Sitting here in the waiting room, I realize that Julie is still downstairs. I look up from my crouched position and say, Ill be back. Then I stand and walk out without another word.

I walk down the hall back to the elevator. Pushing the down button, I look up to see Dana rushing into the restroom. Ill tell Julie whats going on, then go see if Danas okay. DING, DONG. The elevator sounds off, telling me its here. I step into the empty compartment and push the button for the first floor. As soon as the doors open in the emergency room I exit the elevator, avoiding a wheelchair-bound patient and her family as they get in. I round the corner and head for the waiting room. As soon as I enter the front entrance I see her.sitting in a corner reading a magazine.patiently waiting for me. Her long, blonde hair is even more alluring than I remember. I cant help but stand here staring at her as she curls a lock around her finger and plays with ittugging and twisting it around her finger. She licks her lips and takes a deep breath. Letting her breath out slowly, she glances up and catches my eye. I give her a slightly crooked smile as soon as her soulful windows meet mine. She closes the magazine and places it aside then standing up she walks toward me.

How is she, her soothing voice envelops me in a comfort I didnt know I needed. I close my eyes momentarily as her scent waifs into my nostrils. I take a deep breath before opening my eyes again.

Still no word. She came out of surgery, but just barely. Now we have to wait. My final words escape before a single tear runs down my cheek. In response, Julie wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me into an embrace.

Shell be okay, she says. You have to believe that. Shell get through this with the help of her friends and family. I feel her breath on my ear as her words echo in my brain. I bring my arms up and hold her tight to my body. How does she get to me so easily? I thought I put my walls back up. She just broke them down or climbed over them without a problem. I hope she doesnt hurt me. I dont know if I can handle that again. She backs away from my grip and looks intently into my eyes. Why dont we go back to where your friends are? Im sure being with them will be a comfort.