I looked over at the delicate form that laid beside me. I watched as the comforter that covered her rose with every soft, rhythmical, breath. She was sleeping, probably lost somewhere among dreams. I would have loved to lay there all day and watch her but I had to get up. I slipped out from beneath the covers as quietly as I could. She tossed slightly, opening her eyes.
“Luka, what time is it?” she asked as she stretched. She looked up at me with her beautiful eyes. I always seemed to lose myself in those eyes. I cast a quick glance at the clock, reading it’s digital numbers.
“It’s six. You can go back to sleep, I just have to leave for work.” She smiled and nodded, already falling back to sleep. I slipped out of the room, as the morning sun filtered in through the half open blinds.
I walked past a mirror in the hallway, catching a glimpse of my wedding band. I smiled to myself. Nicole and I had been married for almost five years. A lot had happened in five years. When Nicole told me she was pregnant, I was so overjoyed, I thought that something in my life was going right for a change. We decided to get married but a few months after the ceremony she miscarried. It hurt us both so deeply. During that time I saw a side of Nicole I had never seen. I saw her at her most vulnerable time, I saw everything in her soul. In return, she saw mine. I think we grew closer and our relationship grew stronger. I walked into the bathroom, turning the shower on. I climbed into the hot streams of water, letting it wake me up. I began think about Nicole again. We had been talking last night, she wants to try and have another baby. I was happy, I knew what a hard decision that was for her to make. I know she’s scared about losing another baby but this time I have a feeling everything will work out. I know we’re ready for the challenge of parenthood. I turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. After drying off, I changed for work and quietly left the apartment.

There was a cool breeze as I walked in the October weather. The leaves were turning bright oranges and yellows as the thin sunlight shown through them. In a few minutes I was at the doors of County General. I walked in and headed towards the main desk. I noticed a small group of med students being led around by Dr. Chen. I smiled, it was always interesting when med students were around. Dr. Chen, besides me, was the only doctor that was still at County. The rest had scattered over the years. Weaver was the first to go. She had treated a patient off record and the treatment killed him. When she was found out, it was all over the news. Eventually she lost her license to practice. The last thing we heard was that she was living in California working as a secretary. It was sad, she was a good doctor, even if she was a little on the crazy side once in awhile. Dr. Romano followed. He never did recover use of his arm, in fact, blood flow to his arm had deteriorated so rapidly it had to be amputated. He left and the only one who ever heard from him was Dr. Corday. A couple of years ago I read in a newspaper he had committed suicide. Poor guy, It had to have been awful to lose something so close to you. To have your career fall apart like that. After that Dr. Corday left once more to return to England. This time she didn’t come back. I heard she’s remarried now, to some other doctor. Three departures in less than a year, it had almost crippled the ER, thankfully no one else left for awhile. About a year later, Carter and Abby were next. They had gotten married and Abby was pregnant when Carter decided he wanted to open up his own clinic. They moved away from Chicago to someplace more upstate. We kept in touch for awhile, she sent me a picture of their little boy. They had named him Jonathan, has a nice ring to it actually, Jonathan Carter. After a few years I just lost touch. Susan had left a few months after Carter and Abby. She said she was sick of the terrible conditions at County and took a job at a private hospital. We still talk every once and awhile. She’s engaged to a lawyer. Both Gallant and Pratt had finished med school a year ago, although neither of them stayed at County. Both of them took positions at Mercy. So that just leaves Chen and me. I can’t say I mind really, the new employee’s are nice and I have gotten to know some of them well. I grabbed a chart and flipped it open. Another day was about to begin.

I walked into the lounge, wearily rubbing my temples. It had been a busy day with several severe traumas. I was glad it was over and I could go home.
“You look tired.” A voice said from the opposite side of the room. I looked over to see Chen stretched out on the small couch. I smiled.
“Yeah and so do you. Are you off?” I asked her, opening my locker and hanging my coat up. I waited for a reply as I put my stethoscope on the shelf. She laughed.
“I wish. I’m just taking a break.” Chen said as she yawned. “I still have like five more hours.”
“Bummer. Well, I would love stay but...” Chen smiled.
“Yeah, yeah... I’m sure. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I grinned as I headed for the door.
“Have a good night.” I left the lounge and made my way home.

I walked up the steps to our apartment, pulling my keys out of my pocket. I put them in the door and turned them. Hearing the familiar click, I opened the door. I threw my jacket in the closet and walked into the hallway.
“Nicole, I’m home.” I called into the apartment. I noticed that the lights were dimmed and there was soft music playing. With a curious grin, I walked into the living room. Nicole was sitting on the couch, lit candles around her. She had on a pink satin nightgown and her blonde hair fell loosely around her shoulders. I could feel my heart start to pound, reasons of why I loved her filling my head.
“What’s all this?” I asked, the grin still upon my face. She got up slowly, a smile spreading across her lips.
“Oh, I don’t know.” She said, wrapping her arms around my neck. I could feel her body press into mine and I could feel her breath on my lips. I leaned in and kissed her. After a moment she pulled back, a bigger smile on her face. “I thought we could have a little fun tonight.” I grinned again as she took my hand, leading me into the bedroom.