Dr. Burke said, 'Based on your rehabilitation, and the extensive surgery you underwent..'

Franzi interrupted, 'Come on....'

Dr. Burke finished, 'I don't see why you can't be released tomorrow.' When Franzi glowed with a gigantic grin, the good doctor had some more words. 'But. Hang on there. You will have to come back in for regular checkups; physicals, X-rays, and routine psychiatric evaluation.'

Franzi said, 'But this is my psychiatric evaluation.'

Dr. Burke said, 'Only for your release. We have to be sure you can move forward with your life. This means you are free to resume your work. I will have the necessary discharge papers printed out for you employer.'

Franzi didn't tell him she was unemployed. She didn't want to end up with a bigger bill than already. 'Thank you.'

Dr. Burke said, 'Now, these evaluations are mandatory for every week. Just pick a day and time and I will have our resident psychiatrist schedule you according to his availability.'

Franzi asked, 'Can I meet with a shrink of my own choice, outside the hospital?'

Dr. Burke answered, 'I think so. But he or she will have to report that you did attend a session at for example: 1:00 - 2:30pm on Monday. Is that understood?'

Franzi answered, 'Yes.'

Dr. Burke said, 'Very well then. I will have the documents signed by the chief of staff, adjacent to my own, and you will be free to checkout tomorrow.'

Franzi said, 'Thank you, doctor.'

Dr. Burke replied, 'You're welcome.'

By Sunday, Paula already had her things moved into Emily's old room at the flatshare. Franzi was listening to Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" when the doctors gave her the release papers.

After being released from the hospital, Franzi found her flatshare just as she left it. The rec room, the kitchen, and her bedroom were all the same. Franzi took in a moment to realize she was back in the flatshare, on the couch, looking at the dinner table, and hearing nothing. Then she leaned back into the couch looking at Paula looking down at her.

Franzi rose up her arm to Paula and said, 'Paula...'

Paula still stood but moved and took Franzi's hand. Then Franzi asked, 'Will you play some music, and sit here, with me, in our couch?' Paula smiled and obliged. The music she picked was from a custom Blu-Ray disc with 2/12 hours on it.

Paula made her way slowly to Franzi with the remote in hand. Franzi held out her right arm to Paula again and said, 'Please...stay with me.'

Paula took Franzi's hand, gently sat down on the couch cushion, and said 'Always.' Then Franzi turned on the music as she kissed Paula's warm and soft lips. The first song to play was Christopher Beck's "Close Your Eyes"..

When the song ended, Franzi and Paula seperated their lip lock and Franzi said, 'Just when you think nothing can happen to you, one of the most powerful forces sets you free.' Then she laid her head in Paula's shoulder. While Paula stroked Franzi's hair, Franzi whispered, 'Do you know what that is?' Paula nodded "No" and sat stroking Franzi's hair waiting for an answer.

Franzi looked up at Paula's face and smiled. When Franzi decided to answer, she said 'Love.' This brought a smile to Paula and Franzi's faces. Franzi said, 'Only..' Then she put her finger on Paula's lips and finished 'love' and kissed Paula on the lips.

Paula embraced Franzi and said, 'Oooh. I love you so much.'

Franzi replied, 'I know. I know.'

They were a happy together couple glowing in the natural beauty of love. When Glen Medeiros' "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" came on, Paula and Franzi decided to slow dance together in accordance with their pact. They ignored any guy references in the music because this was their moment. But they didn't stop at just one dance. They let the music keep rolling all the time. And they didn't get out of bed for 3 days.