“I’m really sorry Maur…” Jane shifted uncomfortably, feeling suitably reprimanded. Maura smiled and pulled Jane by the hand. “Pick some coffee, ok?”

They were halfway around the store before Jane felt it closing in on her. Everything felt too tight, too small. There were too many people in the aisles and everything was too loud. Snapping the bands on her wrists was failing to do anything, other than deepen the bruise that was already forming there. Reaching out with trembling hands, the tips of Jane’s fingers brushed the doctor’s shoulder, a feather light touch that she was sure she hadn’t felt.

“Maura.” It was a croaked and desperate plea that barely escaped her lips.

The doctor turned from the rows of organic whole wheat breads. “Jane!” she straightened herself, preparing to catch the detective who looked on the verge of collapse, her face as pale as snow. Digging her fingers painfully into Jane’s shoulders, she shook her gently. “Jane, name me Red Sox players in the Hall of Fame.”

Jane’s eyes glazed slightly as she struggled to focus on the woman before her. Maura pinched her earlobe, making Jane squeak. “Hall of Fame people, Jane.” She repeated. “Now!” her tone was clear and stern. “Look at me!”

Jane squeezed her eyes closed before focusing on the doctor, her warm hazels eyes holding a supportive smile. “Al Simmons.” Jane croaked, knowing Maura wouldn’t know if she was lying or not. “Babe Ruth.” She offered a name she hoped that she would know. “Tom Seaver.” Jane felt the panic clearing as she focused. “***** Williams.” Maura smiled and relaxed her vice like grip on the detective, she could feel the tension draining from her lanky form. “Erm…” Jane was struggling but that was good, she was focusing on anything other than her own panic.

“Keep going.” Maura released her grip and moved to stand behind Jane, her hands falling naturally to her slim hips as she guided her around the store.

“Tris Speaker.” Jane’s stride grew in confidence with each name. She felt Maura’s hands leave her body only to throw another grocery items into the cart. “Oh… Pennock….” Jane gritted her teeth as a box of muesli flew past her. “C’mon Maur!” she grumbled, putting the cereal back on the shelf and replacing it with Lucky Charms.