Madra cried tears of joy and hugged the doctor when he told her that Max was holding his own. Oh, thank God, she thought ~ thank God! The doctor had sat down with her and told her the news. He said that Max had a way to go yet, but he was strong. He explained that Max would have to stay in the hospital for a while, but that the doctor expected a full recovery with some limitations, of course. Madra promised that she would do whatever it took to get Max well. She begged the doctor to see him then. The doctor told her that she could visit for just a few moments. He explained that Max was still droggy from the anesthesia and would probably not be able to respond to her. She promised that she would only stay a few minutes and that she didn't care, she just wanted to see her Max and make sure for herself that he was alright. Madra walked into the dimly lit hospital room, and her breath caught when she first saw him. He was so pale. She was not used to seeing Max like this. He had always been the strong one. She steeled herself together, took a deep breath and walked over to the bed where he lay. She took his hand in hers and kissed it tenderly. His eyes opened and he looked at her with recognition. He tried to speak, but no words came out. She sat in the chair next to his bed, stroke his face and said, "Shhh, darling...don't try to speak. I'm here. You're going to be just fine." He closed his eyes and fell back asleep.

As promised, Madra left the room. She was content at least that Max was alive and that he would be alright. Kent was there waiting to take her home. She thanked him profusely for waiting for her. Realizing that she ran out of the house without a coat, he put his coat over her shoulders and helped her out to the car. One look at her and he realized that she had been through hell and back that night. She was still wearing the beautiful gown she wore on their evening out, which was now all crumpled, and she was skaking. When they arrived at home, it was almost noon, and Glynnis came down to greet her. She told her that the girls were taking a nap, but they were asking for their mommy and daddy. Madra was physically exhausted and thanked Glynnis for watching them. Glynnis told her to go lay down and that she would take care of the girls. Madra headed upstairs and entered the bedroom she shared with Max. She went through the door that separated his study from their bedroom. She looked around the study almost expecting to see him there. The room was full of him. She went to the table next to his favorite chair, and noticed the cigar in the ashtray. Sweet Max, she thought, this was the only room in the entire house that he ever smoked these smelly things in. He never wanted his smoking to affect the girls, or me. Fingering the cigar, she thought, yes, that is my Max, always so considerate of everyone. Always putting everyone else's needs before his own. She went into their bedroom then and literally collasped on the bed. Her head rested on his pillow and she stroked it as if he were there with her. Oh, how she ached for him. Oh, God, thank you for sparing my Max. I promise to always count my blessings.....I promise.....and she fell asleep.