Subway

Original idea: Apr.11, 1989
Re-started: May 2003
Finished: May 25, 2003
Place: Toronto
Timing: somewhere end of the 80s
Topographic images at the end of the story!

by Patty Pat

CHAPTER 1
Jennifer Holmes was on her way to Harbourfront for what might be her last contract as a model. At 30, her career was ending and she had been planning her re-orientation for some time already. She stepped in the subway train at the York Mills station for the evening shooting on the islands, with a sunset over Toronto in the background. She sat beside an unknown man who was reading the Toronto Star without noticing her arrival, and she opened her romance novel. Her perfumed enveloped the man beside her, Michael Smith, who acknowledged her presence and appraised her from head to toe: long red hair loose on her shoulders, nice firm breast under a black tank top, long legs below the leather mini-skirt. Not bad, he appreciated before getting back to the article he was reading. Unknowingly, she had checked him out too. Michael Smith was a Real Estate agent who kept his body in shape by running and going to the gym regularly. At 40, he was in the best shape he'd ever been and looked like some explorer coming back from some fascinating adventures in far away countries. She sighed and forced herself to concentrate on her book.
A few benches away, British actor Daniel Miller was reading a scenario that had arrived in the mail and that could become his next movie. Although he looked like he was in his late 40s, he was actually "sixty-five years young", as he liked to say. His career had been moderately successful, some world renown television series, some movies and a lot of theater play which he particularly loved doing. After two failed marriages, Daniel Miller had resigned himself to remain single for the rest of his life. His two children were adult and away, but both successful and happily married. Usually, the actor never took the subway as he had his own car, but today, he wanted to be in the crowd to get a better feel of the scenario that was happening in a busy city. Even though some people interrupted him to say hello or ask for an autograph, he didn't mind and was always delighted to be recognized in public.
Not far from him, Kathryn Gravel was on her way to the theatre Miller would be playing in a couple of hours. She worked for a computer repair business downtown but she lived in North York. She spotted the actor almost immediately, being one of his huge admirer. She was 25 and she looked at him lovingly, wishing she'd be more courageous and able to go talk to him. Instead, she just stayed where she was and looked at him silently. Daniel Miller didn't know it, but she had been a fan of his for years and had a big collection of items related to his movies. In fact, she was still single because she was looking for Mr. Perfect who, in her mind, was like Daniel Miller. She lived alone with her cat, her apartment surrounded by all sorts of Miller paraphernalia.
Mr. and Mrs. Penwick were senior citizens going downtown Toronto to meet with their daughter to have dinner at the top of the CN Tower. Today was their anniversary: sixty years of marriage, and their daughter was treating them out for the evening. They seemed quite different, yet still very much in love. He looked like he'd come from modest origins while she was more sophisticated and must had been a true beauty when she was young. They became uncomfortable when two punks got in the wagon at the Lawrence station. As Mrs. Penwick was shaking her head disapprovingly, the youths made shrewd comments and finger waving at her and Mr. Penwick silently asked his wife to ignore them.
Jim The Rock and his girlfriend Zapit laughed at the old couple's insulted look after they made gross remarks about them. The two punks made a show of looking tough and annoying everybody, before going to sit at the end of the car and starting kissing and making erotic noises that shocked even more Mr. and Mrs. Penwick. Nobody knew their real name, Jim The Rock was self named because he was 'solid as a rock' and his girlfriend had been christened by their group because instead of the more current 'bug off', she always repeated 'zap it'. Both younger than legal age, they also obviously both were high on something, whether drug or alcohol, nobody dared to ask.
After Lawrence, the subway line was dropping deep into the ground only to get back up at Eglinton. The conductors always let their train gain speed on the way down to better go up the other side. The bottom of the drop was the fastest point of the whole Toronto subway system, still within the safety margin but definitely higher than the manufacturer's recommendations. The Northbound and Southbound lines were in two separate tunnels in this area which also minimized the possibility of any major accident. Miles Gordon had been a subway conductor since the arrival of the aluminium cars in the early 60s, after having been a tramway driver for twelve years.
As the train was reaching its top speed, Miles Gordon's suddenly felt fear running through his veins. A low rumble, a slight shaking like an earthquake and all the lights in the tunnel in front of him went dark while the train lost power and started slowing down gently as the upgoing slope increased. When the train stopped, the conductor put the emergency breaks on to make sure they wouldn't start traveling backward. They weren't in the deepest spot, but not far from it either. In the dark, Miles reached for the emergency light switch and turned them on, bringing light to all the wagons, before trying to contact his superiors by radio. The silence was the only answer he got. The shaking had stopped, but the rumble continued and the darkness remained. Miles hit the headlights switch knowing that they'll reduce the battery operation time significantly. Ahead of the train, boulders were rolling toward them and water was cascading rapidly. As the first boulder started to hit the first wagon, Miles shut down the headlights and ran out of his cabin to order the passengers to move to the back of the car. The noise of the rocks hitting the train was deafening. The conductor tried to think of the best course of action. Evacuating was out of the question without a supervisor's authorization and with the rocks and water, it might very well be more dangerous outside than inside the train. Then a bone chilling thought crossed his mind: the next train! Will it have been stopped in time or will it ram into them? God, I have to warn the passengers, he thought as he started to run through the cars.
In the fourth car, Daniel Miller put his script back in his briefcase and looked around to figure what was going on.. or what was not going on. The other passengers had also put their books or magazines down and were anxiously looking around, waiting for some information. It wasn't unusual for a train to stop in a tunnel, but there was that strange noise coming from ahead that was really not normal. All were surprised when the conductor passed through their car yelling something about going to the front while he was running in the opposite direction. They all look at each other, asked questions that didn't have answers, and decided to wait there until they could get some.
Miles Gordon arrived at the ninth and second-last car when his fear came to life and the next train slammed at high speed in the rear of the stopped one. The tremendous impact literally compacted the last three cars into a single mass of metal while the cars ahead rose and fell either on their side or half way on top of the others, the first wagon remaining in position blocked both by the breaks and the boulders. The noise of metal scraping against metal and against the walls was so loud that no scream could be heard. Total darkness and silence followed the apocalyptic crash. For a long while, the only thing moving in the tunnel was the water that kept coming from the Eglinton side.
CHAPTER 2
Michael Smith was the first one to regain consciousness in the fourth car. He made a quick inventory of his limbs and was relieved to find out that he had broken no bone, only numerous bruises and small cuts. He reached in his jacket pocket to extract the penlight he always carried with him and switched it on. His first view of the wagon confused him at first, then he understood that the car was lying on its right side almost horizontally, and everything was twisted or ripped out. My God, what on Earth happened? he wondered as he tried to get on his feet. He then went to look for survivors. The first person he saw was Kathryn Gravel who was trying to focus her brain into action.
"Are you alright?" he asked her softly.
"Yeah.. I think so," she answered while checking herself for injuries. "What happened?"
"I have no idea, but I'd say the next train rammed into us for some reasons. I'm gonna go look who I can help, want to give me a hand?"
"Of course," she said, accepting his hand to get on her feet. "I'm Kathryn, by the way," she winced.
"Michael. Are you sure you're ok?"
"Yes, I'll be fine... Holly Molly, look at the place," she exclaimed.
Michael was already walking through the debris to try to find someone else. Caught under a broken seat was the young woman that had been sitting next to him, laying unconscious. He quickly examined her and took note of the many cuts and bruises, as well as a deep gash in her leg where she was loosing blood rapidly. He took her scarf and tied it above the wound to make a tourniquet, took note of the time to make sure to remove it at regular intervals. The two of them worked on the bench and twisted metal to free the young model and it took a lot of energy and combined strength to succeed.
As they moved toward someone else, Kathryn spotted her backpack and grabbed it, finding her own flashlight. She then went in search of Daniel Miller while Michael went further back in the car. The actor was lying on the closed door that was now the bottom of the car, he was barely regaining consciousness in a world of excruciating pain. Kathryn rushed to his side and kneeled down.
"Hey," she whispered, "are you with us?"
"Getting there, I think," he said through gritted teeth.
"Where do you hurt?"
"You should ask where I don't, it'll be quicker," he quipped. "Mostly left arm and leg," he added a second later.
"How's he?" Michael asked as he joined them.
"There's a round metal bar about a foot long that goes through his left thigh," she told him, "and I think he has a broken arm, too."
Michael examined the actor who tried to hide in how much pain he truly was.
"We need something to brace his arm. A scarf or something..."
"Help me to sit up and then get my suspenders," the actor suggested.
"You're sure you're up to sit?" the woman worried.
"That might relieve the pressure in my head," he analyzed.
With a lot of pain and effort, the actor was able to sit up and Michael tied his injured arm against his torso with the suspenders. He then looked more closely on his leg and frowned.
"I think we better leave this inside, I'm afraid," he explained. "If we take it out, you'll loose too much blood too quickly."
"Sounds logical," the actor admitted. "I'll be all right, you should check out the other passengers."
With a silent look, Kathryn told Michael that she'd stay with the injured man and he nodded in agreement as he left to check the back of the wagon. The agent sadly found Mr. and Mrs. Penwick next, both dead, still holding hands. Jim The Rock was in shock a little further, his girlfriend dead in his arms. Michael coaxed him away and brought him near the actor before checking on Jennifer Holmes who was now awake and whimpering softly. He untied the tourniquet while whispering words of comfort, tied it again and raised his voice for the little group.
"Seems we are the only survivors in this car," Michael stated. "I'll go in the tunnel to find a way out and other survivors. I'll be back to let you know of the situation. Kathryn, you'll be okay with them?"
"Yes, don't take too long, though."
Michael waved at them and climbed up the broken left side window that was now their ceiling. A loud splashing noise was heard when he jumped off the car on the tracks. They listened to him wading away and then the silence was only broken by some cries and whimpers coming from the other wagons.
"You should turn off the light, Miss," Daniel Miller suggested, "and save the batteries."
"Sounds wise, but.."
"Who knows how long we'll be down here, we'll need the light later."
"You're right," she agreed reluctantly. "I'll turn it on from time to time to check on everybody."
An oppressive darkness fell over them when she turned her light off. The actor suggested that they chat while waiting for Michael's return and avoid thinking about their situation. They each presented themselves, even the punk kid although he didn't divulge much about himself and unconsciously forgot to mention 'the rock' part of his street name. After fourty-five minutes, Michael came back in the car and started to fill them in.
"It doesn't look good," he explained while looking at Jennifer's wound. "I ran toward Eglinton and it looks like there was some cave-in there, tons of debris are blocking the way."
"A cave-in?" Kathryn asked. "But what about the buildings on top?"
"I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if they collapsed on top of us."
"Which means rescue teams are terribly busy without us," Daniel said somberly.
"What about the Lawrence side?"
"No way to go through there either, the wagon pile up is just too compact."
"So we're stuck in here," Jennifer whimpered.
"For the moment. The other problem is that some water pipes have been ruptured and the tunnel is filling in, so we'll have to move up toward Eglinton at some point. The first car is still on its wheels, although badly banged up, I suggest that we regroup with all the survivors from the other cars and move to the head to wait."
"Can't we stay here, Mister?" Jennifer asked wearily.
"My name's Michael or Micky, not Mister," he smiled down at her. "We can stay here for a while, but if the rescue doesn't come quick enough, we will have to move to stay dry anyway. I'd suggest to do it while we can do it without getting fully wet, though."
"I'm not going anywhere," the actor stated firmly. "They'll cut the water and we'll be ok."
"They might need the water on top to fight fires for all we know," Michael countered.
"Then you all go, but I'm staying here," he said stubbornly.
"Mr. Miller..."
"Don't you 'Mr. Miller' me, young lady," he raised his voice. "I made my decision, take your own and leave me be."
A couple seconds of stunned silence followed his statement, then Michael asked the others what their decision was. The punk and Jennifer Holmes agreed and Kathryn said she'd help them to move the injured woman, hoping that seeing them leave would decide Daniel to follow them after all. It took them a long and painful effort to get Jennifer to the first car, but they succeeded eventually. They then helped the injured from the other wagons, which took them a fair amount of time and energy.
"Michael," Kathryn called when they got everybody regrouped, "I'm going back with Miller."
"He's a jerk, leave him alone," he spat back.
"No, he's an actor making us believe he's a jerk," she smiled. "Would you come with me and help me to settle him on higher ground to delay his contact with the water?"
"Higher ground?"
"The driver's cabin. It's about three feet high now."
"All right," he sighed, "let's go then."
They dropped themselves in the distorted wagon and approached the actor.
"Did you change your mind, Mr. Miller?" Kathryn asked softly.
"No," he spat, obviously in great pain. "Go away."
"Let us at least put you on top of the conductor's booth, that'll delay the water for a bit longer," Kathryn suggested, noticing the water already licking the window on which the actor was sitting.
Daniel looked at her, then at the booth, sighed deeply and agreed to her idea. Michael and Kathryn pulled him on his good leg and helped him toward the cabin. They pushed and pulled him on top until he was sitting his back against the former ceiling, his legs flat on what used to be the entrance to the driver's corner. He kept his eyes closed trying to control the pain and avoid screaming.
"You're alright?" Michael asked, anxious to leave and go back to the others.
"It's fine, thanks Michael," Kathryn answered while the actor was concentrating on his breathing to avoid thinking about the blinding pain his body had to deal with.
"Holler if you need me," he whispered and then left.
When Daniel opened his eyes, he was almost shocked to see her sitting on a broken piece of seat on the ground beside him.
"What are you still doing here?" he grumbled.
"I'm not going anywhere if you don't," she smiled.
"Look, just because I'm famous doesn't mean I need you here. You don't have to prove your admiration or something."
"I'm not trying to prove anything, although I do admire you. In fact, it's purely egoistic if I stay here. You've made quite clear that you didn't need me. Maybe I'm just here to stalk you."
"Pathetic," he snorted.
"I'll turn the light off, let me know if you need something," she ignored his last word.
He stubbornly remained silent for a while. In the darkness, she could hear his jerky breathing when he moved and the pain rose to a higher level. She wanted nothing else than go to him and comfort him, but he'd have to take the first step toward her. Daniel wasn't quite sure what were the emotions he was feeling at the thought of this young woman sitting in the dark beside him, refusing to leave him alone despite his earlier anger act. It was flattering, certainly, but the idea she was doing it only because he was rich and famous couldn't be totally erased. Yet, she was there asking nothing, just being ready to help if he were to ask. Daniel Miller was in pain, wanting --no, needing!-- some company and yet refusing to acknowledge her, feeling a bit claustrophobic in the total and silent darkness. The more time passed, the more miserable he felt.
"What's your name?" his deep voice resounded as he gave in.
"Kathryn Gravel," she answered instantly, her wide smile hidden in the darkness. "My friends call me Kay or Kat."
"Why do you stay here with me?"
"To make sure you'll be all right and for the pleasure of your company."
"I haven't been the most pleasant guy around so far," he snorted sarcastically.
"You're a good actor, but you're not fooling me."
"I don't?"
"Not for a second, nope."
"And why not?"
"Look Mr. Miller, I've been admiring you for at least twenty years. I know you're the nicest man around and you're very altruistic. So your 'I'm an arrogant bastard' act didn't work on me. But if you need your space, I understand, and I let you have it. But you can't stop me from keeping an eye on you," she smiled.
"What if I really am an arrogant arsehole?"
"And the devil's advocate, too," she laughed.
Daniel smiled in the darkness and remained silent for a little while, thinking.
"I must be loosing my touch because I usually fool everyone when I do it," he pondered out loud.
"Maybe they were poor judges of character.. Maybe it was my wishful thinking at work.. And you're not loosing anything: Michael bought it."
"Ah! And he failed in convincing you, too.."
"Not his fault, it was a lost cause. I have the utmost confidence in your gentleness."
And you have the sweetest soul I've ever seen, he thought silently.
"You have me at a disadvantage here," he said softly, "why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?"
"Nothing exciting about my life, Mr. Miller.."
"And call me Dan, please," he interrupted her.
"For the moment, I'm into computer repairs," she continued ignoring his remark, "but I worked in telecommunications before."
"Married, children?" he asked, surprised at himself for his indiscretion.
"No and no. I have a cat," she giggled.
"You aren't from Toronto?"
"No, I moved here last year, from Moncton New Brunswick."
"The hint of French accent betrays you," he told her.
"Yes, I can't seem to be able to get rid of it," she laughed.
"Don't try, it's charming," he answered, making her blush in the darkness.
"So," she quickly changed the subject, "were you reading a new project before we got stuck here?"
"Yes, a horror movie."
"Again?" she giggled.
"Again! But I don't know yet if I'll accept the part or not. I might take some time off after the end of this play. My daughter's pregnant and I'll be a grand-father in a few weeks," he said proudly.
"That's great news," she said sincerely. "I'm sure you'll be a wonderful grand-pa."
"Thank you, even though it doesn't make me feel any younger."
"You may have some life experience but you most certainly aren't old," Kathryn affirmed strongly.
"Ha! I could probably be your grand-father, too, you know."
"Mathematically, yes, but that's only that: mathematics. Youth is a state of mind and you definitely aren't looking your age, so cheer up."
"You have answers to everything, don't you," he shook his head in disbelief.
"No, I most definitely don't," she answered, slightly hurt by his comment even if it wasn't intended as a criticism.
A long silence followed their last exchange. The gurgling of the water was increasing slightly, making Daniel suspicious.
"Is the water in the car already?" he asked.
" 'fraid so," Kathryn answered.
"Turn the light on, please," he ordered gently.
There was a click and the sudden light blinded them for a second. Daniel looked around and instantly noticed that his companion had her feet in the water.
"Why didn't you say something?" he growled.
"It wouldn't stop the water if I had said anything," she lectured.
"Don't be stupid! Come sit up here instead of staying down there."
"I don't want to hurt you more than you are already hurting," she shyly countered.
"You won't. Come now.."
You stayed here for me, I'm not going to let you freeze to death by my feet! he mentally added as she moved around to pull herself on the ledge to his right side.
"Thanks," she smiled before shutting off the light.
"You know," Daniel started softly, "it's still time to go join the others in a dry car.."
"You want to go?"
"No, I meant for you," he rectified.
"Ain't going nowhere if you don't," she stated firmly and she felt him shaking his head.
"You're something else," he whispered.
"Tell me, why didn't you want to go with the others?" she asked softly.
He sighed. "Certainly not to trap you here with me," he teased before continuing more seriously. "I guess I wanted to preserve my super-hero image intact and avoid to be seen in pain."
"There's more to it than just your ego," she analyzed.
"There's that too," he countered, "but you have a sharp mind. I don't think I could've endure to go there and I didn't want them to stay here because of me. It's safer there than here, I'd rather be alone when the time comes."
"I prefer your first explanation," she said.
"I am not the perfect altruistic man you believe I am, Kathryn. I have my own fears and pains. Plenty of it."
"You will not die here, Dan!"
They remained silent for a while after that, barely touching, darkness enveloping them like a cold blanket. There was no sound other than the water dripping and death was hanging heavily in the silent tunnel.
"Kathryn?" the actor murmured, a couple of hours later.
"I'm here," she answered.
"Thought maybe you were sleeping."
"Meeting you for the first time and falling asleep? How rude!" she teased. "How are you feeling?"
"Been better," he admitted. "Would you have another go at the light, please?"
"Sure," she said clicking it on.
They both checked and mentally calculated how fast the water was rising and how long it would be until they would be wet. The prospect wasn't a pleasant one and they could now see that it wouldn't be too long before they start experiencing it. Kathryn decided to try changing their mind.
"Hey, I have a couple of sandwiches and soda, you want some?"
"I'm not particularly hungry, but a drink would be good," he agreed.
"Food would give you some energy against the cold and the pain," she suggested.
"Maybe later," he compromised.
When the light disappeared again, Daniel passed his good arm around the woman's shoulder and pulled her close to him. She leaned against him without question, feeling the same need for moral and physical support than he did. The pain in his injured limbs was excruciating and the blood loss was making him slightly dizzy. Her body heat seemed to give him a little bit of strength and he was grateful for that tiny reprieve.
"I probably should be mean and obnoxious so you'd finally leave me, but.. I lack courage and strength to do that. Kay, I'm glad you chose to stay," he weakly admitted.
"You're the most courageous and strong man I've ever met, Daniel. Anybody else would be screaming and crying in pain but you don't. It's an honor and a privilege to be by your side."
He squeezed her shoulders in a silent answer.
CHAPTER 3
Five hours had passed since the crash when the cold water reached them. The young woman was doing her best to keep the conversation going, as much to get to know each other as to get his mind off the increasing pain he was feeling. When they felt the water overflowing on top of their refuge, the only acknowledgment of it they had was to hold each other close, trying to share their body warmth as much as possible. They might have had some nice weather lately, but the water felt like freezing cold as it slowly started to submerge them.
As the time passed, the level kept rising relentlessly and they were both terribly cold, shivering together while trying to chat and think about something else.
"Kay, y-you should g-go," Daniel croaked between clattering teeth as the water reached his torso.
"N-no," she answered, pressing herself tighter against him.
"I.. I'd rather be alone w-when I'll drown," he whispered sadly.
"You - are - not - going to die," she firmly stated.
"Hypot-thermia or drowning, d-doesn't matter.."
"D-don't you give up the f-fight!"
"I'm so t-tired," he sighed.
"Keep t-talking, stay awake," she ordered him. "You're n-not leaving me, you hear?!"
So she kept them talking while the damp darkness kept its oppressing hold on them. Suddenly, she felt him tense and gasp.
"What?" she asked worried.
"Something furry t-touched me," he answered.
"I'll turn on the light to frighten the rats," she said as she started doing it.
They both screamed and reflexively tried to jump on their feet when they discovered the body of Zapit floating by them.
"ohshitohshit" Kathryn repeated as she tried to regain her pulse under control, hugging her companion tightly. Daniel was only trying to controle his breathing and pain the sudden movement had awakened. They settled down eventually, both gaining strength from the other.
"Okay Kay?" he asked gently.
"Y.. Yeah, I think. You?"
"I'll live.."
"You two okay?" a voice from above questioned nervously.
"Yes Michael, we are.. Just got scared by.. a body reaching us."
"Ah," the young man said as he jumped in the water filled car, "I heard a scream, I thought something had happened. Let me take her away," he suggested without waiting for an answer, pulling the punk's body and bringing it to the other side of the wagon, getting her shoelace tied around a post. He swam back toward them. "There, she won't bother you now. Kay, you sure you don't want to join us? we're still fairly dry there.."
"Dan?"
"No."
"No," she answered to Michael. "How's Jennifer?"
"Not good," he admitted sadly. "I'm not sure she'll make it..."
"I hope she does, Mike."
"Yeah, me too.. Ok, I'll go back. If you change your mind, feel free to join us," he concluded to Kathryn, evidently avoiding the actor.
"He's a good man," Daniel said once Michael was gone and the light was off again.
"Yes he is, even if he doesn't think very highly of you at the moment."
"If I had done my job properly, neither would you," he pointed out.
"Ah, but I was a lost cause from the start, no fault of yours really," she smiled, hugging him tenderly.
Too soon, the adrenaline rush that had temporarily warmed their blood ran out and they started shivering again as the water kept rising relentlessly. Kathryn soon had to kneel to keep her head out of the water and Daniel had to keep his chin up. Getting her frozen brain to work, the woman knew she had to do something but what would that be?
"Dan.. what if w-we float toward t-that broken window and we p-pull you up on the car?"
"Can't.. No use.." he whispered tiredly.
"We can't just s-stay here," she remarked.
"You g-go," he told her.
"We've b-been through this b-before, Dan," she frowned. "Hold on, I'm g-going to get the light on."
Quickly, she passed the ray of light through the car and assessed the situation. Not good, she thought. She looked at the actor who was pale and shivering. Tenderly, she passed her hand in his hair and smiled.
"D-don't you give up on me, okay?" she murmured.
"I-I'll t-try."
She looked around again and suddenly found what she was unconsciously looking for.
"I'll be right back," she told him as she jumped off the ledge and swam toward some floating piece of plastic bench. It was about eight inches thick and 2 feet wide. She swam back with the debris in tow. By then, the actor had to struggle to keep his mouth out of the frigid water. Kathryn climbed back on the ledge and bent over him as she stood above his legs.
"There's the p-plan," she said. "You get your g-good arm around my neck and I'll p-pull you up enough to pass this under so you'll sit a b-bit higher."
"It's o-only d-delaying the i-inevitable," he countered. "Why b-bother?"
"B-because I'm not giving up! C'mon.. I don't want t-to hurt you m-more, so help-p me with it."
So he did as she asked. The water reducing his weight, it was relatively easily that she raised him enough to slip the plastic piece under him. With clenched teeth, he held onto her, the pain slightly numbed by the cold.
"Alright Dan?" she asked once he was again seated with his head above water.
"Yes.. Thanks.. What about you?"
"I'll just kneel here for now. Ok if I switch the light off?"
"Please do."
And the long cold wait continued as the water slowly kept rising. Yet, Kathryn was forcing him to keep talking and stay awake, not willing to let him fall into a hypothermic sleep that could be deadly.
--------
It took them a while to realize that the water had stopped rising, finally. The actor again had water up to his chin and had to raise his head to keep from swallowing the cold liquid. They waited, expecting the level to start rising again, but it didn't. Unfortunately, it didn't recede either.
"D-do you hear?" the woman asked suddenly getting into a straighter position.
"W-what?" he asked weakly.
"Sounds l-like sledgehammer.."
"Wishful t-thinking again," he sighed.
"No, listen..."
They both did but there was nothing. When Daniel turned to talk to her, he suddenly heard it too, a deep mechanical rumble.
"My God, you're right," he murmured, hope revived.
"Sounds like t-they're coming from t-the other tunnel," she analyzed.
Another half hour passed in small talks while the rumble continued in the far background. Then miraculously, the water level started to lower.They were still wet and cold, but a hopeful feeling was warming them up unconsciously.
"The n-noise has s-stopped," Daniel noticed.
"They might need t-to wait for the water t-to exit," she thought out loud.
"Maybe.."
Anxiously, they waited for something to happen as the minutes ticked away and the water quickly disappeared. Then a voice emerged from the darkness, still far but definitely present.
"Anybody in there?" the voice yelled from the distance.
"HERE!" Kathryn yelled back, reaching for her flashlight and clicking it on.
"G-go meet them," the actor suggested weakly.
"You'd better not give up now, Daniel," she warned him tenderly.
"I w-won't.."
She got off their small refuge and raised herself close to the opening above her. She was too cold and weak to climb out, so she yelled and waved her flashlight from inside. Soon, she heard footsteps rushing closer and a man's face wearing a construction hat appeared on top of the car.
"Are you ok, Ma'am?" he asked as he reached her.
"Y-yes.. but my companion d-down there needs help quickly. He's b-badly injured and cold."
"I'll be back with the medics in a few," the man said, rushing away.
Kathryn went back near the actor and climbed back slowly beside him.
"They're coming, Dan. You'll b-be safe and warm soon."
"S-so will you... Look Kathryn, I... T-thanks for sticking w-with me.. I've b-been an ass but y-you stayed.. Thanks.."
"Don't m-mention it," she smiled, giving him a hug that he returned weakly.
The medics arrived shortly after and quickly examined the actor before giving him a painkiller shot. While they waited for the drug to take effect, they examined the woman too. Then they placed the actor on a stretcher to carry him out to the ambulance. One nurse stayed with Kathryn, wrapping her in dry blankets, while waiting for another team to bring a stretcher since she was too weak to walk herself. She wanted nothing more than stay with Daniel, but her body betrayed her and she had to stay and wait.
CHAPTER 4
Daniel Miller woke up with a start after more than twenty-four hours of sleep. A quick look around confirmed that he was indeed safe in a hospital and neither dead or still trapped in frigid water. He sighed in relief and closed his eyes to calm his frantic heartbeats. He took him a few moments to get his fuzzy brain to function normally as he reviewed the events leading to his hospitalization. The subway crash, the pain, the darkness and the cold.. and that young woman whose name was escaping him.. then.. nothing until this room.. How did I get out? he wondered. What about her, is she in here too? He reached for the call button and rang the nurse.
A tall and unhappy nurse entered his room a few moments later. She checked him and gave him some pills as it was the night shift and she hated being bothered by any patients. He tried to ask her some questions, but her favorite answer was "I don't know" and when she left, he was almost asleep again. Bitch! was his last thought before joining Morpheus' realm.

The next morning, the staff in charge was very much more agreeable and the actor got some bits of information about the crash rescue operation. One of the nurse, Nina, had a slight crush on him and took great care of him when she was on duty. She told him that he had been lucky to be rescued when he had been because he had a very severe hypothermia and a great loss of blood, but he would be alright. The surgeon had fixed his leg wound and he had a broken forearm, but otherwise he was fine.
"There was a young woman with me," he asked her, "do you know if she's here?"
"I'll have a look," Nina answered. "But there were too many injured to have them all here, so she might have been directed to another hospital. What's her name?"
"That's the problem," he admitted sadly, "I vaguely remember Catherine but not her last name, if she ever told me.."
"Was she badly hurt?"
"I don't think.. maybe.. It's a bit fuzzy in my memory.."
"It's normal," the nurse reassured him. "I'll check if the team who brought you here knows anything about her."
"Thank you, I appreciate that."
"Now you have to rest, Mr. Miller."
"That's all I do," he grumbled unhappily.
"Yes and your body needs it. I'll come by later," she promised before leaving.
---
As a matter of fact, the nurse had been right. Kathryn had been sent to another hospital where they received the lesser injuries. She was released the next day since she only had suffered from hypothermia and had nothing but a couple of bruised ribs. Reading the paper while waiting for her friend and employer to pick her up, she was shocked to see how many casualties there had been. There was no mention of Miller anywhere and she hoped it meant good news.
"Hey Kay, you alright?" Richard, her employer, asked as he crossed the hall.
"Yes, I'm okay. Sorry for the inconvenience."
"No problem, you just take a few days off, that'll give you time to recuperate. How was it?"
And she told him while they drove toward home. His wife was a doctor, maybe she could help her locate the actor and make sure he's fine? Richard assured her that she would certainly try which relieved the young woman.
Indeed, when Dr. Mary Preston visited her that evening, Kathryn learned that Daniel Miller was at the North York Hospital where Mary was working, and that he was healing nicely for a man his age. Kay cringed at the comment. Yes, mathematically, he could be my grand-father. She smiled inwardly at the memory of the start of their conversation.
"Do you think you could give him a message from me?" Kay asked her.
"Write it down, I'll have a nurse deliver it," the woman said.
Richard and his wife stayed long enough to have dinner and clean up afterward, then they left for the night, ordering the young woman to take the week off and rest.
CHAPTER 5
"Nurse!" the actor called before the door closed behind her.
"Yes, Mr. Miller?" she answered with obvious annoyance.
"Who gave you this?" he asked showing the short letter in his right hand.
"Dr. Preston's secretary."
"I must know where the person who wrote this lives! She hasn't left any address or phone number on the card."
"Maybe she didn't want you to know," she said with a sarcastic smile.
"Will you find who brought that note in the building, please?" he requested ignoring her last remark.
"I'll try to ask, but we're not a mail service and you may have noticed that we are already overworked," she answered harshly.
"Yes I understand, but it's very important, please."
"I'll try," she repeated as she exited the room.
Damn.. why didn't she give me a phone number? Surely, she must know that I'd want to thank her... The actor could only wait and hope that someone will come with some information.
Nina, the only nurse who was very nice to him, started her shift at noon and went almost immediately to check on him. Daniel showed her the note and explained that it came by internal mail but that he hadn't been able to find the originator yet.
"Would you help me? I need to find her," he almost begged.
"I'll ask Dr. Preston's secretary about it," she told him.
"You will ask what to my secretary?" Mary Preston asked as she entered the room.
"Oh! Dr. Preston," the nurse blushed like a kid caught stealing from a candy store.
"Yes, I'm replacing Dr. Zolinsky this afternoon. And not too happy about it, either," she grumbled as she grabbed Miller's chart.
"Dr. Preston?" the actor asked confused.
"Yes, Mr. Miller. I'll be checking your leg wound and the nurse will redo your bandage."
"Would you know who sent this note that came to me via your secretary, by any chance?" Daniel questioned, hopeful.
"Hmm.. looks alright," the doctor said at the injured thigh. "You're healing fast. A day or two and you'll be able to try and walk a little again."
"Thank you. About the letter?.."
"Do you feel you need some painkiller, Mr. Miller?" the doctor asked professionally.
"No, no.. Please, it's very important that I find the person who wrote that note," he insisted, looking at Nina for clues on the doctor's attitude.
Dr. Mary Preston finished writing on the chart and told the nurse to do the bandage. She took a prescription pad off her white coat and scribbled a few things on it. She tore off the pad and gave it to the actor who was totally crestfallen.
"Here, Mr. Miller," Mary said with a large smile, "you can reach her at home. Kay is a very dear friend of my husband and I. I'm the one who brought the note today. So now you can stop annoying the staff. I already had three complaints today, I don't want to have any more."
"Thank you," he choked, flabbergasted by her changing attitude. "Thank you so very much!"
"You're welcome. I have to go, I have two runs to do this afternoon, no time for idle chat, I'm afraid," she smiled before leaving the nurse and the actor.
"Mystery solved," Nina said while she finished the bandage.
"Yes," he agreed pensively. "You think she'd mind if I call her?"
"Oh c'mon now, you've been searching for her since you awoke and now you're hesitating?" she teased.
"You're right," he said firmly. "I will call her."
Nina put the blankets back up and pushed the rolling tray with the phone on it closer to the bed.
"I'll see you later in my shift," she said, patting his good hand softly.
"Yes. Thank you Nina."
She winked and left the room. The actor looked at the phone with hesitation for a moment. Then with resolve, he grabbed it and dialed the number given by the doctor.
"Yeah," answered the voice.
"May I talk to Kathryn, please," he asked nervously.
"Speaking."
"Hi," he gulped, "it's Daniel Miller."
"Mr. Miller! What a surprise!" she exclaimed enthusiastically. "How are you doing?"
"Much better than the last time you saw me," he admitted. "How about you?"
"I'm doing well, I just have to be mindful of a couple of bruised ribs, but nothing else. How did you get my number?"
"A luck, Dr. Preston had to check on another doctor's patients, including me... so since I've been nagging everybody about the note you wrote me, she told me where to reach you. Why didn't you give me a number or an address?"
"I didn't want to impose on you.. After all, I'm just a fan amongst others," she answered gently.
"You've got to be joking! Of course not! You saved my life down there."
"Nah, you're tough, you'd have been fine on your own."
"We both know it isn't so, but I'm not calling to argue with you," he smiled. "Will I see you again?"
"If you want to, I'd be delighted to see you."
"Of course I want to!" he said vehemently. "Would come see me here?"
"Mary said it wasn't possible," she countered with a frown.
"Why not?"
"Something to do with your celebrity status, I think."
"Oh, that.. Yeah, they don't give any information to anybody in case it'd be the press. But I'm room 1124 and you surely can pop up here anytime you wish to."
"What are the visiting hours?"
"Whenever you want.. celebrity status and that.."
"I see. Midnight, one a.m. then?" she laughed.
"That'd be ok with me, but then you'd have to fight with Cerberus, the night nurse," he joked back.
"That nice, is she?"
" 'fraid so," he smiled.
"When do you think you'll get out of the hospital?"
"Probably for a couple of weeks, I'd think.. Hopefully less than that. Dr. Preston said I might start walking a bit in a few days and get the torn muscles in action with a physiotherapist."
"Sounds safe enough. I read in the Star that the theater has you replaced until your recovery," Kathryn stated.
"Yes, Jack isn't playing it like me, but he knows the part as much as I do. The direction offers reimbursement for those who don't want to see the play with him. We might add some dates at the end to compensate, but it's not certain yet."
"I bet they're looking forward to your return."
"For financial reason mostly, yes, the theater manager's very anxious to see me back. And I like the stage, so I'm not particularly happy to be forced away from it."
"You'll be back on it soon, I'm sure of it," she assured him.
"And you'll come see me play," he stated, half questioning.
"You bet! I'm sorry, but I have to go and finish a few things if I want to see you later today."
"I'll let you go then, I'm looking forward to seeing you, Kay."
"Me too, Mr. Miller. Bye now," she finished before hanging up.
Back to 'Mr. Miller', eh?.. he thought.
As she had promised, she arrived at the hospital by mid-afternoon. She had brought him some magazines and books to keep him occupied and he was grateful that she had. Daniel was truly happy to see her again and they chatted a few hours before she had to go. It was good to be able to get to know each other without fearing for their lives and they realized that they actually remembered more about themselves than they had thought they would. When she left, the actor was glad that he had been able to persuade her to use his first name again and that she promised him to come back the next day.
CHAPTER 6
Daniel Miller was allowed to leave the hospital on the Friday afternoon, nine days after the accident. Jack Almond, his friend who was replacing him on stage, came to pick him up and drove him home on Harbourfront where the maid had not only cleaned the place, but also filled up the fridge with fresh food and drinks. Miller didn't drink alcohol anymore, but he had requested some beers for Kathryn who would be visiting later, as she did every day when he was at the hospital. Daniel smiled at the memory of two days before, when Jack had arrived in his room with a bag of personal items for him and found Kay sitting by his side on the bed. She had tried to jump off but the actor had stopped her and did the presentations as if it was normal that she was to sit there.
"Daniel Miller, the womanizer at work again," Jack had recited in an emphatic tone.
"Oh, shut up Jack! Kay, this annoying character is Jack Almond my replacement. Jack, this is Kathryn Gravel, the woman who saved my life."
"I didn't.." she countered.
"A pleasure to meet you," Jack said sincerely.
By chance, Jack had to leave quickly to go to the theater, so they avoided more embarrassing wisecracks from him. Daniel realized it had been awkward for her, but it had seemed totally natural for him, to have her close by his side. Something he pondered on quite a bit since.
Since he was receiving her at his home for the first time, Daniel wanted to treat her royally. He had started by sending a limousine to pick her up and had prepared a simple but intimate candle dinner for two. Since he was rather handicapped with his arm in a full cast and his not-so-cooperating leg, he had ordered some food from a caterer he knew by reputation.
"Kay, there's a limo out there for you," Richard yelled from downstairs as he was over for a visit.
"A limo? You mean a cab?"
"No, I mean a limo!"
"Wow.. cool," she said as she flew over the last steps to reach for her coat.
"Who are you dating, Kay? a millionaire?" he teased, having a slight idea who her date might be.
"I don't know his financial status and it isn't a date, just a friendly visit."
"Uh-huh.. sure.." Richard answered unconvinced.
"Look, I met him in the subway crash and we got friends, that's all. Gotta go.."
"Be careful..."
"I'll see you Monday at work, Rick."
She waved at Richard and greeted the driver who was holding the door open for her. She wasn't used to be treated that way. It was flattering but she didn't like that he would spend unnecessary money on her. She decided that she'll have to talk to him about that, somehow.
Once at the condominium building, the driver escorted her to the locked door, which Daniel remotely unlocked, and then to the elevator, making sure she was all right. The actor was waiting for her at the elevator and walked her toward his home.
"Welcome to my place, Kay," he said softly as he stepped aside to let her in. "I hope you found it easily."
"With the guide you had sent me, no risk of getting lost. Thank you, Dan."
"My pleasure. With the subway line off, it's a pain to come and go from your place to mine. I figured it'd be easier that way."
"It is, but please don't make a habit of it. I can travel by bus, you know."
"I'm sure.. but then you might encounter some injured young man and I wouldn't see you anymore," he teased.
"Only if the bus crashes," she rectified with a wink. "Nice place you've got here, Dan."
"Thanks. I was spending so much time in this city, I decided to buy an apartment. It was mostly empty until I started the play two years ago. I'm glad I opted for this instead of the hotel."
"I bet."
He gave her a tour of the whole apartment and they ended up on the terrace facing the marina on lake Ontario and the islands.
"Wow.. great view!" she exclaimed.
"Yes, you should see Canada Day with all the boats lit like Christmas trees, it's amazing."
"And the expressway is on the other side of the building, so you don't hear it.. wow.. cool.." she said sincerely impressed.
"Only the ferry's tooting horn might be of annoyance early in the morning, but it's fairly dimmed by the 10th floor."
"It's a remarkable apartment you have here, Daniel."
"And it's even more remarkable when you are visiting it," he smiled softly, making her blush slightly. "I hope you'll visit often now that you know the way."
"Anytime you'll invite me," she answered softly, eyes locked on to his.
"You have a permanent invitation, Kay."
After a few seconds of silent communication, Daniel broke the almost telepathic contact and directed her to the dining room where the appetizers were waiting for them. She looked appreciatively at the settings. The womanizer at work again, she remembered, smiling inwardly.
Although he had declined her offer to help, she did help him to serve the meals and clean up afterward, his cast arm being a frustrating annoyance more often than none and his leg muscles not always cooperating with his demands. The way they worked silently together was so natural that it felt like more like they had been a couple for years than just having met a week ago.
They sat side by side on the the swinging chair on the terrace to enjoy each other's company while sipping their tea.
"Thank you for that wonderful dinner, Dan," she said sincerely.
"You're welcome. I hope we'll have many more like this."
"That would be my pleasure," she smiled, sincerely hoping for more.
They both enjoyed the evening, quietly talking and discovering more details about each others. Despite their age difference, they were getting along perfectly and they did have many things in common. He never lacked anecdotes to tell about his work and she loved to listen to him, his deep gravely voice making her feel very comfortable. When the hour grew late, he called back the limousine to drive her back safely.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked before letting her go.
"I'd love that, but only if you let me cook for you."
"Deal!"
"What time should I call?"
"I'm an early riser, so whenever you can or feel like it, just show up."
"I'm not an early riser," she laughed, "I could come by around eleven for lunch?"
"That'll be fine. You have a good night, Kay," he said, kissing her cheek softly.
"You too, Dan," she answered, flummoxed by his tender gesture.
Although she forced herself to not read more into it than what there was, that light kiss created havoc in her heart, her mind craving for more from the actor she loved. The fact that he asked her to visit again was making her giddy with happiness. Could it be?
-------
During the weekend, Kathryn spent most of her time with Daniel, helping him with his daily exercises for his leg, cooking and cleaning up, even massaging his calf when some nasty cramps settled in. They both appreciated each other's company and had a wonderful time together, just quietly enjoying discovering each other's life.
On the monday, Kay had to go back to work but she promised him that she'll come over for dinner. He felt strangely lonely during the day, impatiently waiting for her company. He read a book for while, had the visit of a nurse who checked his leg wound and helped him to do his exercises. He definitely found them much less interesting and fun than when he had done them with Kay. The nurse was alright, but she was doing a job and he was a number in her list, Kay's tender personal touch was missing and he wished that he could always have her by his side. The thought surprised him and he pondered over that while sipping his afternoon tea. He probably wouldn't have thought so much of it if there wasn't this huge age difference between them, but fourty years was quite a gap and he felt somewhat guilty to acknowledge any deeper relationship, feeling that she had the right to find someone her own age to grow and live with instead of sharing with him the few good years he had left. Sixty-five wasn't old, he wasn't feeling old, but his arthritis was already becoming a handicap and soon his body would be slowly going down the hill. That was a fact of life. He couldn't just selfishly alienating her for himself when she could be free and meet a man who'd be right for her.
He was still deep in thought when she used the key he had gave her to enter the apartment.
"Honey I'm home," she said as she entered and walked toward the living room. "I always wanted to say that," she joked as she reached him. " 'evening Dan," she said, bending to kiss his cheek.
"Hi Kay," he answered mechanically.
uh-ho.. "Something wrong?" she sensed immediately.
"No, no. How was your day?" he asked as she helped him to get up.
"Boring," she answered with a frown, noticing his eagerness to change subject and look away from her. "How was yours?"
"Quiet."
"Did the nurse visit?"
"Yes, after lunch. She made me do the routine twice. Then I read my book."
"Good. Are you hungry? I got some fresh pasta with arrabiata sauce.."
"Sounds great," he agreed as his stomach grumbled from hunger at the thought of food.
"Also got some chocolate mousse for dessert," she winked before going to the kitchen.
"You're spoiling me," he smiled, slowly following her.
"I love to spoil you, Dan. Although my cat is pretty annoyed with you at the moment," she laughed. "I'd suggest you be careful when you'll meet him," she added in a chuckle.
"That bad, eh?"
"Well, as long as I come by to feed him, put some fresh water and empty the litter box, I think he can forgive you," she teased while putting the water to boil. "I missed you today," she said seriously.
"So did I," he admitted with an inward sigh.
"You're addictive, you know. Spending time with you only makes me want to spend more time with you.."
"Really? I'm glad you think so. I do like your company. But I don't want you to feel like you have to care for me, though.."
"I don't, I just like to do it."
"Good.. good.." he finished pensively.
And so the evenings together became routine. He would call in some food or she would cook for them, then around ten p.m., she'd leave for her home until the next day after work. Daniel even gave her a key so she didn't have to ring and wait for him to hop toward the buzzer. Nothing but friendly kisses on the cheek ever happened between them and their relationship didn't go beyond deep friendship. Yet.
CHAPTER 7
Three weeks after the subway crash, when Kathryn entered the apartment, she immediately noticed that something wasn't right, although she couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. She walked directly to the living room where Daniel was obviously brooding while sitting in front of the television.
"Hey.." she said as she reached him for a friendly kiss.
"Evening dear," he answered, forcing a cheerful tone in his voice. "How are you tonight?"
"Very well. You?"
"Alright. I was thinking getting us to a restaurant tonight."
"Really? okay, let me just put this in your fridge then," she said getting up and going to the kitchen.
"NO! don't go th.." he started, his words cut short as Kathryn stopped in shock at the threshold.
"What.. the.." she mumbled, taking in the site of the devastated kitchen.
The whole kitchen looked like a disaster area. There was traces of burn, food spilled on the floor with its content, a toaster was sitting in the middle of the broken microwave door..
"Dan? What happened?" she asked, worried.
As he joined her, he sighed deeply, looking defeated.
"Sorry, I was hoping you wouldn't see that."
"Why? What happened?" she repeated.
"I guess I over-estimated my capacities.. I wanted to surprise you with dinner tonight, but it didn't turn out that well."
"That's an understatement."
"Let's go out, the cleaning lady will clean that up tomorrow."
"No no, tell me what happened," she insisted.
"Well.. It went all right until I tried to get the Pyrex out of the oven one handed.. Something spilled on the element and burst in flame, I jumped and dropped the pan which fell on my foot. The flames died themselves but I tripped and almost fell on my ass, which frustrated me so much that I grabbed the first thing and threw it across the room.."
"The toaster," she analyzed.
"Right.. That's when I left the war zone to wait for you and go out."
"Did you hurt yourself?"
"My foot is a bit painful but that's nothing. Got a slight burn on my hand too," he admitted under her insistent look.
She sighed, looked at the kitchen, then at the actor, before taking matter in hand.
"Alright. You go sit in the living room, I'll be with you in a moment."
"Just leave it and we'll go out.."
"No way. It won't take too long to clean up and we'll have dinner. Go sit on the sofa and watch TV."
"Kay.." he pleaded.
"Go!" she pushed him gently with a wink.
Half an hour later, she joined him with a smile. She moved him sideways so she got his legs on her thighs.
"What are you doing?" he asked as she removed his left shoe delicately.
"Isn't that obvious?" she smiled, removing his sock.
"I won't be able to get it back on," he warned, wincing as she checked his now bare foot.
"So I see.. Maybe you should get some x-ray to see if you broke something.."
"Nah.. I'll just be careful when walking. Same leg anyway."
"You seem to have an unlucky side," she teased, "the left one! Beware, it's going to be cold," she warned before applying the ice pack on his injured foot. "Hopefully that'll help to reduce the swelling."
"You don't have to do all that, you know."
"I know," she smiled tenderly at him, one hand holding the ice pack, the other gently caressing his sole. "You're so sweet, Dan. No one ever wanted to cook to surprise me before. Thank you."
"Thanks? for making you clean the kitchen and care for my foot? I've given you more troubles than if I had let you cook like you usually do!!"
"It's the intention that counts, and I do appreciate it a lot. That was a very sweet thought."
"If you say so," he mumbled, obviously still frustrated and angry at himself.
"Relax.. Everything's fine.. And most of what you cooked for me was salvageable. I just added a salad to compensate what was lost. You'll need a new toaster and microwave, though. How's the foot?"
"Better.." he admitted reluctantly. "What are you doing now?" he questioned as she removed his other shoe and sock.
"No reason for the other to be neglected while one gets pampered," she explained, massaging his uninjured foot.
He looked at her wide-eyed. "You're something else," he whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. She didn't answer but just looked at him with a loving smile.
Although he was enjoying the attention she was giving him, his conscience was bothering him again. It had been doing that a lot lately. The more their friendship grew, the more his mind was filling up with doubts and questions. The younger woman realized something was amiss, but decided not to push the issue for the moment.
"Hungry?" she asked instead.
"Definitely," he answered, immediately getting out of his brooding mood.
"Then let's go," she said, putting his socks back on his feet and helping him up. "I'm impatient to taste what you cooked for me."
"Please don't remind me," he whined as they reached the dining room.
"Actually," she continued ignoring his remark, "I know it's delicious since I cheated and tasted it while rescuing it."
"Can we change subject please?" he pleaded.
"You're so sweet," she giggled, hugging him before helping him at the table and go get the food from the kitchen.
The meal was indeed wonderful and they both appreciated it fully, accompanied with a couple of glasses of wine for Kay while Daniel stuck to Perrier water. No one could've guessed the drama that had happened in the kitchen a few hours earlier.
After the meal, Dan was ordered back in the living room while Kay cleaned up quickly the rest of their feast. The wine in her blood was making her feel good, far from drunk, but bolder than her usual shy self. When she entered the living room, she found the actor sitting sideways on the sofa, his legs on the pillows where she had sat earlier. She smiled as she walked behind him and passed her arms around his neck, resting her hands on his broad chest. She felt his breath catch under the cloth of his shirt, yet he gave no other sign of surprise. She rested her elbows on his shoulders and she bent to kiss his left ear, whispering her thanks for the meal he had cooked for her. Immobile, Daniel was trying to keep his emotions in checks while her actions created havoc amongst them.
One hand undid a button and found its way inside his shirt, the contact of skin on skin making both their heartbeats rose to greater speed.
"You're the most wonderful man I've ever met, Dan," she whispered, softly caressing the hair on his chest.
"Kay..." he tried to object weakly.
"I've loved you for so many years. You're everything I dreamed of and you're so much more, too."
"Kay..." he gasped as her hand reached a nipple.
"Tell me that you don't want this as much as I do and I'll give you more time," she murmured before tenderly biting his ear.
His mind a jumble of mixed feelings surrendered to her offerings. He took her arm and moved her in front of him, looking deep in her eyes to see confirmation of what she was saying. Her eyes full of love and devotion was all it took to put all his doubts aside and he pulled her down to take her lips in a tender kiss that quickly became more demanding and passionate.
Mindful of his healing injuries, Kay straddled his hips keeping her weight mostly on her legs which her hands were fighting with the buttons of his shirt. Daniel moved his cast arm above his head and pulled on her sweatshirt with his good hand, pulling her down for another kiss. She bent down, both hands flat on his strong and now bare torso, and stopped short of his demanding lips, looking deep in his lustful eyes and teasing him tenderly. His good hand behind her head, he held her close while rising from the pillow to reach her mouth, bringing her down with him as their tongues met for the second time in a sparkle of electric passion. Only the need for air forced them to break the moment, the young woman enjoying the feel of his skin under her fingers.
"Off," he ordered in a breathless tone while pulling on her shirt. Kathryn smiled and pushed herself away, sitting on her heels, and without loosing eye contact with the man she loved, she sensually removed her sweater and, putting a show for him while taking her time, she also removed her bra. The piece of cloth wasn't even on the floor yet that his hand was cupping one of her right breast, his thumb expertedly teasing the nipple and eliciting a moan of delight of her.
She fumbled anxiously with the belt of his pants, then with the tight button, while his hand never ceased to caress her, making her shivering in anticipation. She bent over and kissed him deeply.
"Gotta take those off now," she whispered urgently, tugging at his pants' belt.
For a brief moment of lucidity, he hesitated, searching an answer in her eyes, then Daniel nodded his agreement. Kay dropped off the large sofa and gently pulled his pants and underwear down, minding of his leg injury, then she undressed herself quickly before kneeling beside him, never stopping to appraise his naked body.
"You're so good looking, my love," she said softly.
"Might have been, but not anymore," he corrected with a chuckle.
"Still are to me," she affirmed sincerely, one hand caressing his chest while the other caressed his inner thigh, watching his eyes darken in arousal. He gasped then closed his eyes when her hand reached his manhood and started to excite it to newer height, while she made a trail of fire with light kisses on his abdomen. Daniel's arm directed her to get up on the sofa with him again and she easily complied to his silent request. She kneeled over his hips and lowered herself on his belly, kissing her way to his awaiting mouth while feeling his solid erection on her lower back.
Soon, moans and heavy breathing was all that could be heard in the room as they moved together in the ageless dance of love making. Kay was very atuned to his needs and she even could feel his frustration of being handicaped, unable to give as much as he received. She instinctively would slow things down and reassure him sofly, enjoying every moment of their physical union. Finally, unable to wait any longer, Kathryn positioned herself above his manhood and lowered herself slowly, savouring the feel of him hard and strong within her. She sat on him, immobile and looked at him through half closed eyes. The actor was looking back, feeling the same emotions, being one with this woman who had subtly invaded his heart. In silent communication, they started to move together toward the ultimate moment when they would share the incredible spasms of joy and love, breathless and heartbeats racing toward each others..

"Thank you. That was.. absolutely perfect," she said softly once they regained their breaths.
She was lying half on the sofa and half on him, her hand playing idly with his chest's hair. She had pulled the nearby plaid on top of them both to cover their sweaty bodies from the cooler air and they were lying entertwined together sweetly.
"You're pretty special," Daniel answered with a tender smile, caressing her back softly and deposing a light kiss on her lips. "Stay tonight?" he asked.
"I'd love that," Kay answered honestly.
"Let's move to the bedroom then," the actor suggested. "More room and more comfortable for the two of us."
"'the two of us', I like the sound of that," she smiled, reluctantly pushing herself away from him and off the sofa.
She helped him up, noticing his injured leg was more sore than usual and feeling slightly guilty for that. Once on his feet however, Daniel was able to walk with little help which eased her conscience. After they each had stopped by the bathroom, they lied down on his large bed, holding each other for their first night sleeping together.
"This is the best evening of my life," she sighed as she settled in his arm.
"Ah! If only I hadn't been handicaped..." he countered with a wicked smile.
"We'll have time to see that soon, my love."
Maybe, he thought, his doubts back with a vengeance. Kathryn yawned and he kissed her forehead tenderly.
"Sweet dreams Kay," he whispered.
"Night love," she mumbled, half asleep already.
CHAPTER 8
When she woke up the next morning, Kathryn was alone in the bed. She stretched and smiled happily at the memory of the night before. It's a dream come true, she thought with emotion. She got up and realized her clothes were still in the living room, so she opened a couple of drawers before finding one of his sweater to wear. A short stop at the bathroom and she went in search of her lover and hopefully a cup of coffee to go with him.
Daniel was in the veranda, standing straight up in front of the bay window overlooking the marina, his good hand in his bath robe pocket. Kathryn approached him softly and hugged him from behind.
"Good morning, love," she said, her voice still sleepy.
"Good morning Kay," he answered, not moving an inch. "You missed a pretty sunrise earlier."
"I'm known to miss those," she chuckled, taking his arm out of the pocket and placing it around her shoulder so she could be on his side and still hug him. "Been up long then?"
"A while. I'm an early riser. There is some fresh coffee if you want some."
She frowned thoughtfully at his casual attitude, wondering where her ardent lover from the night before had disappeared to. Someting was definitely amiss but her brain required caffeine to work properly in the morning.
"You want some?" she asked.
"What?" he said looking at her for the first time.
"Coffee.. you want some too?"
"Oh.. no thanks, I had some already."
"Okey, I'll be right back," she concluded, reluctantly getting away from his warm body.
She looked around to find a bite to eat as well, found some bread and peanut butter which was quickly swallowed, then poured her coffee with milk and sugar, took a few sips and walked back toward the veranda.
Daniel hadn't moved since she had left. Kathryn looked at him for a few seconds from the threshold, then sighed and went to put her coffee mug on the small table. She walked toward him and gently coaxed him to look at her, hugging him tenderly.
"Are you alright, Dan?" she asked softly.
"Yes, sure," he answered too quickly.
"We've known each other long enough for me to know when you're not telling me the truth, Daniel. There is something bothering you and for an actor of your caliber, you're hiding it pretty badly."
"That's nothing. Some.. issues I have to resolve myself, that's all."
"Issues? concerning the two of us?"
He closed his eyes painfully. Touché.
"C'mon Dan, let's get it out and talk about it together. Brooding by yourself is not going to solve anything.." She pulled him toward the swing and they both sat at an angle allowing them to look at each other while being close to each other.
"It's been bothering you for a while, too, hasn't it?"
"Yes," he sighed, reluctantly admitting it.
"What is it, Daniel? You need some space and don't know how to tell me?"
"Oh God, no!" he answered quickly, looking at her in shock. "On the contrary!.. And that's my problem.."
She waited patiently as he raked his brain to find the proper word to express his doubts without hurting her.
"Kay, you're a wonderful young woman. Why you prefer to be here with me instead of enjoying life with friends your age is beyond me and.. I fear that I might be a hindrance in your life."
"Eh?" she choked.
"You asked, I'm telling you," he shrugged. "You could go out with people your age, meet a man who'd make you happy and who you'd want to marry, instead of taking care of an old injured man like me. Not that I don't appreciate your presence with me, but I am fourty years older."
"Is that what's been bothering you? our age difference?"
"Well..yes.. Look, I care a great deal about you but I don't think I have anything to offer to a relationship with you. It would be totally selfish of me to ignore that."
"But the conscience can't stop the heart, can it?" she asked as she figured what was his dilemna.
"No," he sighed, defeatedly.
"Can I give you my intake on this?"
He nodded.
"You're selling yourself short. You have plenty to offer to a relationship, with me or anyone else. And I do care more than 'a great deal' about you, Dan. I love you."
"You can't.."
"Oh yes I can. And I do. You said I should meet a man who makes me happy, I did meet him: you are the one who makes me happy. Our age difference is nothing to me, except for the fact that those years made you the man you are now. I might not have loved a 25 years old Daniel Miller, but we'll never know that. I know I love you now, with greying hair, wrinkles and all. You have a good heart, your experience balances my ignorance, your calm stabilizes my impetuous nature.. I think we're perfect together. I do not want someone my age and I've never been one to go out much."
"I'm already old, fat and feeling my age.." he argued sadly
"That wasn't obvious last night," she winked. "So you're older and your abs have lost the six-pack look.. that only gives me more to love, if you ask me. Feeling old and fat is all is your head, I'm telling you."
"You say that now, but can you see yourself by my side in twenty years? Let me tell you... I'd be having old men's problems like prostate, incontinence, arthritis, not mentioning some.. rising problems if you catch my drift; we'd be more like nurse-patient than lovers; you'd want out but because you have a good heart, you won't dare leave me for a younger man whom you'd have an affair with in my back and you'd be miserable, thorn between love and duty. Is that what you want for your life?" he concluded almost angrily.
He never saw her hand until the slap echoed in the room. He looked at her, mouth agape, his anger fully disolved in that instant, replaced by an immense sadness.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to hit you." she apologized, taking his hand in hers.
"No, I was out of line, I'm sorry," he sighed.
"Look Dan, nobody knows what the future hold for us. The only thing I'm certain is that I will not cheat on you. I love you and I deeply wish that I'll be by your side when you reach one hundred, but I'm not asking any long term commitment from you. What you said about meeting someone could be true for you too. Or we can both die in a car crash tomorrow. The point is that we don't know what the future has in store and that we should live for the present, here, now, you and me."
"Is being miserable now better than taking a chance?" she asked as he remained silent. "Wasn't last night worth of taking that chance?"
"Oh Kay.. Last night was wonderful.."
"So why deny us that happiness?"
"I don't want to deny us anything.. I'm just not sure that I'm what's best for you.."
"Please, give me some credit and trust my good judgment. But am I what's best for you?" she wondered out loud.
"Kay, you're the best thing that ever happened to me," he assured her sincerely. "I think I fell in love the moment you started looking at me in the subway, when you thought I was reading."
"You weren't?"
"No," he chuckled, "I was looking at you looking at me with such tenderness that my heart all but melted on the spot."
"Wow.."
"Yet I wouldn't have make a move and we'd have gone our separate ways after that."
"Not quite.. I had a ticket first row for your show that night!" she admitted.
"Wow.."
Fate. Destiny.
"Daniel," she resumed after a moment of silence, "can you put aside our differences to focus on the good time we're having together?"
"I don't know if I can," he admitted honestly, "but I'm willing to try, if you'll help me..."
"Always!.. Can I have my morning kiss now?" she teased, eyes twinkling.
He pulled her toward him and their lips met in a tender kiss that rapidly deepened into a more passionate one.
"I love you, Dan," she whispered between kisses.
"I love you too," he answered sincerely.
"There's something bothering me too, Dan," she said after a while, her head leaning on his chest while her hand wandered inside his robe to caress his abdomen.
"May as well sort all our bothers once and for all," he suggested.
"Being seen together, you and I, will make people talk. Will they hurt you? Could they impact your career?"
"I hadn't thought much about that," he admitted, "but once the news gets out, there will be some backlashing in the gossip rags. I wouldn't think it'd have much impact on my career, but it will put a strain in our lives. I'll be the old satire who needs to prove he still can get chicks and you the money-thirsty kid taking a sugar daddy. Probably both our names would be dragged in the dirt, at least at the beginning. Then it might -might!- die out.."
"Do you see me as money-thirsty kid getting a sugar daddy?"
"Of course not!" he answered, sincerely offended.
"And I don't see you as an old satire who has something to prove," she confirmed, giving a tender squeeze on his belly. "Would those comments affect you?"
"Professionally? it might but I can afford it."
"And personally."
"I've learned to disregard those type of comments, but I'd hate to see you dragged in the mud by them."
"I can deal with that, you don't have to get on your white horse to protect me," she assured him, smiling tenderly.
She looked deep into his eyes, searching for an answer to his doubts.
"What about your children?" Kay asked, biting her lower lip.
"Ahh.. I sincerely hope they can understand because I'd be devasted if they don't," he answered honestly. "What about your folks?" the actor countered.
"They're six thousand miles away, not a problem."
"Seriously..."
"Mum will bitch, she would with anybody just by principle. Dad will be cool, he's very open minded."
"Dare I ask how old are you parents?"
"The real question you want to ask is how much older you are than them, right?"
"Yes," he sighed. "I'm an open book to you, ain't I?"
"Can't wait to remove the dust jacket," she teased, tugging on his robe.
"Hey! No changing the subject."
"I just want to disrobe this subject," she smiled.
"Answer my question please.."
"Alright, if it's that important to you.. Mum's 20 and dad's 17 years younger than you. But it really has NOTHING to do with you and I, got that?"
"Got that," Dan answered, not totally sincere.
"Dan, my love, I think there will always have doubts and pressure from the outside world, but as long as we're able to talk openly about them, I believe there's nothing we can't solve together," she concluded, pulling herself upward to take his mouth in another passionate kiss. "Don't you agree?"
"Yes," he murmured between kisses.
She whispered something in his ear that created a wide smile on his face.
"Now? before breakfast?" he asked, his pulse speeding in anticipation.
She nodded and got up the swing, pulling him up with her and leading him toward the bedroom.
A brighter day had just started.
THE END (for now)