Date: June 15, 2002

Title: Learning to Live 4/?

Author: Lara W

E-mail:

Show: ER

Rating: PG-13

Paring: K/K/Maggie Doyle

Plot: Sandy is fatally injured in a massive fire. Kerry must cope with the loss.

Disclaimer: Christina, Paul, Cassandra jr., Dr. Coleman, Raquel, Shelby and DK are mine. The rest belong to NBC.

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Part 4 Death May 11, 2005

I'm still sitting by her side. Sleeping in a hospital chair has left me sore, but last night was our last together. Sandy has been in a coma since about 4am. She is barely breathing on her own. I know it will be very soon. I can't believe she is dying. I remember a scripture she loves. I get out her Bible I had DK get from the firehouse. She always prayed before work and rejoiced after. She was surprisingly religious. I open to the 23^rd Psalm. It's sad. I'm missionary's daughter and I can quote it from memory. I read, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He me to lie down in green pastures: he me beside still waters.He my soul: he me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou my head with oil; my cup over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I love you, Cassandra." I hear the heart monitor flat line as a stroke her hand. I bend over and kiss her then reach up and shut the monitor off. Its all over, she's gone. 7:36am, barely 5 hours after she fought her last fire. I sob as Maggie comes in; she puts an arm around me. I turn to her and cry on her shoulder.