The hospital doors slid open and Michael dropped his paperwork when he saw Ron walk in, carrying Marcie. He ran over to them, taking Marcie into his arms.

"Come on, Baby. I've got you." He said kissing her warm cheek. "I need a stretcher over here NOW!" He yelled, creating an immediate response from the paramedics.

"I'm taking Marcie to the ER." He told Ron.

"Where are Riley and Jen?"

Ron sighed. "Parking the car. Jen's pretty upset, Man. I think she's blaming herself."

"Why would she do that?" Michael asked."Never mind. I'm gonna get her to the ER and we can talk later. Right now, we just have to figure out what's going on."

He ran into the ER where Marcie was being wheeled in.

"I'm here, Sweetie." He said to Marcie. Gently, he assisted the paramedics in transferring her to a bed.

Her skin was excessively warm to the touch, causing him to panic.

"Okay, I need ice and wet cloths right away!" He yelled. Seeing that she was dehydrated, he inserted a needle into her hand and squeezed the bag of clear liquid, as though willing it to move faster into her body.

Please... let this work...

Several agonizing minutes went by, and Michael became increasingly worried.

"Ohhhh..."

He turned, relived beyond measure when he saw Marcie stir. He was at her side in an instant, and brought her hand to his lips.

Slowly Marcie raised her head. When she opened her eyes, Michael smiled.

"Michael?"

Suddenly she bolted upright and began to panic. "Wh-What happened? Where am I?"

He took her hand and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "Thank God..."

"Michael, what?" She demanded.

"You're in the hospital, Baby. You fainted at the construction site."

"Fainted? But-but how? Why?"
"I was hoping you could tell me." Michael said.

"I-I don't know." Marcie said. "I was just sitting there, getting ready to eat lunch, and then... everything went dark."

"I-I'm sorry, Michael. I-I really don't know what happened." Marcie said.

"Sweetie, it was almost 98 degrees out today. Now you were dehydrated when they brought you in."
He saw her gasp at the needle in her hand.

"It's an IV, Sweetie; to give you some fluids. You were dehydrated when they brought you in. Now haven't I always told you to drink plenty of fluids?"

"Uh huh..." Marcie nodded.

"But you didn't listen, did you?" Michael said with a grin.

"I-I..."

"I should have known as much. Marcie, you gotta keep yourself hydrated. This New York heat will kill you. Did you know that it was about 98 degrees today?"

"No." She said timidly.

"What about food? What did you have to eat today?"
"Um... Well..."

Just then a nurse appeared. "Dr. McBain? A Miss Rappaport, Mr. Coleson and Mr. Walsh would like to speak with you."
"Tell them I'll be right there." Michael said.

"Marcie, this isn't over." He said sternly to her.

"B-but Michael, I-."
"I don't want to hear it, Marcie. I'm not gonna lose you. Do you understand that?"

Marcie smiled. "Yes Doctor."

"That's my girl." He said, kissing her. "I'm gonna go talk to Riley, Jen and Ron and I'll be right back."

He headed for the ER entrance, hoping to get some answers from Marcie's friends.