Derek hadn't exactly been certain of his decision to drag Addison along on something she'd likely already internalized as a looming rogue expedition to the wild west- ok, that'd be closer to Bizzy's phrasing, if he's being honest- but be that as it may, he could just about feel the crisp mountain air circling about jagged peaks and see the rippling waters of the state's grandest lakes. He remembers his mother recounting a trip she'd made there (through there, actually, but her version sounded better at family gatherings) with his father. Though they hadn't been in the position to take it for leisure, they took what moments they did have- between long bouts of driving- for the best, appreciating what serenity they could experience at the rest stops along the highway, through the glass of the vehicle. The view was still breathtaking.

Views. Viewfinders. He hopes they'll encounter a viewfinder at some point. Addison has always been pretty partial to them. Addison: where is she? The last time he recalls seeing her was when he'd thought they were both on their way to the gate. What on earth could've happened between Point A and Point B? Knowing her, the answer is plenty of things. Wouldn't she have called by this point, though? They don't like to be late, her especially. Still, it's they. That's what happens when you're married: "her" and "him" aren't discernable. It's "they". They are a them again, right? When did they stop being a them? That's something he truly does want to consider at a later time, but right now, he needs them to be a "they" on this plane. He isn't leaving without her. He isn't leaving her. Not again.

Things could be worse. Truly, they could be, couldn't they? Alright. This optimism thing isn't panning out. A pragmatist at heart, Addison knows that things are in fact pretty bad right now. She has no identification to prove that she is in fact herself and the last time she checked her phone, the plane was set to depart in about an hour. How long has it been since then? She patrols the hall, hoping to find a clock somewhere.

Yeah, this is definitely turning out to be a worst case scenario. The jarring neon numbers make her draw in a breath. Thirty minutes. They're probably starting to board right now. She's almost certain of that. First class will be, anyway. Damn me and my expensive taste. She'll take that back some other time, but right now, she means it. Wondering just exactly what Derek is probably thinking right now, she grimaces.

What if he thinks I'm just not showing up? That this passive-aggressive to a whole new level: crossing the line. That couldn't be farther from the truth. When he'd asked her to come on this trip, she thought it was a dream: a heartstring-pulling fairytale that was too good to be true. That's how their marriage used to be, though at the time, it really was true. Once upon a time, it was meant to be forever. Once upon a time, he saw his life in her eyes. Perhaps he'll find his way back. Please let him find his way back.

At this moment, she needs to find his way back to him. Literally. Sheepishly, her feet stutter along to a help desk. This isn't her typical demeanor, but she's already anticipating the skepticism she's going to be faced with come the start of the conversation. Hi, I'm Addison Forbes Montgomery-Shepherd, only you'll have to take my word for it because my purse disappeared into thin air about a half hour ago and I can't remember what flight I was meant to leave on. I know it's headed to Denver. In less than twenty-five minutes. My husband is there. Derek Shepherd, he- Wait. Actually, if he's the one who booked the tickets, she knows the credit card number that's linked to their shared account and may have have something to vouch for, after all. Sure, things were at their worst, but that doesn't mean they can't improve.