There was a difference between Franzi being in a coma and just sleeping but Paula could not see what it was. Nurse Abel was the only person who spoke back to PAula. Telling her that she was not crazy for staying at Franzi's side all this time and she wasn't disruptive. A week after the frire and Paula had not left Franzi alone. Paula read stories from the paper, told her what the doctors said, made up stuff and said they were from Philip and John. She didn't say anything about Emily because Paula tried to keep her aura positive. Paula looked forward to staying with Franzi overnight most of all. On the off chance that Franzi woke up at night, it gave their situation a sweet move-like moment. Franzi's doctor, Doctor Burke, came by around 10:00 in the morning to check on the situation.

Dr. Burke greeted, 'Hello.'

Paula replied, 'Hi.'

After looking at Franzi's chart, Dr. Burke said, 'I see there have been some momentary wake-up calls at night.' Then he checked her pupilary response to light.

Paula said, 'Only very small ones.'

After other questions and some slight questions, Paula found herself trying to protect Franzi from any civil or criminal liability for the fire. Paula called her supervising officer and told him that she had to recuse herself from the case because she personally knew the victim. There was no problem or questions after that.

Paula's lunch was sliced mandarin and cottage cheese. She let some music play for fun. Daniel brought over one of Franzi's cd's and chatted a bit with Paula. Paula helped him overcome his guilt and shame. Paula didn't blame him for what happened to Franzi in The Fasan. In her mind, it was all Emily's fault. After talking for some time, Daniel left Paula to get on with her normal routines of cleaning, talking, and rehab. Paula still talked to Franzi about her therapy.

Paula said, 'Thank you for bringing over some of her music. I know Franzi would say how much she appreciate you being here if she were awake.'

Daniel said, 'I just hope she wakes up soon. Franzi deserves to be out in the world without drugs screwing it all up.'

Paula held Daniel's hand and said, 'I know. I know.'

Daniel said, 'Call me if you need anything. You understand? Call me. I don't care about the time. Just call me.'

Paula submitted and said, 'I promise you, Daniel, I will call you. At the first sign of anything, I will call you.'

Daniel left Paula to her lunch. Paula picked a cd with a variety of German and American songs; but most of them were soft and easy listening.

Paula didn't play any music that would disrupt the other patients or make the staff come inside the room and ask her to lower the volume. Her time with Franzi was special for both of them. Around dinner time, Paula finished reading "Curve" magazine and thinking what Franzi would say if she were awake to read the articles inside.

Paula said, 'I'm going to get changed for bed now in the rest room. You stay here and go on about the article.' When Paula got back to bed, she knelt down beside Franzi and prayed, 'Please bring Franzi back to me. I don't know if you truly condemn us for what we are or who we love. But I do know that I love her with all my heart. Please....bring her back to me.' Then Paula kissed the backside of Franzi's hand and felt a tight grip from it.

Slowly, list lake night, Franzi opened her eyes to see Paula. After opening her mouth, trying to say anything, Franzi finally let out 'Am I dreaming? Is it...is it..really you?'

Paula nodded and answered, 'Yes.' Then she felt Franzi's cheek and said, 'Yes, Franzi. It's me, sweetie.' Then Paula kissed the backside of Franzi's hand again.

Franzi whispered, 'I...I knew.' Then she paused and resumed, 'I knew' inhaling and exhaling, 'you were there all the time.' Still weak from being comatose, Franzi didn't say much.

Paula said, 'Sshhhh. Don't push yourself too hard. The doctors say you need to recover your strength.'

Breathing hardly, Franzi asked through a whisper, 'How long was I out?'

Paula answered, '5 days. I have to call a doctor.' Franzi grabbed Paula's wrist and said, 'No. No doctors.'

Paula said, 'Franzi, they need to see you now while you're awake.'

Franzi said, 'No, Paula. I don't want to see anybody...but you. Please. This...' Then Franzi froze and then continued, 'this...is a moment...that should be just.....for us.' She said all this while looking Paula in the eyes with their heads lying down face to face. 'Please....don't leave me.'