The silence of the room sent chills down her spine and she turned on the light. The beds were made and the floor picked up. Her mouth turned into a frown. Quickly she moved down the steps and stopped in the hallway. The television was on and she looked inside the living room.

Timmy looked up at her with a smile and she leaned against the doorway. His spirits were still high for his situation and she was grateful. She took a seat next to him on the couch and he crawled up into her arms.

Resting his head on her shoulder, he asked, "Is Jared gonna be getting home soon?"

She nodded and said, "Any minute now."

Timmy smiled again and she kissed his forehead. Just a month ago he was lying on the table in the ER. Now he was safely recovering from the accident. Her mind kept haunting her with that day when she tried to sleep. The sound of an engine approaching reached them and Timmy sat up instantly.

She watched him look out the window and got to her feet just as the door flew open. Jared dropped his bag on the floor and gave her a hug. She picked up his bag and listened to him fill in his twin on the day's events. Carrying the bag upstairs, she placed it on Jared's bed and paused. He was so much like his father that it frightened her. His compassion for his twin was so natural that she prayed it never changed.

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The patient was wheeled out of the room and he let out a sigh as he tossed his gloves away. The nurses left and he walked to the break room. Reaching his locker, he opened it and slipped his jacket into it. Pulling on his coat, he closes his locker and turns around. Trent stood watching him with a smirk and he shook his head.

"You are truly a gift to us."

Nick shook his head again and said, "Whatever, I'm out of here."

Trent shrugged and stepped aside, asking, "You going to get a coffee on your way out?"

He stepped into the hall and zipped his coat up. Trent cleared his throat and he rolled his eyes.

"Yes. It keeps me awake."

Trent laughed and said, "I'll grab my coat and drive you there and then home. You deserve it."

Nick smirked and waited for Trent in the lobby. He checked his watch and found that it was after four in the morning. Trent popped up and they stepped out into the cold winter night.

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Tucking the blankets around Jared, she kissed his forehead and ruffled his hair. He smiled and curled up under his bedding. Getting to her feet, Katie moved to Timmy's bed and tucked him in. She kissed him and moved to the doorway. Turning the light off, she closed the door and headed down the stairs.

Stepping off the stairs, she pulled on her winter coat and silently slipped outside onto the porch. Pulling the door shut, she wrapped her arms around herself and looked out onto the dark land. Walking over to the steps, she took one step down and sat down. Letting out a deep breath, she closed her eyes and savored the time alone.

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With his muscles burning, he took in another deep breath and exhaled slowly. The park appeared on his right and he heard children laughing. Pausing at the park's entrance, he looked inside and saw the kid from his first day on the job. The boy was sitting on the swing and his twin was pushing him with a big smile on his face. Sitting across the grounds, he saw their mother watching them.

He saw the exhaustion on her face but the soft look in her eyes caught his attention the most. The wind picked up and she glanced up at him. He smirked and she smiled as she turned her gaze back to her kids. They were oblivious to her in their own fun. Slowly Nick crossed the park and took a seat next to her.

Katie met his gaze and asked, "What brings you out here?"

He looked at the boys and said, "Jogging."

She nodded and said, "That sounds like fun."

He shrugged and asked, "Do you jog?"

She glanced at him and said, "Not for a while. The two keep me busy lately."

Nick looked back at her and asked, "How is Timmy? He seems to be doing just well."

She smiled and said, "He's almost too much to handle twenty-four seven."

Nick chuckled and asked, "How are you then? You like tired."

Katie looked back at the boys and said, "I am, but I don't have the luxury of worrying about myself right now. Timmy needs me, as well as Jared."

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Trent glanced up at him and said, "Hey, earth to Nick. Care to join us again?"

Coming back to reality, he found himself sitting next to the table and said, "Just thinking."

Trent chuckled and asked, "Thinking about a woman?"

His eyes narrowed and he grunted, "Whatever. I pass."

The hand was folded and he got to his feet. Grabbing his jacket, he moved to the door and stopped. Trent whistled something provocative and he rolled his eyes as he left the room. He heard the men laughing but ignored them as he zipped his jacket closed.

PGS