Ever had one of those moments of clarity? Like when all of the sudden everything makes sense? I'm sitting here on the bed, talking with Raj, and I'm having one. You know I really think these are what life's about: lots of little moments of understanding strung together by big long strings of stumbling about confused and unaware of what's going on around you, much less what's in your head.

So I'm sitting here like we have been for at least two hours when it comes to me. "I know what is," I say, interrupting his dissection of my last comment. (I knew I shouldn't have let him get into my Psych books. Will I never learn?)

He blinks in surprise, but recovers quickly. "Well, out with it."

"It will never be the same," I whisper.

He shakes his head ruefully, as if he's known all along. "Don't think that matters much, does it? Things have to change eventually."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"No, you don't. But eventually you have to accept it and move on," he replies, not meeting my eyes for the first time.

"And yet again, with the 'I told you so', right?" I rest my chin on my knees, trying to figure out what I'm going to do next. Or if there is even anything I can do besides just…let go. And maybe that's what I should do. It'd be the smart thing to do. But when have I ever done the smart thing?

"What would that accomplish, pet? S'not gonna make either of us feel better, now is it? Whether I knew this would happen or not is irrelevant. What is relevant is how we fix it."

"Maybe we should go away for awhile. Once Sully goes home, maybe you and me and the boys should just… go somewhere. Be hermits for a bit. Maybe that would help," I suggest softly.

He considers this for a moment, and then shakes his head slowly. "I don't think running away ever did anyone any good. Maybe you should confront the problem, deal with it and move on. Seems to be a logical way to handle it." He seems startled to look up and find me crying. Sighing heavily, he squeezes my hand.

"I'm… I'm not…ready yet," I manage to get out.

He hands me the tissues quietly, just watching as I blow my nose and try to clean up my face. When I look up, he gives me a soft smile. "Until you are, I'm here. I'm hung over, but I'm here."

I chuckle softly, finally noticing the greenish tint to his skin. "I forgot all about that. I can't believe I was so selfish. I'm sorry. Let me get you something--"

"You know, it's a good thing you're so predictable or I wouldn't've know how to distract you."

I pause when he says this, having already gotten to the door. "Thanks."

"No problem," he replies. "But make sure you bring the chewy aspirin. The other stuff is nasty."