They quickly swam under the bridge, Marlin's thoughts jumbled and his ears ringing.

They both pulled themselves up onto a gravelly bank, water reflections dancing on the bridge walls around them. They collapsed on their backs, exhaustion finally consuming him. It was night now, and the chill of evening clung to his soaking clothes.

Despite the circumstances, Dory started laughing. "You shot the TNT stash. You know that, right?"

Marlin shook his head, staring at the ceiling. "I didn't really think about it. I was just trying to stop him from shooting you."

Dory laughed again, but softer this time. "You're a terrible shot. But thanks for the heroism."

"I guess you owe me then," Marlin said, his eyelids growing heavy.

"Hey, Marlin?" Dory said after some time. "I'm really sorry for almost losing the file. "

"Well, we got it now," Marlin held up the file, now soggy with water.

Dory grinned. "I'm sorry for getting it wet, then."

Marlin smirked. "And I'm sorry for getting you into this mess."

"Are you kidding? I'm having a blast. This was the whole reason I'm helping you in the first place. My life was getting way too ordinary ever since getting my badge taken away."

Marlin sat up. "Were you an officer?"

"Obviously. Where else did you think I learned those kick butt moves? I'm no ordinary girl, you know."

Marlin smiled. "You were pretty impressive out there."

Dory paused, then spoke again. Her tone was more serious. "Honestly, the real reason I helped you is because of your son."

Marlin closed his eyes, his mind brought back to reality. He would never get the image out of his mind, not until Nemo was back home, safe and untouched.

"How old?" Dory asked.

Marlin swallowed a lump in his throat. "Eleven and a half. This was his first day of school. He was so excited..." He couldn't get himself to go on.

Dory continued on. "Kids are only kids for so many years. They all grow up in their own time, and this will either cripple or strengthen your son," Dory squeezed his hand. "Judging from his father, I'm betting on the latter."

Marlin could think of nothing to say; that was probably the kindest thing anyone had ever said to him, and he hardly knew her.

They were silent for a couple minutes, watching the water reflections and feeling the gentle breeze on their drying skin.

"Dory?" Marlin said. He had to know why she was helping him. Why she was being so kind to a stranger. "Why are you helping me, really?"

It was silent beside him, and he sat up. Dory was sitting with her arms hugging her knees, rocking back and forth. She looked up at him with round, blue eyes.

"Where am I?" She whispered.

Marlin inched toward her and wrapped his arms around her small frame. "Somewhere definitely not ordinary."