DUCKY'S PRAYER

"Oh dear" Ducky sighed standing on the stairs of Gibbs' basement. He watched his friend sweeping the floor, cleaning the saw dust left after the now missing boat. 'What could happen?' he wondered. He was good in reading others . He saw what an effect Ziva's staying in Israel and her absence had on his team members, including Jethro.

He asked needlessly what had happened to the boat. He knew his friend...He almost sensed what he went through. The whole situation. He knew that behind the cool surface Gibbs was like a volcano...and he could very well imagine him smashing, breaking the boat in his desperateration and anger. Now he was like the calm surface of the sea after a storm again, though Dr. Mallard could still 'see' waves coming.

Going home after their conversation, Ducky was thinking how he could help everyone on the team and especially his friend. He himself felt his pain. He missed Ziva, like everybody else. He saw the sad faces during work. It's like mourning someone, even if she didn't die. They have to deal with her absence and it takes time to heal.

He remembered, that day as always they were talking with Mr. Palmer while working.

"We all miss Ziva, Dr. Mallard." the young man said.

"Oh Mr. Palmer, it's hard for all of us. We must be there for our team mates and give comfort." Ducky answered. "As Abigail would say:That's what friends are for."

'That's what friends are for'. Sitting in an airmchair in his livingroom he recalled Abby telling this line hugging him when the old doctor comforted her with similar words to what he had said to Jimmy. He felt responsible for his collagues. He felt them close to himself as relatives, but since his mother died they were his only family left. Besides being a doctor he thought it even more his task to care for them...

Now being alone in his home, he had time to think things over.

"Ziva, my dear, what made you stay in Israel?" He said that aloud. He sighed. It must have been something...important and dangerous. Dr. Donald Mallard was old and wise enough to know human character. After all it was his profession. Ziva can't be a traitor...that he knew...Jethro trusts her with his life...and that's something.

He knew something great had happened with the two of them. He could sense that certain strong bond between them.

For whatever reason she didn't come back, Ducky knew she would never jeopardize the life of her team members. 'Maybe thats why...Oh dear...' he sighed deeply and lifted his eyes up.

"Oh Lord

Please protect this young woman, our Ziva. Defend her life. Be with her wherever she goes. Keep her...and please oh Lord, take care of Jethro, Abigail, Antony, Timothy and Jimmy..and me. Give us your comfort. Bring us peace, forgiveness and trust in our relationships. I know you always listen to us. Let your will be done. Amen"

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AN.

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