Margaret choked back tears and moved out of the way as two nurses entered Susan's room. Margaret took a shaky breath and looked for Hawkeye, spotting him just as he rounded the corner at the end of the long hallway. She raced after him, finally catching up to him as he talked to a nurse.
"Her parents won't be here for another hour, I'll be back before then," The nurse smiled comfortingly, placing a hand on the doctor's shoulder.
Hawkeye smiled appreciatively and then headed for the elevators. "Come on Margaret," he muttered. Margaret quickly trotted after him, her mind spinning.
He managed to stay about four paces in front of her the entire way to the car, silently forbidding her to speak. When they finally made it to the car Margaret couldn't take it anymore.
"Do you believe that? She blurted out.
Hawkeye looked at her questioningly and she explained herself.
"What you told the little girl; about heaven. Do you believe that?"
Hawkeye nodded as he pulled out of the parking lot and looked at her seriously. "Yes; I do."
"How can you? How can you look a little girl in the eyes and tell her she's dying and then turn around and tell her that it's a good thing? How can you look at her parents later on and tell them that it's a good thing their little girl was taken away from them?"
Margaret felt tears splashing onto her cheeks and she didn't bother to wipe them away. Watching Hawkeye with Susan had drudged up so many emotions from years past. Anger, resentment, loneliness, passion; all these emotions were now coursing through her body."
"I have to believe it Margaret." He replied solemnly, not at all bothered by her tears. "Did you see how she looked when she died? Yes she was hurting, but there was hope in those beautiful green eyes. Believing that there's a loving God who takes care of these little ones is the only way I can stay sane. At least, when I have to go and talk to her parents I can assure them that she isn't hurting anymore. I can assure them that she's happy."
Hawkeye looked at her directly, tears shining in his eyes. "Can't you understand that?"
Margaret sighed and nodded. "You're an amazing doctor." She mumbled. Hawkeye looked at her in surprise and she continued. "Never, in all my years of nursing, not once have I ever seen a doctor comfort a child the way you just did. She needed someone and you were there for her." Margaret paused and sighed. "That's what sets you apart from everyone else. You care; you really care. And no matter what it does to you, you will always put them first."
Hawkeye smiled slightly and reached across the seat, squeezing her hand gently.
"That means a lot to me, Margaret, especially coming from you." He pulled over and Margaret looked out the window I surprise, they were in front of a large hotel, Margaret recognized it as the one she was staying at.
A bellhop ran to the car and opened the door for her. Hawkeye grabbed her hand again.
"Margaret, I just want you to know that if you ever find yourself alone, I'll be there for you." She smiled appreciatively and began to pull away, but Hawkeye kept his grip.
"I'm sorry for forcing you to come with me last night. I just want to make sure that you'll be happy."
He released his hand and Margaret stepped out of the cab. "I really do think I'll be happy, Hawkeye."
He smiled as she shut the door. "Margaret," he shouted through the open window. She turned and he looked at her apprehensively. "Just know that if you ever need a friend, or more, I'll always be there for you. Always; do you understand?"
Margaret nodded, tears springing to her eyes again.
"I love ya Major Baby." He shouted as he drove off. Margaret turned and faced the large hotel, glancing at her ring for the first time with uncertainty. She took a deep, shaky breath and walked through the revolving door.