This story is a little different because it sort of starts at the end.

At the End

Chapter 1

When Hawke walked into her room, he didn't quite know what to expect this time. Each time was different. That's why he was taken aback when she looked up and stared at him. He didn't dare say a word to her. Previous attempts had caused her to clam up and look away. He wondered what she was thinking. What she was feeling.

He knew how he felt. Ever since they brought her to the hospital two months before, he'd been so torn up about it all. At first he blamed himself but as time went on, he just got numb. He wished that life weren't so complicated. It was always so much easier for him at the cabin. There, all he had to do was enjoy nature. Nature he understood. Women he did not.

Hawke sat down on the long couch that took up one side of Caitlin's room. She was now in a long term care facility and they were trying to get her back on her feet. She was doing well and followed directions but no matter how hard they tried, she refused to speak to anyone.

"Good morning," said Dom as he entered the room carrying a small brown bag. "I brought us some pastries."

"Thanks," Hawke replied softly. "I forgot to eat something before I left this morning."

Dom grabbed the rolling bed tray and swung it over Caitlin's lap. She watched silently as he opened up a napkin and then the bag.

"You get first pick," he told her.

Hawke watched her as she followed his directions and pulled out one of the apple fritters.

Dom smiled. "I knew you loved those."

Caitlin took a bite and stared up at him. Hawke thought for a moment that she would say something but his heart sank when she picked up the pastry and took another bite.

That seemed to be enough for Dom though. Reaching her in any way was better than nothing at all.

"What time do we have to be on the set?" Hawke asked Dom as he sat down and began to eat his own fritter.

"Not until after noon," he told them. "They had several scenes they needed to film this morning before they get to our stunt."

"I think I'm going to go and head out there early," Hawke told him. "I want to check everything out again and go over it all with Hal."

Dom shrugged. "I checked it last night and went over it with him twice," he replied. "But, there's nothing wrong with being cautious."

Hawke suddenly noticed that Caitlin had put down her pastry and was now staring hard at the two of them.

Dom stopped chewing and looked up as well. Then he smiled. "Hal is someone recommended by the studio to temporarily help us with the stunts," he told her.

Caitlin stared for another moment and then picked her fritter back up and took another bite.

"How does he do that?" thought Hawke. "He's seems so in tune with her and she responds."

Hawke wished he could find a way to get to her as well but he was relieved that at least someone was making an impact on her. He hoped in time she would allow him back in as well. He thought he knew why she was so distant. He just wasn't sure how to fix the past.

After they ate, Dom followed Hawke out into the hallway. He stopped and put his hand on the side of Hawke's face and smiled at him. "Give her time, will ya?" he told him. "She'll come around. Just continue to let her go at her own pace."

Hawke sighed deeply. "I guess I don't have much choice," he said. "She seems pretty happy to have you around though."

"I didn't push," he told her. "She initiated it a few days ago after something I said."

"What was that?" asked Hawke.

"Well, that's between the two of us," he replied. "But I spoke from the heart and it worked."

"I'm afraid to even speak to her Dom," complained Hawke. "The last time she turned over and pulled the sheet over her head like some little kid."

"Treat her like one and she'll act like one," replied Dom. "Think about it String."

Hawke shook his head. "You're right," he said. "I guess I'm going to head out now. I'll see you when you get there."