Resurrection 2013 - the return of Loren Singer

by fictionalmike

AU: what if Loren Singer miraculously survived her unscheduled swim in the Potomac that early January night in 2003? What if she survived, but was comatose for a long time? Who would take the trouble to care and watch over her as the years rolled by? How would she wake and come to terms with meeting her 10-year-old daughter for the first time? Could she ever get home? COMPLETED

4. Arlington: Memorial Day 2013

Chapter 4: "Arlington - Memorial Day"

See my Original A/N (added 19-01-2018 in Ch1) for the "they aren't mine, I'm just playing with them" disclaimer. To this, I now add "apart from any character created by myself". Summary: this is a fictional story, in a fictional Alternative Universe, about fictional characters who entertained us in a fictional TV series between 1995 and 2005. I simply wanted a more-positive outcome for one story-line in the "JAG" canon. After all, isn't that what fanfiction is all about? Mike

Now, on with on with Chapter 4 - "Arlington, Memorial Day". Loren prepares for the arrival of NASA and the Mars team. Carolyn honours her fallen Marine and reflects upon her loss.

I wanted to explore a little more of Carolyn's back-story, her grief and its impact on aspects of her behaviour, plus her motivation, then to set up for a future part of this adventure. Accordingly, please bear with me as we tour the back roads in the company of Carolyn Imes for a while, before Loren's hard work begins. Mike

444-444-444-444

Start Ch 4 - Arlington - Memorial Day 2013

Sunday, 26th May 2013

Home of Carolyn Imes

72xx Old Dominion Drive

McLean, Virginia, 22101

23:45hrs EST

On the Sunday evening, relaxing with hot chocolate and a couple of her favourite caramel-filled cookies, Lorna had questioned Carolyn about Memorial Day, what it stood for, and what Carolyn's particular interest was in the specific grave which they would be visiting at Arlington the following day. Lorna already knew that this weekend was important to Carolyn, from previous years.

Now that Lorna was ten years old, Carolyn was able to respond to questions which had occurred to her ward in school during the preceding week. The school had, during the previous week, run a series of events for all classes and a British TV crew had been onsite to film some of the sessions. The British crew were making a documentary about history education in the USA school system and Lorna's school was one of the premier schools in the DC area. Her colouring had caught the eye of the female producer, so British audiences would be seeing several shots of a bright, alert and intelligent young American citizen as she and her class discussed this important part of the national traditions. It was planned that the British documentary would be broadcast around November 11th - the British "Armistice Day" (known more-recently in the UK as "Remembrance Sunday") which marked the moment, at 11AM on 11th November 1918, when the First World War (which Britain had gone into, in 1914, believing it to be "The Great War" or "The war to end all wars") formally ended hostilities. The documentary would compare and contrast the American and British approaches to commemorating loss and the themes of "Remembrance".

With each passing year, Carolyn had opened up slightly more about Pete, whilst explaining to her ten-year-old ward how Memorial Day had come to occupy such a special place in the fabric of the USA (and how, sadly, it had assumed increasing prominence since 2001 when the USA had announced the "War on Terror" following the surprise attack on that sunny Tuesday morning in September). Lorna had, some years before, begun to demonstrate the sharp intellect and enquiring mind which she had evidently inherited from her mother. Her questions were incisive and Carolyn enjoyed the intellectual challenge of answering Lorna's questions. She was proud of her country and was always keen to extend and pass on her knowledge to the next generation.

With questions answered, Lorna had settled down to sleep on the Sunday evening, safely wrapped in her bedding and with her favourite stuffed tiger on the pillow alongside her (her other stuffed toys had, progressively, been retired to charity donations as she had grown older). Carolyn completed her nightly patrol around the inside of the house, checking all window and door locks, setting the alarm zones and finally settling with a book and a small glass of bourbon, by the fireplace in the study with Pete's photograph and a stack of the letters which he had written to her from his deployment. She had established a ritual tradition of "bourbon and letters" on the night before Memorial Day as she began her annual commemoration of "her" Marine.

In the run-up to midnight, Carolyn took out the final two letters. Carolyn took particular comfort from Pete's final two letters, which had eventually arrived together on the day after his funeral (although Carolyn had been in hospital at that point following her miscarriage) from the remote location where he had been based. He had written about how he was looking forward to being with her and supporting her through the final months of their unplanned pregnancy and they had begun to kick around ideas for the sort of home they would be buying, its possible location and how he wished Carolyn well as she began adjusting her working pattern to accommodate her unexpected transition into motherhood. All were ideas which were snuffed out by the IED.

Pete's words of love leapt from the pages and Carolyn had established her little tradition of timing the reading of his last two letters up to the stroke of midnight on the Sunday night which fed into the Monday of Memorial Day itself. She raised the glass to Pete's memory and drained it, folded up and re-filed all the letters in the special drawer of her working desk and then she closed the study door and wandered, alone as always, off to bed. It was just one more quiet vignette of an American woman mourning the loss of her man.

As always, Carolyn slept peacefully; the daemons of late 2003 were long gone. Tomorrow, a day of remembrance lay ahead. Plus, after ten years in the Twilight Zone, Loren had surfaced from The Long Sleep. This was good news for the middle of 2013 and she had high hopes for the rest of the year.

There were several positive reasons to remember this weekend in the future, and also to look beyond 2013 with an even more positive outlook. In her sleep, Carolyn smiled unconsciously. What else lay ahead for her?

Monday, 27th May 2013 - Memorial Day

Home of Carolyn Imes

72xx Old Dominion Drive

McLean, Virginia, 22101

09:45hrs EST

Lorna had awoken later than usual on the Monday morning, because the public holiday meant that she would not be attending school that day. All of her clothes had been laid out, in consultation with Auntie Carolyn, the night before. Wearing her favourite old sweatshirt (which she wore around the house before getting dressed into formal clothes for trips out of the home), Lorna finished her breakfast and, leaving the dishes on the draining board alongside the kitchen sink, padded out of the kitchen in search of her aunt. The sound of a softly-playing radio drew her to the utility room behind the three-car garage, where she located her aunt.

Carolyn sat in the rocking chair alongside the washing machine, wearing a long brown house-coat over her black knee-length skirt as she polished one of a pair of knee-length boots. Her outfit for the day (a smart black double-breasted blazer which she would be wearing over her simple black cashmere sweater) hung on the coathooks behind. The house-coat's sleeves bore witness to Carolyn's fastidiousness with the polish on earlier occasions. Carolyn finished off the gleaming leather with a flick of a polishing cloth then removed her hand, zipped up the boot and fitted a boot-tree into the boot, placed it alongside her chair, then started on the other half of the pair.

Lorna frowned as she studied her aunt's face, which was pinched with concentration at the simple task of polishing: "Auntie Carolyn, remind me what you said about polish and respect please". Carolyn put down the boot, set aside the polish brush and cloth, then turned to give Lorna her full attention.

"Certainly Lorna - and maybe it is about time we bought you some proper leather shoes to wear to church on Sundays, so that you can learn to appreciate and care for your footwear. OK, it goes back to my time in the military. We were taught that your appearance reflects the pride that you have in your service, and your country reflects its pride in you and the uniform which it provides for you to wear. We could obviously 'cheat' with patent leather shoes for formal events, but polishing is more intimate. So pride and professionalism go together with polish. Some people may find it odd, but you can often tell a former military lady - or man, of course - by the polish on her or his shoes as well as their posture. So for me, since leaving the military I have always endeavoured to keep a shine on whatever footwear I am wearing - obviously not my trainers, of course! As you know, I always wear something black in honour of Pete, so in the autumn and winter (and also in the chilly spring here in McLean) the sensible approach is to keep my legs warm at the same time. Today - Memorial Day - I always make an extra-extra special effort with the polishing of whatever I am wearing on my feet (that's just the way I am); it is something that I consider very important as I honour Pete's memory. As far as I am concerned, today I am 'on parade' for my beloved Marine".

She smiled at Lorna and continued: "Plus I was *so* relieved to throw away my last set of Navy-pattern military pumps - they just didn't fit my feet comfortably, so I'm very happy to invest more in comfortable shoes. Quite a few of my former female colleagues at JAG made the same comment at one time or another, so I know it wasn't just me - I remember that Mac had quite a shoe collection."

With a polishing glove on her hand, she picked up the completed boot with a duster and idly wafted the duster over the already-gleaming black leather: "To me, I honour Pete's memory as I walk to his graveside - it's just a part of who I am. Also, as I sit here polishing on weekday evenings I can relax, reflect on the day and I can occasionally think back and remember my five wonderful months with Pete before he was cruelly taken away from me".

Carolyn paused; she was proud that, after nearly ten years, she could now talk about Pete without weeping openly. Or rather, she usually could - Loren's unexpected comment yesterday regarding loss had thrown her off-balance - it had been a long time since she had last run from a room in tears.

She continued her explanation: "Also Lorna, in my line of business, appearance is important. When you meet someone for the first time - perhaps a future client for example - as they are shaking hands with you they will be checking you out from the crown of your head to the tips of your heels". She smiled at Lorna; "It is just the same for men and women - but women can be a little more catty with their examination - remember that worn-down heel tips are a big no-no so be careful when you drive a car in future years - don't wear down the backs of your shoes when driving!"

Carolyn paused and looked at Lorna. "Would you like to try a bit of polishing? We have time and I'll take over after a bit. Just work on the toe-cap and I shall do the rest".

Lorna looked at her, with a wisdom beyond her ten years. She had always considered Auntie Carolyn's apparent obsession with polishing to be just a little odd, but Carolyn's explanation had made sense to her, now that she was a little older. She always appreciated the time which Auntie Carolyn took in explaining things. In school during the previous week, in preparation for Memorial Day, the class teacher had led a discussion on memorial, commemoration and sacrifice. Lorna remembered one phrase: "Grief affects different people in different ways". This year, like never before, she had understood her aunt's evening ritual. Once it had been explained, Lorna once more gave thanks that her Auntie Carolyn was passing on life skills whilst her mommy wasn't available to do the job.

She looked into her aunt's eyes. "I really like that idea, Auntie Carolyn. Do you think that I could learn how to polish properly so that I can look good from head to toe please?". Carolyn unzipped the other boot and gave Lorna a soft cloth glove to wear as she picked up the leather item. "OK, to get a really good shine, we need to build up a paste of polish on the leather to try and get it mirror-smooth. Remember, we can practice on your dressage outfit for the stables. So first dip the cloth into that pot of water then pick up some of the cream polish..."

So it was that the military polishing skill began its transfer into the following generation.

Monday, 27th May 2013 - Memorial Day

Home of Carolyn Imes

72xx Old Dominion Drive

McLean, Virginia, 22101

10:55hrs EST

Half an hour later, Carolyn and Lorna headed out, fully dressed and ready to visit the Cemetery at Arlington. Carolyn's "mourning" outfit was completed with a long black woollen coat, black leather gloves and a black woollen scarf around her throat; she was ready for her visit to the hallowed ground where her Marine lay in perpetuity, and so she had kept her head bare in his honour.

Carolyn was wheeling a suitcase with some clothes which she would be taking to Loren at the next visit. They walked out through the internal door into the garage to get into the car. Carolyn loaded the suitcase into the trunk and then she drove out onto Old Dominion Drive, the garage door closing automatically behind her departing vehicle. After the early-morning partial cloud cover, the temperature had settled around 71F (22'C) but the cloud cover was moving in on the fresh southerly breeze. Carolyn didn't bother putting on her sunglasses as she drove south towards the Metro station.

The drive south and across to East Falls Church Metro station was quickly accomplished, avoiding the Dulles Toll Road by driving down Balls Hill Road and Great Falls Street, Lincoln Avenue and Fairfax Drive. She made quick progress through the light holiday traffic. Carolyn avoided the huge DC Metro complex at West Falls Church, but she looked forward to the planned opening of the Silver Line extension to Tysons Corner, scheduled for 2014 (if the planners ever actually delivered on time!) and she parked in the larger parking lot on the Lee Highway side of the station. The $2.00 parking fee was good value in Carolyn's view.

Carolyn and Lorna often parked here when they were going out to cycle down the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, a path which had been established along the old railroad grade which headed west from Falls Church, out through Vienna and lovely woodland scenery beyond the Beltway through Herndon and past Leesburg to the trailhead in Purcellville. The cycling exercise kept Carolyn fit, helped clear the hospital smell from her lungs and encouraged Lorna, similarly, to stay fit and to develop a love of the great outdoors, starting from "Mile 5" at East Falls Church. On more than one occasion - as part of a mixed group of all ages - they had completed the entire 45-mile ride from Shirlington to Purcellville to enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the cyclist-friendly Monk's Grill. Carolyn had been quite surprised at how quickly her calf muscles had recovered from the longest ride, whist Lorna had breezed through the experience with a big smile on her face. With transport laid on for those who wished an easier return journey, Carolyn had then turned around and completed her 90-mile round-trip with a major sense of achievement, cycling back eastwards with several other parents and older children whilst some parents stayed behind to supervise and transport the younger children, together with those cyclists who had admitted defeat on reaching Purcellville.

The thought of that enjoyable cycle ride comforted her as she looked across at the W&OD Trail whilst awaiting the Metro train for the journey to Arlington and her more serious duty on this Monday morning.

The train trip inbound via Rosslyn (where they swapped to the Blue Line for the one-stop trip down to Arlington) was part of her continuing plan of getting Lorna accustomed to using public transport. She wanted Lorna to be as independent and confident as possible when she was outside the home, just in case Loren was released from the care facility in a less-than-perfect state after her rehab. At the back of her mind was the hope of a long cycle ride westwards on the old trail one day in the future, following Lorna and her mother as all three women cycled along the trail.

Walking out of the Metro station at Arlington, Carolyn took Lorna's hand and they marched in step towards the cemetery gates.

Carolyn realised that, in this tenth year, she was beginning to look forward a little more than she was looking backwards into the past. Certainly, Loren's resurrection gave a big impetus to "look forward with hope". Perhaps Pete was trying to give her a gentle hint.

Monday, 27th May 2013 - Memorial Day

Arlington National Memorial Cemetery

Arlington, Virginia, 22211

13:15hrs EST

Carolyn and Lorna had travelled to Arlington Cemetery station on the Blue Line of the DC metro system and had walked up to the cemetery entrance. After watching President Obama from afar as he led the nation's tributes to the Fallen (and observed the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War in his speech), the two keepers of Pete's legacy had walked slowly toward his grave marker. The 3rd US Infantry Regiment ("the Old Guard") had decorated the headstones with the American flag during the "flags in" ceremony on the preceding Thursday. The cemetery gleamed in the late May sunshine and the small flags fluttered proudly in front of each headstone, which commemorated a fallen hero or a former serving person who qualified to be buried in Arlington.

Recalling her earlier discussion with Lorna, Carolyn realised that she no longer felt alone, as she arrived at Pete's grave amongst a large number of similarly-attired widows and widowers who were heading into the same section of the cemetery (reflecting the heavy toll of US service personnel around the time of Pete's death). Arriving at Pete's grave, Carolyn looked at the headstone, nudged a stray leaf off the grave plot with the toe of her boot, then lowered herself on bended knee to rest her forehead on the top of the headstone.

Carolyn took off her black leather gloves and touched the underside of her "wedding" ring on the top of the headstone. "Hello darling; yes it's me again, but this time with some real good news. The woman whom you pulled out of the Potomac back in '03 - Loren Singer - finally woke up on Friday after ten years in a coma. You did good there, my wonderful Marine and I love you and am so proud of you."

She kissed the top of the headstone, leaving an imprint of her lips in coral pink, which had been the favourite shade that Pete liked to see her wearing. She then placed a small pebble on top of the headstone, following the Jewish tradition of leaving a stone to mark a visit to a grave.

The coming autumn would mark the 10th anniversary of Pete's interment (and the seventh year since his mother's ashes had arrived to accompany him through eternity) so Carolyn was determined that Lorna, in the tenth year of her life, would understand the small commitment of time which was to be requested of her in future years. She looked across to the young girl, whose eyes were level with hers as she knelt at Pete's graveside.

"Now Lorna, I would be much obliged if, in future years and especially after I have passed (or am no longer fit or able to get here), you would kindly visit Pete's headstone on Memorial Day. It would be nice if you could also fit in his birthday, my birthday, his interment date and the date of his mom's death. If you move away, then please try to visit at least once per year if possible. I'd also ask, should you have children in due course, to pass the request on through the generations who are yet to come, please?"

"Sure thing, Auntie Carolyn; I guess it would be really cool if Mommy was well enough, one day, to come here with us and pay her respects to the man who rescued her from the waters".

"Yes, that would be wonderful Lorna; and maybe that might start to be possible, after Friday's awakening; I sure hope so". Carolyn nodded once more to the headstone and then stood up, straightening her knees and brushing a stray twig from her long black coat. Virginia was finally warming up as the planet swung through Spring towards Summer, but she was still grateful for the layers of clothing which stood between her and the outside air. Pulling her gloves back on, she placed her hand upon the headstone in one final farewell caress. As they returned to the roadway, she turned to Lorna with a smile and produced a small wrapped gift from her pocket.

"Lorna, this gift is for you; I would like you to wear it whenever you visit Arlington". Lorna thanked her and unwrapped the gift. A small USA flag lapel pin was revealed. Carolyn knelt down and pinned the flag to the collar of Lorna's coat. The two of them hugged, then Carolyn smiled and moved on to happier thoughts.

"OK, hot chocolate next and then shall we off to see mommy at McLean or head home?" she asked. Lorna nodded enthusiastically then relied with a one-word answer: "Chocolate and Mommy please, Auntie Carolyn". Carolyn was pleased that she had remembered to put the suitcase of clothes for Loren into the car before they had set off from Old Dominion Drive. They headed off towards the DC metro station. In line with the growing "green" agenda within the USA, Carolyn was trying to bring Lorna up in a "sustainable" way - using public transport where possible in addition to the recycling tasks within the neighbourhood, cycling where safe. They would, however, be driving to the care facility which housed Loren later in the afternoon.

They arrived at the care facility just before 17:30hrs (5:30PM).

Monday, 27th May 2013 - Memorial Day

Room 1013, Long Term Care Facility

McLean, Virginia

17:25hrs EST

Loren was resting after some self-inspired exercises which she could undertake whilst lying almost on her bed - lifting the laptop ten times in the left hand, then ten times in the right. Then with arms extended (then rest!). The speed with which tension in her forearms and biceps had set in was a sharp reminder of how far she had to travel before she could even hope to achieve the goal of "walking out of here", let alone starting to run. She remembered from the "JAG-a-Thon" in late 2001 that her legs had eventually carried her around the course in a kind of quick-jog, so she had hope of being able to run again at some point in the future. She hoped that tomorrow's discussion with "The Martians" from NASA and ESA would be informative for her as well as useful to them.

She gave her aching arms a rest and started on leg-raises, just simply raising each leg five times in turn, before gently lowering the leg slowly back onto the bed to maximise the strain on the supporting muscles. She was trying some half-remembered leg strengthening exercises from her school days in Ohio - before she had realised that she was too sarcastic and self-confident to become a cheer-leader. The abdomen-strengthening "crunchies" would be risked at a later date, she had decided - she needed to check with a physical therapy expert before she started a wider and more-vigorous programme of exercise. She had tentatively tried to bend her body, but stopped when she felt a very slight twinge from the area around her caesarean scar.

Every half-hour, on the hour and on the half-hour, she ran through the cycle of exercise. She then rested, using the laptop as she was re-acquainting herself with ten years of what, for her, had been "future" but was now "history" (yet represented momentous times for those who had lived through those years). She was particularly interested in an historical treatment of the two Presidential campaigns which had been run by Barack Obama. Reading the text of his "yes we can" speeches from '08, she frowned in concentration as she read the words on the screen in front of her; she was realising that she might need reading glasses - and soon. "Oh my lord, middle age beckons!" she muttered to herself just before the door opened.

Carolyn had wrong-footed Loren's sharp hearing - the low-heeled boots made little sound as she walked into room 1013 with Lorna. Her wheeled suitcase also rolled along silently. Loren looked up in surprise from her laptop at the unexpected opening of the door, which signalled the visitation, but she immediately smiled a warm greeting to her visitors and called out the different footwear: "Hey cowgirl, left your horse behind?". Carolyn looked down and smiled, then bent over the bed to kiss Loren's cheek, with Lorna a half-pace behind.

Carolyn removed her scarf and coat, to display the black blazer, cashmere sweater and stylish long woollen skirt in black, then sat down and smoothed the creases out of her skirt. She had planned to maintain the funereal outfit throughout the day when she dressed that morning, honouring the commitment which she had made, long ago, to her fallen Marine. Loren could appreciate Carolyn's joke yesterday about dressing up in black like "Dracula's daughter". "Hi Loren, good to see you up. How's the exercising going today?"

Loren put her laptop aside and began her report on how well her body was holding up after the initial exercise attempts. "Well, my toes all work and my ankles flex with very little stiffness; the knees bend and the hips are mobile. My fingers, wrists and elbows are OK, but there is a mismatch in the shoulders - I obviously broke this one in the river, so physical therapy is needed to get it fully moving after the Long Sleep. The wrist which I broke is also slightly weak, but all of that can be improved. I will be starting with exercises on my legs, with gentle weight-lifting for my arms, but then I will eventually graduate to needing a walking frame for some time under the guidance of the physical therapy team".

She paused before continuing her accounting of her physical state. "My big issue is muscle tone (or, more accurately, the lack of it!). People have introduced me to a new word - 'deficit'. So far, I can feel the improvement over yesterday, but I need to re-learn some patience, I am told. After the Navy and NASA visit with me tomorrow, I am slated for walking therapy on Wednesday - so anything could happen. Realistically, this could take until Christmas".

Carolyn avoided retelling the old British joke, based upon the original (and massively naïve) expectation in 1914 that 'The Great War' would be "over by Christmas". British cynics always referred to that tragic miscalculation, when someone suggested the completion date of something, with the cynical response of "which Christmas?".

Carolyn also realised that Loren was clearly keen to extract the most benefit from her PT schedule - however long it might actually take to get her to the point where she could fulfill Dr Andersen's goal and "walk out of the facility unaided". Carolyn knew that she would support her friend in any way that she could, but decided that she would keep the long-term idea of cycling in the countryside to herself for now.

Lorna's ears had perked up at the sound of the word "exercise". "Mommy, could I join in with your exercises some time occasionally, please?" she enquired.

Loren looked at her and replied, with a smile: "Sure kiddo, I shall make a specific request to the Physical Therapy team tomorrow after NASA and the Martians have visited. I have been thinking about the PT schedules and I would like to speak with both you and Auntie Carolyn - because I think that it might be better if we shifted your visits from the morning towards the end of the day so that I may concentrate on getting fit. However, I obviously need your consent and your agreement to this schedule change. What would you think about that idea - coming here to visit mommy in the evenings - for Mondays through Fridays from now onwards?" She raised a quizzical eyebrow at Carolyn, who thought briefly then nodded enthusiastically as she answered Loren's question whist Lorna was still considering how to phrase her reply.

Carolyn quickly realised the benefits of visiting later in the day. "Actually Loren that would be sensible; I can concentrate on getting Lorna out to school on time in the mornings (my workload in the practice is growing, so an early start into my office benefits me directly) and we can schedule the late afternoon or evening visits around her after-school activities or homework. In fact, thinking about this, as Lorna moves up through the school this might make life easier for everyone, as well as facilitating your recovery. The only problem which I can foresee is making sure that we discuss in advance when Lorna has her after-school activities - but if we discuss the coming week's schedule every Sunday when we visit (and leave a copy here in your room) then everyone will know what is going on. I'd even suggest that we think of missing a visit if school is particularly intense, but let us keep the discussion going week-by-week".

Loren looked at Lorna for agreement, then she nodded gratefully: "Thank you, Lorna, because that will let me rest after what I suspect are going to be pretty-gruelling exercise schedules during each working day before you visit me in the evenings" she added, then turned to look at Carolyn. "Thanks Carolyn, that would make life easier for me - I can ask for a second flip-chart stand to be provided over there in the corner, so we can track schedules and events".

Lorna's eyes popped wide. "Wow, are we meeting real Martians?" she gasped. Loren smiled and shook her head. "No darling, it is just a figure of speech - and anyway you will be in school, so that Mommy can concentrate on getting well and fit and healthy and out of here". Loren paused. She realised that she could actually now consider getting *out* of this institution at some point in the future. She ruffled Lorna's hair affectionately. "Because she had been asleep for so long, Mommy will be helping NASA as they try to develop ways to withstand the inevitable muscle loss that comes with flying all the way to Mars and flying all the way back - a journey which can take a year each way".

Lorna nodded her acceptance and settled in the armchair, picking up a small book to read. Carolyn moved in closer for a chat. She opened the small suitcase which she had brought with her, to reveal two sets of sweatshirts and jogging trousers, one set in red and one set in Navy. "I don't know if you are ready to shed the hospital gown, but when you do, these may suit. I haven't brought trainers or socks because I reckon that the PT team will have their own ideas on what you will need as you regain your sea-legs".

"Thanks Carolyn; I look forward to wearing those some day soon. Thank you for your consideration". Loren laid the clothes back into the suitcase and took Carolyn's hand, caressing the woman's "wedding" ring. She knew that, today of all days, Carolyn would be struggling with memories of loss. Yet, as she looked into the ginger-haired woman's eyes, Loren could sense a gathering feeling of peace and acceptance; perhaps her own return to life had given Carolyn a more-positive outlook for this Memorial Day weekend.

"Well counsellor, how did *your* day go?" enquired Loren, keen to let Carolyn talk and keen to hear about Carolyn's day at Arlington. Carolyn related the day's itinerary, the events inside the cemetery and also mentioned her hopes that, one day in the future, the three women might visit Arlington together and (deciding to mention her long-term idea) also cycle out into the countryside once Loren's rehabilitation was further advanced. She then turned to the subject of visiting Pete's grave.

"Well Loren, every year it gets just a bit easier. This year, although we didn't plan it, I was just one amongst a horde of black-coated family members visiting The Fallen. In a major way, it was very comforting for me and reminded me that Pete is not alone up there. I still remember his touch and his laugh. He made me feel special every time we met and especially each time we made love".

She paused, then looked at Loren. "Am I being unreasonable in avoiding relationships?" she asked.

Loren took Carolyn's hand again, once more caressing the "wedding" ring to which Carolyn obviously attached so much significance. "Well, I appreciate your trust in asking me a question which goes so deep into your personality. I guess that there are stages of grief. What I *would* say, without making you feel uncomfortable, is that man and woman were not put on this earth to be alone. You are doing an incredible job as "the celibate single mom" (as you described yourself yesterday in here) for Lorna, so in my newly-awakened, optimistic state, I would advise you to 'never say never' as a principle to living your life - it would be a loss to the men of this world, especially whilst I am temporarily unavailable to distract any of them!"

The two women's laughter echoed around the room, disturbing Lorna who looked up from her reading and smiled.

Loren lay back to rest - her stomach muscles had begun to tense up as she had held herself sitting up to speak with Carolyn and the laughter, whilst welcome, hadn't helped her muscles. It was yet another reminder, in practical terms, of the journey to full fitness which still lay ahead of her. Yet she was determined to regain her fitness, and looked forward to joining Carolyn and Lorna on the cycle trail. Every idea about "getting out" had merit and meaning to her now that she was awake - and alive.

Carolyn nodded her appreciation, and the two women sat in companionable silence as they watched Lorna reading quietly to herself. Lorna looked up and realised her good fortune - to be looked after, and loved, by a wonderful aunt as well as now getting to know her recently-awakened mother, with whom she now needed to build a new relationship after ten years of exclusively being supported and "parented" by her Auntie Carolyn.

Carolyn and Lorna checked to see whether Loren needed anything else brought in tomorrow. They then agreed that Tuesday's visit would be in the evening (to start the new default schedule of evening visits by Lorna and Carolyn). They bade Loren farewell and headed back toward the car park and then home to Old Dominion Drive.

As they chatted during the drive home, both Lorna and Carolyn agreed that it had been a fine day with good outcomes. Lorna settled down to finish off her "Remembrance" piece of school work ready for the next day back in school whilst Carolyn prepared the hot chocolate and cookies for their evening ritual.

Carolyn offered up a silent prayer for Pete's spirit and for him to continue watching over her, then started to prepare for bed. The upcoming four-day working week would inevitably bring workload pressures after the Monday closure of her practice.

The Memorial Day Monday (Carolyn's hardest day of the year) was drawing to a close. The hard work of rehab - and the visit by NASA and "the Martians" - lay ahead for the morning for Loren. Loren would not be short of a varied (and exhausting) workload any time soon.

End Ch. 4 - "Arlington - Memorial Day 2013"