Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who reviewed this story. I really try not to nag people about reviewing, but I had over 13, 000 hits (I know this doesn't mean people read it, but still…) and I had 38 reviews for a 32 chapter fic. Now, I'm really pleased that anyone reviewed, but just remember, all you folks out there who never push the pretty review button, reviews help a writer improve. Feedback is important. Sometimes it may come in the form of criticism, but that, too, can help a writer improve. So, please remember to give a quick little review whenever you read a story. Not only is it helpful, it can make the writer feel good. Happy writers mean more chapters!
I want to especially thank Firetop (I have a feeling you'll be yelling at me again soon), Green Penguin (haven't seen you for a few chapters – hope your brain really didn't explode!), Housefan 101, and geminiginny for your encouraging and frequent posts. You are the reason I didn't abandon this fic when I was feeling discouraged. Thank you SO much! blows kisses
Disclaimer: The characters of House, MD are the property of David Shore and his posse. I am simply having my wicked way with them for a while.
----
EPILOGUE
She crept silently into the room, looking left and right for any sign of someone that might recognize her. She had made a mistake yesterday and went to the ICU and was almost spotted for her troubles. She hadn't realized that there had been a room change. Perhaps they needed the bed for someone who they could actually fix.
She went and stood over the bed, staring at the woman lying there who looked….well, to be honest, she looked dead already. The spark and vibrancy that she always carried, in spite of all of her woes, was missing now and it was almost spooky how lifeless she appeared.
The woman standing over the bed had seen Serenity's knight in shining armor, as she called him, leave his lady to go get something (probably coffee) from the cafeteria. He had barely left her side for the past 2 weeks since the stabbing. She closed her eyes for a moment as tears welled up in them.
She knew she didn't have much time, so she opened her coat and pulled out a photo album. She placed it, along with a letter, on the nightstand next to the bed. She gently stroked her finger down the patient's cheek and brushed a quick kiss on her forehead. "I love you very much, sweetie. You were like a daughter to me and I wish so much that I could undo everything. Please forgive me."
With one final look, Carmela turned around carefully, trying to ignore the pain from her stitches, and made her way quickly out the door and down the hall to the elevator, praying that the Aussie wasn't on his way up. She made it downstairs and out the front door and headed into the night.