her eyes and sighed, "Please let him be okay."

"I love you," Rachel said, as she leaned over and tenderly kissed his shoulder. Settling down next to him, Rachel gently draped her hand over Kyle's, before drifting off to sleep.

Adjusting his shorts and pulling a vest on, Kyle aimed to join Rachel in the other room. Reaching the edge of the bedroom, Kyle stopped as a lightheaded feeling washed over him. Holding onto the door frame he closed his eyes with a sigh, waiting for the spell to pass. Once he felt steadier, he sauntered into the other room, to find Rachel preparing sandwiches.

"What's all this?" Kyle said.

"I thought we could have a picnic by the lake," Rachel said, "It's a such a beautiful day outside."

Peeking into the nearby basket, Kyle noted the abundance of food. "You have enough in here to feed an army," he said.

"This is vacation," Rachel said, "We are allowed to splurge."

"So true," Kyle said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

"We don't have to do this, if you are not feeling up to it," Rachel said.

"I'm fine," Kyle said, equipping himself with a blanket, "Let's go."

Kyle was taking a newfound interest in his surroundings, along the short walk to the lake. He paused several times to point out a wild bird, or flowering bushes or some other wonder of nature he noticed. Rachel knew Kyle was taking it all in, as this might be the last time, he would have to enjoy it.

Reaching the lake, Kyle spread the blanket out, and lay down on it, his hands clasped behind his head.

Standing, looking down at him, Rachel said, "Comfy?"

"Just testing it out," Kyle said, "Why don't you come down here and see for yourself."

Kyle took her hand as she sat down beside him. "Not bad," she mused.

"Not bad?" Kyle repeated.

"It's missing something," Rachel said.

"It's much better if you stretch out," Kyle said, inviting her to lie with him.

Rachel lay down on her side, propped up on her elbow, she rested her head on her hand. Looking over at her Kyle smiled. "Your right," Rachel said, running her hand across the blanket, "This is much better."

Kyle turned on his side, propping himself to match her pose. They stared at each other for a few seconds, until Kyle said, "I love you."

"I love you," Rachel said, as Kyle kissed her.

Rachel closed the lid of the picnic basic and with Kyle's arms wrapped around her, they sat snuggled together. Their conversation was light and playful, they made each other laugh, often stealing kisses. Kyle's condition and the events of the day to follow were not spoken of, despite the weight of it on their minds.

"It's so beautiful here," Rachel said.

"It really is," Kyle said.

"Don't you wish we could stay like this forever?" Rachel said.

"That would be nice," Kyle said, "Just stay here, not a care in the world."

"Our own little paradise," Rachel said.

Kyle smiled. "What do you think it's like?"

"Paradise?" Rachel said.

"Our honeymoon destination," Kyle said, "The one we wanted."

"The island in Hawaii?" Rachel said.

"That's the one," Kyle said, "What do you think of it?"

"Let's see," Rachel said, "There is sandy white beaches, shimmering blue water, with just the right amount of breeze."

"What else?" Kyle said.

"Beautiful Hawaiian scenery, trees, birds, and our own private suite," Rachel said, "Offset with the tropical colors and every amenity at our disposal."

"Sounds perfect," Kyle said.

"What do you think?" Rachel said.

"The best part," Kyle said, "The soft, luxurious bed in that suite. So comfortable, that we would not want to get out of it. A bed that we could spend lots and lots of time in."

"It's so amazing," Rachel said.

"I'm going to take you there," Kyle said, trying to control the crack in his voice.

Hearing his voice waiver, Rachel smiled at him and said, "Can't wait."

Falling into a kiss, Kyle lay Rachel down, when they were disturbed by rustling in nearby bushes.

"Did you hear something?" Rachel said.

"It's just the breeze," Kyle said, continuing to kiss her.

The sound presented itself again, startling them both.

"What is that?" Rachel said, in a low voice. Both of them peered into the bushes, when they both noticed movement. "Kyle, I think someone's there."

Sitting upright, Kyle startled Rachel, as he called, "Somebody there?"

Kyle did not receive a response, only silence presented itself. "It's probably nothing," he said. A stronger rustling sound stirred the air.

"That's it," Kyle said, standing up, taking a few steps away, he called out, "Whoever is out there, watching us, it's not cool. We want to be alone. Take a hike."

Kyle became concerned about sudden movement in the bushes and he was taken aback when a deer stepped out. Kyle observed the wildlife for a few seconds, before looking back at Rachel, to see her smiling at him.

Turning his attention back to the deer, Kyle laughed as he said, "You heard me, take a hike."

Rachel laughed as the deer stood its ground. "Or not," Kyle said, making his way back to the blanket. As Kyle settled next to Rachel she smirked as she said "You just had an argument with a deer."

"Had to make certain who's boss," Kyle said.

"I take the deer is," Rachel said.

"Right," Kyle said.

Rachel smiled as she admired the animal. "It's beautiful," she said.

"Not as much as you," Kyle said, attempting to kiss her again. They both stopped mid-kiss to see the deer watching them.

"What are you looking at?" Kyle said, "Never seen two people in love before?" The deer turned and sauntered away.

"Now, where were we?" Kyle said. He lay on the blanket, kissing Rachel, when Kyle felt a dizzy sensation begin. Trying to shake it off, he ignored it, intent to focus on the task at hand. Rachel kissed Kyle's neck, when he suddenly pushed himself away from her, onto his back.

Although his movement was abrupt, Rachel assumed he wanted to continue, their session. Rachel moved in to kiss him, but Kyle said, "No Rachel…"
Noticing his breathing uneven, she said, "Kyle, are you okay?"

"I really don't feel good," Kyle said.

"Okay, what's wrong?" Rachel said, "Are you having another dizzy spell?"

"Yeah," Kyle said, "But it's not just that. I feel really bad, something else is not right."

Helping Kyle to sit up, Rachel said, "Maybe we should take you home."

"No," Kyle said, "I don't want to go home. I think I need to go to the hospital."

Rachel nodded. "Do you think you're okay to walk back?" Rachel said.

"I think so," Kyle said.

Rachel assisted Kyle to stand, holding on to steady him as they took a slow walk, returning to the cabin.

"He knows we are here, right?" Kyle said, as he sat with Rachel in the doctor's exam room.

"Yes, he does," Rachel assured, "Dr. Hastings is a busy man, he will come soon."

"That's what they said an hour ago," Kyle said.

"Be patient…" Rachel trailed off, as the office door opened and Dr. Hastings entered the room.

Smiling at them, Dr. Hastings said, "Kyle, I didn't expect to see you until tomorrow. I understand you are experiencing some troubling symptoms?"

"I am," Kyle said, "It's okay if Rachel stays, right?"

"Whatever you are comfortable with," Dr. Hastings said, "Tell me what's wrong."

"Well, we were relaxing by the lake and I got a dizzy feeling," Kyle started, "I was nauseous, and every muscle in my body felt weak. I thought I was going to pass out."

"But you didn't?" Dr. Hastings said.

"No," Kyle said, "I didn't feel like myself at all."

"He was really unstable," Rachel said, "He needed assistance to walk."

"Let's take a look at you," Dr. Hastings said. Performing a routine exam, the doctor checked Kyle's vitals.

Taking the blood pressure cuff off, Dr. Hastings said, "Your blood pressure is slightly elevated."

"Is that bad?" Kyle said.

"I don't think it's anything to worry about," Dr. Hastings said.

"You don't have a fever and I can't find any abnormalities with anything else," Dr. Hastings said, "Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes, not great, but it's better," Kyle said.

"When you had this episode, were you short of breath?" Dr. Hastings said.

Rachel nodded as Kyle said, "Yes."

"Anxious?" Dr. Hastings inquired.

"Yeah," Kyle said.

"He was having a hard time calming down," Rachel said.

Dr. Hastings nodded. "I think I know what caused your symptoms."

"What?" Kyle said.

"You had an anxiety attack," Dr. Hastings said.

"You mean a panic attack?" Rachel said.

"That is another term for it," Dr. Hastings said.

"No, I don't think so," Kyle said, "I felt really sick."

"Kyle, you are scheduled to have a delicate surgery tomorrow," Dr. Hastings said, "It's only natural that you would be nervous about it. I would be concerned if you weren't. I don't want you to be so worried that it causes an attack though. Is there something you want to talk about, pertaining to the surgery?"

"Rachel, do you mind if I talk to Dr. Hastings alone?" Kyle said.

"Of course not," Rachel said, standing up, "I'll step outside."

"You still seem anxious," Dr. Hastings said, "I get the feeling something particular is bothering you."

Kyle nodded. "I am really scared."

"Perfectly normal," Dr. Hastings said.

"Once I'm on that table in the operating room," Kyle said, "I'm worried something could go wrong. Something I can't come back from. I'm afraid I won't wake up."

"Oh Kyle, there's no need to worry about that," Dr. Hastings said.

"I've done my research," Kyle said, "It's happened to people. I'm not being irrational."

"No you're not," Dr. Hastings agreed, "There could be any number of reasons those other cases turned out the way they did. You are young, strong, no pre-existing conditions. I expect you to come through the surgery just fine. Don't worry, you will wake up."

"I could suffer a stroke, abnormal bleeding, a severe allergic reaction," Kyle fretted.

"Contrary to what you believe, the surgical team does know what we are doing," Dr. Hastings smiled, "We are going to constantly monitor you to make sure you are alright. You have my word, that we will take the best possible care of you."

"I know, I'm sorry," Kyle said, "I guess I'm just scared out of my mind."

"I understand," Dr. Hastings said, "This is not an easy thing to deal with."

"What if the surgery doesn't work?" Kyle said.

"I can't speculate," Dr. Hastings said, "All I can say is we do the procedure and then see what the next step is."

Kyle was visibly upset as he said, "I'm just afraid this thing is going to be the end of me."

"That's why we fight," Dr. Hastings said, "Deal with the here and now, not what might happen in the future. Your doctors, your loved ones, we are all fighting for you. You need to fight too. As difficult as it is, you need to stay positive. That is the key."

"I'm trying," Kyle said.

"For tonight I can offer you one of two choices," Dr. Hastings said, "We can admit you now and monitor you overnight, if that would make you feel better. That will save admitting you in the morning. On the other hand I am comfortable sending you home for the night. It is up to you, there is no wrong answer here."

Kyle smiled and said, "I appreciate the offer to put me up for the night, but I would rather stay in my own bed tonight."

"Alright then," Dr. Hastings said, "Get as much rest as you can. No breakfast in the morning and be on time."

"No pancakes then?" Kyle joked.

"No pancakes," Dr. Hastings smiled.