A few days earlier.
"I'm sorry, Mac, but I just can't do this anymore," Stella lay her badge down lightly on his desk. Her fingers lingered on it for only a moment before she pulled away.
Mac had no words. What Stella was doing was killing him slowly inside, but he wasn't going to let her know that.
"Please understand...I really don't have a choice." Her voice was soft.
"No choice?" Mac sounded hurt, "Seriously?" He grabbed her badge and held it between his hands.
"It's true," she paused before continuing, "This job has taken its toll on me. I'm just not as strong mentally and emotionally as I used to be. I can't do this anymore."
Mac grunted, turning his back to her and looking out the office window.
"I really am sorry," Stella spoke one last time, then left Mac in his office alone.
Present day.
"Stella?" Mac's voice shook.
The woman rolled over, her hood falling from her head.
Mac was now looking into those familiar emerald eyes, the ones he had seen through so many times.
"Mac...I..." she started, then stopped, pulling her head back over her head.
"What are you doing out here?" he slid off his jacket and wrapped it around her. She remained still.
Silence. The only noise was the gust of wind, and the rattling of more leaves.
"Stella? Talk to me." Mac put his hand on her shoulder.
She shrugged it off and turned her body from him. She only shook her head 'no' in repsonse.