Shane erased her words and replaced them with I’M FINE. YOU WERE DOING GREAT.  Carmen asked “Are you sure you’re okay?  Did you have Larry check you over?” 

“She’s absolutely fine” Larry’s voice boomed out. Carmen didn’t even hear the door open, but her concern was soon put to rest.  “Shane is a fighter and a lot tougher than she looks. When you left, I did a very brief test on her legs to be sure and had the nurse check over her ribs. Everything is exactly as it should be.  In fact, she will be even better tomorrow, I just know it! “  Larry explained.

With a big grin on her face, Carmen embraced Shane tightly.  The hug lingered and Shane enjoyed having the woman so close to her.  In fact, when she felt Carmen release her, a sigh of disappointment escaped her lips and didn’t go unnoticed by Carmen. Quickly changing the mood, Carmen asked Larry if they could return to the room. She was getting hungry and wanted to visit the hospital cafeteria to see what they had that was at least edible.

Upon making sure that Shane was back in her bed comfortable enough, Carmen left quickly, promising to return and asking Shane if she needed anything. With a smirk, Shane wrote JUST YOU.  With a blush, and light jab to her cheek, Carmen replied, “We will discuss that in due time.”  Before exiting the door, Carmen blew a kiss to Shane, and with a motion into the air, Shane caught the kiss and held it to her heart.  Staring for a few more seconds, Carmen left wearing what Shane thought was the most beautiful smile she had ever seen on any human being.

As Carmen boarded the elevator, Gabriel peeked from around the corner of the hallway. The nurse had no problem giving him information on Shane’s condition when she saw they shared the same last name – an obvious relative.  Once the elevator door closed, he approached Shane’s room.  There, he stood with his hand on the door.  He didn’t know what he would say, but at this point, and after coming all this way, he knew he wouldn’t leave without at least talking with her.