"I swear I'm moving back to Massachusetts!" Amy muttered in frustration as soon as the earthquake ceased. She was crouched in the corner of the hotel room, and she was shaking with fear. The room was a disaster. The lamp had fallen and the lampshade had shattered. The window had broken from a rogue tree branch that had flown into the room. It lay in the middle of the floor. There was glass everywhere. The desk was on the ground, having missed her toes by an eighth of an inch. Moving slowly, and hearing the crunch of the glass beneath her feet, Amy made her way over to the broken window. It was dark, and the air had a chill as it blew across her cheeks. She looked out and saw that the freeway was at a standstill. She could see two wrecks already blocking traffic.

"That was a pretty big one," she thought aloud. Sighing in frustration, Amy looked down at her phone. No service. Were her friends ok? As if she could see Los Robles Avenue, she looked out the window again, feeling lost. She felt heartsick at the thought that any of her friends should be injured, but foremost in her mind was Sheldon. He was so prepared for emergencies that it was silly to worry, but she couldn't help it. What if he were hurt? Suddenly, and with startling clarity, she realized all these feelings of insecurity were small compared to her love for him. Who was she kidding? She couldn't live without him.

Sure, she had a five-year plan to marry him. But did she need marriage? Really need it? Did she really need to live with Sheldon? Their relationship was so much better than she could ever imagine. He stimulated her mind. He cared for her as no one ever had. More, he took care of her, and was there was she needed him. He hadn't balked for a second in bringing her into his home, and even into his bed. She was worried that he wasn't committed. But living together and marriage weren't the only symbols of commitment. Weren't his actions every day enough to convince her that he was committed to her? And hadn't he done everything she had asked of him? Everything except asking her to move in with him, of course. Perhaps she should be more understanding?

She knew of his aversion to change. He had just made love to her, and he was losing his roommate and friend. He was dealing with a lot. Maybe he just needed a little more time. And if he never wanted to live with her? Or marry her? Would it be enough? Would their relationship exactly as it is be enough for her? Was having Sheldon enough to sacrifice all of these other socially accepted symbols of a "good" relationship? Her heart gave her her answer: YES. Sheldon is everything I need. If he never can share a living space with me, then I can accept that, and be happy with how things are, can't I? And again, the answer came easily: YES.

He's come so far already.

Feeling a euphoria rejuvenate her tired soul, Amy gathered her belongings just as a knock sounded on her door.

"Ma'am? Hotel staff?"

"Come in," she advised, packing her soiled clothes back into her duffel.

A young man walked in, looking around worriedly. "We had reports that a tree limb broke the window during the earthquake. Are you hurt? We will need to relocate you to another room."

"Yes, the tree limb broke the window, but I'm completely well. And there's no need to relocate me. I've decided to go stay with a friend. I'll be checking out tonight."

"Of course, I apologize for any inconvenience. I will notify the front desk, and Hilda is working the desk today. She should be able to help you with checking out. Stay safe, the roads are a mess."

"Certainly, thank you, and have a nice evening." As he left, she watched the door close, and a smile spread over her face. If she hurried, she might be able to make it to Sheldon's before he retreated to his room for the night. She had a lot of things to say, and first and foremost was an apology.