Charlotte sat outside of the hospital on the ground. She wanted to get out of the house, and out of her thoughts, but she didn't want sympathy. It only made her feel worse. Feel a stronger longing for her late husband, but she knew wishing could only get her so far. Unfortunately, she knew that it was unescapable. She felt like a bug caught in the web of pain. And the spider of guilt was ready to eat away at her any moment now.

"Hey Charlotte." A gentle voice spoke. He sounded as if he was scared she'd break if he spoke any louder, "Are you sure you don't need another day off?"

Charlotte looked up to see Bob standing there looking sheepish. She lowered her gaze, "Yeah, I'm sure. I'll do better here then I will at home. All I've been doing at home is think about him. And just wish he was still with us.." She hesitated, "With me." She whispered as she shook her head. "Here." He unfolded a blanket and wrapped it around her, "I saw you sitting out here and thought you'd like a blanket. The last thing you need is to be sick right now."

All she could say was a quiet, "Thanks," She nestled up in the blanket, but still didn't make eye contact with him. He settled down beside her and followed her gaze to the ground, "I-I'm worried about you Char. I know how much you loved him-"

"I don't need your sympathy." She snapped. She gasped at her own reaction and massaged her temples, "Oh Bob, I'm sorry. I just haven't been myself lately. It's just that.. hearing tons of people say that same exact thing just sets of this.. longing.. I just need to get over it." 

"Grieving isn't a bad thing. Everyone goes through this at some point in their lives, so they're just trying to lighten things up. Bring back the good days. Besides, John is doing the same exact thing. I promise. See.. when you're in love all you can do is think. Sometimes you can't be with that certain person for a reason. Like with you and John." Or like you and I have been for so long.. he thought, "But.. everything happens for a reason. It's hard- I know. One day this will bring you, Alex, and Conner closer together. And maybe you'll find another man." Like me. Oh how badly he longed to tell her how he felt, but it was too soon.. much too soon. Wasn't it? Besides, he didn't want to push at her before she could recover.

Charolette lifted her head and met his gaze for the first time since they'd begun talking, "But I'd feel bad if I got into another relationship. Wouldn't he feel replaced?"

"No. John would want you to be happy. The last thing he wants is for you to be on your own the rest of your life."

She nodded slowly, seeming to comprehend what Bob was saying. He noticed that she began to tear up. He hoped that they were tears of joy. Seeing her upset like this over the past few days had taken quite the toll on him. He's loved Charlotte since the day they met, and was upset when she married John, but Bob was just grateful that she got a good husband she deserved. Bob even got to know John pretty well. He was upset when he passed as well, so it wasn't as if he was glad John died. He and Charlotte both shared the pain.

"Thanks for talking to me. You're the only one who actually made me feel like things will be okay without him here. Everyone else just reminded me of what I once had."

"Anything for you Charlotte."

She sniffed and wiped a tear from her face, "We should o inside, I just wiped a near ice-sickle tear from my face."

Bob laughed, "There's the Char I've missed." He extended his hands to her and helped her stand up. Her hands were freezing and turning a little purple. He squeezed them tightly and stepped closer, "And just so you know, you can talk to me about anything, anytime you need."

Charlotte nodded slowly and they stared at each other, holding hands and faces inches apart for many seconds before parting shyly. "Let's go." They said in unison and then laughed. They entered the hospital.

One day I will tell her how I feel.

One day we will be together at last.

But not quite yet.

Love is worth the wait.