I felt myself melting into her hug as I wept into her shoulder. All of the pain and hurt I had felt over the years came pouring out of me. "Tabby Cat," Clarissa spoke in a concerned voice reaching toward me.
    "It's okay, I'm okay," I gasped, slowly releasing the hug and taking her hand. Alex's mom slowly backed up and I wiped my tears before trying to pull Clarissa into my lap.
    Alex stepped forward and lifted her carefully into the air before laying her down beside me.
    "Do you remember the story I told you a long time ago about my mommy?" I spoke softly, my voice hoarse after sobbing. Clarissa laid her head on my chest and I stroked her hair.
    "Which one? The one with the cookies?" Rissa smiled.
     "Yes, that one... Your Thea, Alex's Mommy, just reminded me very much of that day. My tears are a little sad, but mostly happy," I smiled sadly, while wiping away another tear and painfully kissing the top of Clarissa's head.
     "Good," she smiled. I reached out to His mom and Alex, taking their hands in mine.
      "Thank you both so much for taking care of her when I couldn't, and showing her so much love," I spoke as a few more tears escaped my eyes.
     His mother held back her tears, and Alex's eyes turned red as he held back his own. Carefully, he cleared his throat. "You don't have to thank me, just get better," he spoke, stopping down to kiss my forehead.
    Just then, Dr. Hanson entered the room in response to the call button. "Clarissa darling, let me take you to the cafeteria to eat the food I brought you, and then we can get icecream," his mother, Roula spoke. "We will be back when the doctor is done speaking with your sister and Alex."
    "Okay, thank you!" Clarissa smiled jumping up. Alex lifted her and lowered her onto her feet and they left.
    "When I said you need to get more sleep, this isn't what I meant," Doctor Hanson joked.
   I chuckled a little wiping my tears. "I know, I know."
    "How are you feeling?" she asked.

    "I'll be alright," I smiled, still holding Alex's hand.
    "I'll need to do a brief exam and run a few tests, but if everything comes back alright, we can send you home today," she smiled.
    "Do you want me to stay with you, or would you like some privacy?" Alex asked, kissing the back of my hand.
    "If I may, she will probably want some privacy for the first part, but it will be short. The rest can go either way," Dr. Hanson spoke.
     "Alright, I'll be in the hall until you are ready." He slowly released my hand and stepped into the hall, closing the door behind you.
     "That man is madly in love with you," she smiled.
      "It's not like that, he is just worried," I said quietly, staring at the floor.
      "He does love you, you should have seen the way he was while you were asleep. He told you stories, he held your hand, he cared for your young sister, that  man is a keeper," Dr. Hanson spoke as she helped me out of bed.
     Dr. Hanson was one of the only people I would ever think to consider a friend. She helped me walk around the room to ensure there wasn't any lasting damage. "I don't remember any if it," I said quietly.
     "You were pretty emotional, but you didn't reveal your past. He didn't see your scars, but you were pretty harsh toward him."
    "I-I don't remember that," I mumbled, trying to think back as she helped me into bed and covered me.
    "The drugs were exceptionally strong. He didn't really take it personally though, he let himself be your sounding board. He also apologized to you profusely for whatever it was that happened when you met."
     She then checked my blood pressure and drew a bit of blood. "Thank you" I smiled as she left the room and called Alex back.