"Do you remember..." Roy began; "...last summer. It was the hottest summer ever. Heh, I can't think of any summer hotter than that. We were at the ocean all day, running in the water. And that big wave knocked you over." He smirked.  "I panicked for a split second, but knew you'd come up once the tide went back. And you were laughin', your eyes were red from the salt water, you were holding onto my waist. And  you didn't let go the rest of that day. You were afraid the waves would knock you over again. You were afraid you'd fall."

Alice wiped her nose on the back of her hand. "But I didn't."

"Yeah. I said don't worry, I've got you. And you trusted me. That was a year ago."  Roy rubbed his face. "So, Alice. Tell me; the letter. You couldn't have come to see me yourself?"

"I don't know," Alice shook her head.

"Do you really want me to sue Upton? The director, yes, the movie company. For my mistake. For my choice to do what I did. What would come from it? Money, right? Sure, the stunt was too risqué but they warned me against it, and I did it anyway. Okay, we win the case. And I get lots of money. Let me guess. You'd want some, right?"

"I thought you should, I think you should. Roy, I care about you. You'll get better eventually, I just know it. With time, right?

"No, no, no,  it's about the money," he shook his head. "Oh, by the way, where's Sinclair? You know, the main actor. The leading man. I jumped off a bridge so he didn't have to, Alice. He's probably wondering where you are, huh? It's getting rather dark. Would you like me to telephone him? Should I walk you home?"

"Well. Would you take the money?" Roy gazed at Alice abhorrently. She bit her lip. "I mean, honestly, Roy. From what I've been told you have a lot of hospital bills. And now that you can't work-"

"Who said anything about not working?" Roy said sharply.

"Nobody," said Alice in a hush. "I just thought, it would help, you know?"

"Would it, now."

"That's why I stopped by the hospital today, and found out you had already come home. Roy, what were you going to do with yourself if I hadn't found you outside?"

"Hmm. Probably star gaze, I suppose."

"Ugh!" Alice groaned in frustration. "You could buy a house, Roy. You could, I don't know, you could buy a caregiver or something-"

"What, I can't take care of myself now? I'm perfectly capable of living my life, Alice. And honestly, I don't want the money."

"I can't convince you," sighed Alice as she grasped Roy's hand. "Can I?"

"Not a chance," Roy replied.

"Well." Alice stood up straight and looked at Roy one last time. "I won't be able to catch you every time you fall."

But Roy always did for her.