"What?" Said Abby astonished. What was going on here? He had left. Why would he go if he still loved her?
"I still love you, Abby" repeated Carter "and I think, in time, you'll realise that you still love me"
Abby sat down on the seat next to his bed. She tapped her foot for a few minutes, and then said "I never stopped loving you, John. But when you left, you really hurt me – and I'm gonna need some time."
Carter just smiled that enigmatic smile of his. He took both Abby's hands in his and said "That's fine, Abby. Take all the time you need. I know I hurt you. I am so very sorry for that. I am sorry that I didn't come when you called. But I will try my best to make it up to you."
Abby just sat in silence for a few minutes, and then said. "Where's Luka?"
John looked up guiltily. "He...um...He decided to stay there for a while – in the Congo."
Abby just looked at him incuriously. "Well...I hope to God he knows what he's doing." She was about to add "You certainly didn't", but thought better of it.
"Yeah, I hope so" Said John, looking at her with sunken eyes.
"Well, I'll let you get your rest. I'll let Weaver know about Luka."
He nodded. "Will you come back tomorrow?"
Abby stood up, and sighed. "I just need a little more time."
She walked quickly out of the room.
John lay back on his pillows and closed his eyes, letting a single tear escape.