Abby was watching her. Even with all of the events in Kerry’s life that Abby had shared with her, she still found it odd when Kerry talked about her personal life. It was such a rare occurrence. Kerry caught Abby’s look, which seemed to be of genuine interest.

“It ended badly. I … I fucked it up. Romano went after her for being a ***** and I didn’t stand up for her when I had the chance.”

“It appears that she’s forgiven you.”

Kerry looked at Abby and wondered what the resident had noticed. Kim wouldn’t have said anything to her.

“That’s what she says, but I think the whole incident is going to hang over us for awhile.”

“Do you want to get back together with her?”

“What?” Kerry was visibly startled by the question.

“Kerry,” Abby stopped her. “If she came to see you then whatever you had together must have meant something to her. She’s an attractive, intelligent, although somewhat annoying woman.”

Kerry smiled at her, picking up on the fact that Abby was only half joking.

“You don’t like her.” It was a statement, not a question.

“It’s nothing personal. I associate her with bad memories. I’m free to be as pissed off at her as I want without any guilt, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t think you should go out with her.”

“Abby …” They were near Kerry’s car so she began walking again, opened her passenger side door and deposited the work she was carrying. She closed the door, turned back towards Abby, and sighed.

“Kerry, it’s been long enough. Sandy would want you to go on.”

“It’s not that,” Kerry was lying and they both knew it. “It’s not only that. Kim just came back. I don’t know what she wants. I don’t know what I want. I just know that I miss Sandy so much still that I can’t see myself being comfortable in another relationship … with anyone.”

Abby nodded. To the people at the hospital Kerry had seemed to return to her life as it had been before Sandy’s death. She worked hard, drove them hard, and seemed to be herself. She had worn black for several months, then moved more into grays, and finally began wearing more colorful clothing. When she had gained custody of Henry it appeared that she had her life back. Now, hearing Kerry talk about still missing Sandy, Abby was reminded of how much Kerry must still be grieving.

“I should get going,” Kerry said and started rounding her car to the driver’s side. “Abby, thanks.”

“Any time.”