AN: Oh, lord. Is this how Steven Moffat feels like when he ruins everybody's day? Because if it is, I feel similar.

"Oh, honey," Jodie mumbled, walking to the water machine and Robin trailing behind her, feeling numb and empty as ever.

Pouring her a cup of water, she gestured at the nearby seats and told Robin to take a seat, to which she did, seeing no reason and having no energy left to resist.

"He's going through a very complicated surgery right now, which will take at least a couple of hours." Jodie explained carefully, like a caring mother to a distraught child when she was told her favourite toy had broken, and seeing the look of noticeable concern on her face, she put a hand on hers.

"Don't worry, we've got the best and the brightest here in this hospital and I'm sure he'll pull through." She reassured, but Robin thought the words would make her feel better somehow, but she felt nothing.

"It's just… I told him I didn't want to go to his office party tonight because I was at home checking out some show on the telly recommended by my own co-workers… I feel awful." She drawled, feeling as though she was about to cry. "It's all my fault!" She exclaimed, tears stinging her eyes and blurring her vision at once; and she did not even bother to blot them dry with the back of her hand.

Seeing the state of Robin's emotions, Jodie gave her a sympathetic sigh. "Listen, I'm off my shift as of fifteen minutes ago so if you want someone to stay here with you, I think I can do that." She said genuinely.

Looking up at her, Robin flashed a weak smile, one that showed understanding and thanks. "You're very kind, but I don't think you should… You've got kids, don't you? I mean, you've got a ring on your finger," she pointed out, gazing at the modest silver piece lying on her finger.

"Yeah, I do." Jodie smiled. "I've got two kids. They're still young, very, very young. The older one is nearly five, and the younger's one barely three… Look, I've got a photo." She said as she pulled out a small wallet, and from that, she took out a small and neatly cut photo showing two brunette children having a swing in the park, smiling at the camera.

"Oh, they are precious. You've got a beautiful family." Robin replied, not knowing what else to say, but feeling grateful Jodie was helping her take her mind off the things going on at the moment.

"Yeah, aren't they? Little gems, they are." Jodie smiled, her eyes looking distantly at the photo.

"You'd better go home then, they'd be expecting you."

"They're probably asleep now, though they do like to stay up in hopes of seeing me return from work. But my husband usually makes sure the lights are off and they're sound asleep by 8:30."

"I haven't had a curfew like that in years," Robin remarked, smiling faintly and genuinely for the first time that night.

Giving a light chuckle, Jodie agreed. "Me neither. The kids never want to go to bed. They pry their eyes open with all their might, and they're always saying they could stay up, but they always end up falling asleep on the couch by 11. I wish I had a life like that."

"You do," Robin decided. "I mean, you have them, and that's good enough. I'm honestly not, and have never been, a big fan of the idea of having children, but if I had those two… I wouldn't trade the world for them."

Agreeing again, she nodded. "You're right. I wouldn't trade the world for them," she repeated, putting the photo back in her wallet.

Checking the clock down the hallway, Robin wiped her tears with the sleeve of her coat and finished the tiny paper cup of water.

"Look… I'm really happy I've met you today and I'm really grateful you've decided to talk to me and take my mind off things… But I still feel as though you should go home now. It's 11." She commented softly, pursing her lips.

Glancing at the clock as well, Jodie gave a small nod. "I suppose I should be… Are you going to be staying here? It's awfully quiet here down the hall."

"I'll be all right."

"Hopefully. And you're welcome. Luke should be out very soon and I'm sure he will pull through this. You're a great girlfriend."

Upon hearing the mention of her boyfriend's name, Robin felt an immediate pang of sadness, as if someone had punched her in the gut.

"And you're a great mother. Thanks." She said as she mustered a smile.

"All right then, I should head home now. Stay strong, love." Jodie muttered as she stood up and gathered herself.

Waving a quick good bye and watching her silhouette finally disappear, Robin let out a sigh and felt like crying again as she realised she was all alone in this big hospital, knowing no one at all.

Having something hit her, something like a wave of emotions; and she pulled her phone out from her back pocket, her fingers fiddling with the buttons frantically as she composed a new email.

To: Barney Stinson

From: Robin Scherbatsky

Subject: (No subject)

Hi Barney… You've not been replying for a moment now and I'm not sure if it's because you've not seen my messages, or you just… You know what, never mind.

I'm writing to you because… Luke's in the hospital right now and he's just been thrown into the OR and into surgery for a reason I'm not sure of yet.

I feel awful. Unsure. Empty. Numb. All the bad feelings are rushing into me.

I'm sorry if I've just ruined your day (which I presume to be going strong and awesome up until this moment) with this depressing email but as soon as this happened, there was no one else I'd want to speak to more than you.

I'm not even sure what we're going to be talking about right now… I just knew I wanted to talk to you so now I'm typing this and pressing send before I feel like this is pointless and delete it.

Robin

Feeling her throat tighten, Robin tucked her phone back into her bag and stared at the wall opposite her seat, having no clue whatsoever on how devastated she felt right there and then. Arching her back forwards, she threw her face in her hands as she waited for the seconds to pass. She kept her mind busy with constant prayers, good-luck charms made up in her head, and all the good thoughts she could ever think of.