Gibbs: Abby we're coming…Abs…almost there…
Abby: Just hurry…
--
He couldn't help but toss and turn in his sleep as his mind replayed the race down the stair well; that all too familiar feeling of fear in his gut was tormenting him. He had thought he'd almost lost her and he hated the way it made him feel. He hated being reminded that he can't always be there to protect her, love her…save her. He hadn't been there for Kelly and promised himself more than once that he'd do everything in his power to make sure it didn't happen again.
He closed his eyes tight and replayed the fear in her voice and wondered if Kelly had cried out for him in that same way. They said they'd died instantly; but maybe, just maybe she hadn't. The thought alone made Gibbs want to throw up so he did his best to push it out of his mind and focus on the daughter he had with him. She was fine. Scared but fine. And as he began to calm himself he realized he wouldn't be getting much sleep at all. There was a lunatic out there that he needed to find, a victim he needed to save and a daughter he needed to protect. He stood up slowly from the floor and stared at Abby fast asleep on his bed. He managed a small smile before moving a hand down her arm gently. He took a seat at the corner of the bed and continued to watch her until morning light.
Because he wasn't there then, but he was now.