CARLY Carly finally stopped crying. Most of her tears had dried up on her cheeks. Her body was sprawled out against the stairs. Her back and legs stung with pain and any small movement made the pain that much worse. She was too weak to move, to call for help. So she lay there. Her eyes began to close slowly, and then just like that, she was out cold. She had no idea how much time had passed, but it felt like she had been lying there for hours, days even. She tried to fight it, but in the end she was defeated by the tiredness. CHAD AND ASHLEY Chad sat in his third period class, his eyes wandering, darting back and forth. He didn't know why. It was clear that Kahlan was out for the day. Part of him hoped that it would change and she would come in late. Ashley caught his glances towards the door. "Don't even bother looking for her," the young girl spoke, catching his attention, "She's not here. You must've really upset her." Would she really not show up for school because of a little

ROBERT Mr. Woods was always the last person to exit the plane. It was standard and respectful for the captain. He had left his daughter two days ago, and now found himself missing her, as he always did, but something was different. He had a gut feeling that he should call and check in. He nodded at future passengers, waved and gave out what few Captain stickers he had in his pants to the children. He loved his job. It was great pay, he met many people and got to see different places. It was a blessing to him, it seemed like a curse for Carly. All she wanted was her father to be home. He wouldn't lie, he had missed some of the important things a young girl goes through; first school dance to her first date, to cheerleading competitions. He wished his wife were here. She had died giving birth to Carly. A risk they were aware of when a child is breech, and having to go into an emergency c-section. The day his daughter was born, he lost the woman he loved. It was hard on him. He knew not

KAHLAN "Hey Kahlan," James said with a smile, "Can I talk to you for a minute." I had my answer. He was waiting for me. I had a feeling this wouldn't be a good talk. "No thanks," I responded, ready to walk right past him. He grabbed me by the arm, whirled me back around, where we could see each other face to face. He wasn't holding me as tight as he held Carly, but still, I felt discomfort and some fear. " I'm gonna need you to let go of my arm." "I just wanted to talk to you," he snarled lowly, "listen...I don't know what you think you know about Carly. Or about what happened to her but I'm going to need you to butt out before someone gets hurt." That was my idea of a confession. However, it was also a warning. "Before who gets hurt?" I asked, giving my arm a little tug, hoping he'd let me go, but he didn't budge. "Before I get hurt?" He just stared. "Who's going to hurt me James? Are you going to hurt me?" He pulled me at such a fast speed, so much closer to him, where I could fe

KAHLAN AND DAMON "How are you today Dr Meir?" I asked, taking a seat in his chair as I did everytime I came into his office. He gave me a strange look, as if trying to communicate something with me. I disregarded it. I prepared myself for this meeting as best as I could. If Damon Meir wouldn't like my answers regarding James Blake or Carly Woods, he would have to get over it. "I'm alright, you?" I inhaled, thinking over everything that had taken place over the last few days. I had one answer. "Better." "Yeah, I recall you saying that." I smiled. "But what does that mean?" I thought about it. I got to see my home. I got to talk to my family and just get away for a while. Not just that, but I got to save a life. I got to help someone. That was the best feeling, now that I was really thinking about it. "It means happiness," I responded, "I feel happy. I feel like I've finally been able to let myself go." "Let yourself go?" He asked for clarification. I nodded my head. All of these

SANDINO Sandino was lost. That was the only way to describe what he was thinking and feeling. He was caught between two girls and the feelings of a close friend. There was something about seeing Brooke today at her favorite spot, he didn't know what it was. It brought comfort for him to know that not everything was a lie. He still, in some way, knew her. It also helped to know that she was thinking about him and that she did, to some extent, want to be with him. But then there was Kahlan. He didn't know her as well as he knew Brooke, but she just seemed so trustworthy. She seemed to be the person that you could count on when everything was falling apart. She seemed stable and strong minded, something about her just attracted him to her. She was gorgeous, no doubt. She was sweet and had a little bit of a humorous side. Sandino had somehow found himself outside of the Meir home. How did he get here? Why was he here? He had thoughts about walking up and knocking, ready to really talk to