Back in the present, Sam woke up to the dim light of dawn filtering through the window. For a moment, she felt disoriented, not sure where she was or why she wasn't in her own bed. Then the memories flooded back, and she felt that familiar ache in her stomach.

While in captivity, she had suspected that she might be pregnant, but she had pushed that possibility far away in her mind. Out there, her team depended on her, and she couldn't afford to be distracted. But once they were rescued and back on Earth, she asked the new doctor in charge for a pregnancy test, and then she knew for certain.

The news had filled her with both joy and fear. She had always wanted a child, but she knew that her job was dangerous and that she might not be able to give a child the life it deserved. And there was also Pete. Still, she had allowed herself to dream, to imagine what it would be like to hold a little life in her arms.

But the doctor had stressed that her body needed to recover from her ordeal and may not be able to sustain this pregnancy. She was malnourished and recovering from the physical torture they had been subject to. She had tried to take care of herself, but it wasn't enough.

The night she lost the baby was the first night she went home after a few days in the infirmary. She had planned to tell Jack the next day, but she didn't have the time. The pain had been unbearable, both physical and emotional. She had never felt so alone and helpless.

Now, lying in bed, she knew there was nothing she could have done to prevent this, and yet she felt guilty that her body was not strong enough to keep this little life alive. She wondered if she would ever be able to have a child, if her body would ever be ready. She felt like a failure, both as a woman and as a soldier.

She turned to face Jack, who was still sleeping beside her. She watched him for a moment, feeling grateful for his presence in her life. He had been there for her through it all, holding her hand and wiping away her tears. She knew that he loved her, no matter what, and that she had to end things with Pete. It was unfair to the both men. She could never love Pete the way she loved Jack.

Sam tried to get out of bed without waking Jack, but as she shifted, his arm shot out and grabbed her waist, pulling her back to him.

"Where are you going?" he grunted sleepily, his voice thick with sleep.

"Morning," she replied, resting her head on his chest.

"Morning. What time is it?" he asked, his eyes still closed.

"No idea. It's still dark outside," she said, feeling the warmth of his body against hers.

"We can sleep some more then," he said, his hand tracing lazy circles on her back.

But Sam knew that she wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. She had too much on her mind, too many worries and fears to keep her awake. She shifted again, trying to free herself from his grip.

"Sleep Carter. That's an order," Jack said, his voice soft but firm.

Sam smiled despite herself. He always knew how to make her feel better, even when everything seemed hopeless. She snuggled closer to him, feeling safe and loved.

"Okay Jack," she said, closing her eyes and letting herself drift off into a peaceful sleep..