Michael was on call, but he really hated being away from the hospital. He had finally managed to get a few hours of sleep but even that was sporadic. Thoughts of Marcie kept waking him up. Every time he closed his eyes, he relived that horrible moment in the ER. He tried to go back to sleep but it was impossible.

Frustrated, he threw the blanket off and climbed out of bed. He changed clothes and grabbed his keys. He knew he needed more sleep but he just couldn't. He got in his car and mindlessly began driving. He didn't even know where he was until he arrived at the hospital.

The elevator at the hospital took forever to reach the ICU floor. He was out in seconds, racing toward Marcie's room. As soon as he arrived, he pulled up a chair and sat down.

Just then, the doctor came in to check Marcie's vitals.

"Dr. McBain! You're supposed to be on call today. What are you doing here?" The doctor asked.

Michael watched as the doctor changed the bandages on Marcie's face. She was still swollen but looked a lot better than the night before.

"How's she doing?"

The doctor smiled.

"She's doing better but there's still no response. Her bruises and cuts seem to be healing well. We're hoping that she'll come out of the coma soon. Such a shame this happened to her though."

"Tell me about it." Michael said.

"Don't worry. We're taking good care of her. She'll come out of this coma very soon, I promise." The doctor said.

As the doctor left the room, he turned to Michael.

"I'll be back into check on her in a little while"

Michael smiled at the doctor and turned to Marcie. Taking her hand, he kissed it softly. "Hey Sweetie. How are you doing?" He touched her face with his hand.

"It's Michael, honey. I'm here for you. Oh God, did Professor Haver really do this to you? I swear, Marcie, I'll make him pay if it's the last thing I do. John's doing everything he can to catch Haver and put him away for good." He leaned down and kissed her forehead, avoiding the bandage.

He looked out the window of the room, hoping no one saw the tears that were streaming down his face.