The next day it was like a switch had flicked, and Ashlyn could no longer access the person she had been the previous night. Without the photo she looked at now, she wouldn't have believed that it had occurred. The peace and joy, it all seemed so foreign, like a dream. The echoes of just one night floated around her as Derek stepped up to the counter. Her smile was subdued as memories of the previous evening came back to her. The erratic beating of her heart and the joy that was coursing through her veins. The feeling of unadulterated peace, followed by the surprise of holding his hand in hers. Her hands felt clammy already just thinking about it. Good morning. Ashlyn wiped her palms on her apron, before busying herself with the sugar packets. She appreciated anything that could keep her busy at that moment. Derek's grin consumed his expression as he waved to Ashlyn and then Kass. "Morning, ladies," he greeted. "Morning Sailor. Your usual?" Kass inquired, handing the previous cus

Ashlyn pressed down hard and fast on Abels' chest, her lips moving hastily with silent protestations. Grief crashed over her in waves of fear and doubt, the reality of this situation too much to comprehend. Wake up, please. She pressed down on his chest with more force. "Jack, call 911," someone yelled, falling to their knees beside Ashlyn. "How long has he been down?" the man asked, his hands replacing hers, maintaining the same rapid rhythm. Ashlyn shook her head, leaning back, as the stranger titled Abel's head back. How long had it been? A minute? Maybe two? The aching within her chest was unbearable as she watched this stranger try to revive her friend. My fault. It's all my fault. Jack, she assumed, came to her side. "The ambulance is on its way," he stated, the distant sound of sirens splitting the silence. Jack placed his hand on her shoulder in a show of comfort, but Ashlyn couldn't feel it. Next to the pain constricting in her chest, everything else felt numb. "Ma'am, do

The doctor introduced himself to both Ashlyn and Derek, but she didn't hear a word he said. She was still caught up on his opening words. Abel was awake. He was okay. "Due to a build-up of fat, cholesterol, and, other substances in his arteries, the blood flow to Mr. Weber's heart was blocked, which resulted in the heart attack earlier today." The doctor spoke in facts, an air of professionalism exuding from him. "We've done some blood works, and..." Ashlyn nodded, though really, she wasn't interested at all in the medical diagnosis the Doctor provided. Her thoughts were already traveling to the Cardiac Care Unit, where her friend lay. "If you would like to follow me, I can show you to his room." The doctor gestured for her to step forward. "Would you like me to wait for you here?" Derek inquired, his hand on Ashlyn's arm stopping her from going forward. Stalled for a moment, Ashlyn glanced between Derek's calloused hand on her arm and the smooth, well-manicured hand of the Doctor

"I'll give you guys a minute together," Kass offered, her gaze jumping around the waiting room as she held the coffee and bagged panini out to Ashlyn. Ashlyn tilted her head and smiled sympathetically. She knew hospitals made Kass feel uncomfortable and that she likely wanted a moment to compose herself before facing Abel. Ashlyn respected Kass' decision, and took both items from her, giving her a quick hug. Walking down the corridor towards the CCU, Ashlyn found her pace increasing with each step that took her closer. Anticipation fuelled her. She was about to round the corner and enter Abel's room when she heard her name carry out the door. Stopping where she stood, Ashlyn moved closer to the wall and listened. "...she's been through some difficult events in her life, and it's had a lasting impact on how she interacts with people." Abel coughed a wet, croaky sound. "She's always been kind and gentle, her father made sure of it. But when she lost her father, it was like a part of h

"Now, bearing in mind everything that I have just said." Kass turned and removed two pastries from the cabinet, then held the plate out to Ashlyn. "Go, and be nice." She winked, turning Ashlyn and pointing to one of the tables in the window. Derek sat in the window, writing something on a piece of paper. Ashlyn tossed Kass' a playful glare. She knew she'd been set up, and she wasn't sure how she felt about it. Were Kass and Abel conspiring together? Taking a deep breath, Ashlyn walked over to the table, hesitating just outside of Derek's peripheral vision. Craning her neck, she tried to peek at what he was scribbling down, but his other arm blocked her view. The bandage on his hand was discolored, an indication that he wasn't yet used to wearing it. Was that pasta sauce on the back of it? Chewing on her bottom lip, Ashlyn tried to think up a way to gain his attention when someone approached from behind. "Here you go, sailor." Kass grinned, placing two coffee cups on the table befo