"Leonard, we have been stuck on this block for an hour! We haven't moved an inch. I have to get to Amy!" Sheldon's face betrayed his impatience.

"I'm sorry, Buddy. Look around! It's a mess! I'm doing everything I can! What else do you want me to do, drive on the sidewalk?" Leonard shrugged helplessly, gesturing with his hand at the endless, halted traffic. The earthquake had done some damage, and not only were accidents everywhere, but the traffic signals along the routes weren't functioning. They had moved at a snail's pace through town and had been completely still for at least 30 minutes at a junction on Avalon Avenue.

Penny perked up from the back seat. "How far are we from the hotel?"

"We are about 4 miles away, as the crow flies," Sheldon indicated, his Texan accent thicker than usual and rife with impatience. "If I had started walking a half-hour ago I'd be halfway there, but now it's getting dark."

"Sheldon, I hate to say it, but I think we should turn back, head back to the apartment." Penny started, "I'm sure Amy is safe and she'll reach out as soon as she can."

"No, no! I just can't go back and wait anymore," Sheldon insisted. "I have to tell her how much she means to me. I'm going to walk," Sheldon was already undoing his seatbelt and moving to open the passenger door.

"Sheldon, you can't!" Penny objected.

He held up his hand and pushed the door open with a loud screech. "You can't change my mind, Penny. I'm going to find Amy, no matter what. Go home. I'll be safe, I'm a Texan."

Leonard looked at Penny and watched her eyes go big with concern. He shrugged and looked at Sheldon, who stood outside the vehicle, his hand poised to close the door. "Are you sure, Sheldon?"

"Yes. I don't know when the satellites will be functioning again, but I will try to get in touch with you if I can. Don't worry if you don't hear from me until morning."

"Ok, buddy. I hope you find Amy, quickly."

"So do I," he said as he closed the door. Penny and Leonard watched him go, feeling helpless. The sun was going down quickly, and the night swallowed his tall frame as he made his way through the crowds on the sidewalk, sidestepping obstacles with determination.

xxxxxx

Sheldon looked up and saw the marquee to the Belshire Hotel, and had never felt so relieved in his life. His feet were starting to ache, it was quite dark now, and it was so cold his nose and fingers were numb. Rejuvenated, he stepped up his pace and raced toward the entrance, quickly making his way through the revolving door. The Belshire was an older, regal hotel; a throwback to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The lobby was lavish and enormous. It glittered with gold and lights everywhere the eye fell. Sheldon blinked, taking in the lush surroundings. Beautiful. Maybe Amy and I will stay here this evening, once I find her that is. Making his way to the onyx check-in stand, Sheldon took his place in the spare line, grateful there weren't that many people loitering in the area. Within moments, the efficient staff worked through the guests, and Sheldon stood facing a young woman with bright blue eyes and sunny curls framing her face. She greeted him with a big, welcoming smile.

"Welcome to the Belshire. How may serve you?"

"Hello, I am Dr. Sheldon Cooper. I am meeting my girlfriend here for the night. She checked in two days ago. Her name is Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler. I'm afraid I've forgotten her room number." Lying never came easy to Sheldon, but finding Amy was worth a little dishonesty.

"Oh, yes, of course, let me look up her room information here. Amy Farrah Fowler, you said?"

"Yes, Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler."

"I found her! Yes, I see she is in 23-11. Just take that elevator there to the 23rd floor. She's in room 11. It should be toward the left. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Yes, do you happen to have room-service options?"

"Of course, Sir. There is a menu in the room, and the kitchen is open until 1 AM."

"Thank you so much for your time." Sheldon turned to go, a grin spreading across his face. He could barely wait to see Amy. He would just pull her in for an enormous hug, a lengthly kiss, and ask her to be his. Then they could put this nonsense behind them. What a love-sick hippy I've become. His smile grew, and instead of the usual shame at the expression of his emotions, he instead felt a modicum of relief. Tired relief.

At that moment, the elevator doors dinged, and Sheldon impatiently waited for the occupants to exit before entering and immediately pushing 23. He looked up hopefully, and when no one entered, he sighed. Being trapped inside an elevator with strangers did not sound like his idea of a good time. Looking up at the stained-glass on the ceiling of the elevator, Sheldon felt the heady weight of anticipation fall upon him. Amy was waiting on the 23rd floor: 2311. It's kismet. And strangely? I wouldn't want it any other way.