"Dancing With Skeletons"

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home...exterior...night time. Show Carol coming into the house, obviously from a shift at the hospital. The front porch light is on and she fumbles in her purse for her house key. She finds the key and opens the door, going quickly into the hallway. She hangs her jacket up on the hall tree and goes into living room. She finds it surprisingly picked up to a degree and she does a few last minute straightening things herself. She picks up the newspaper off the couch and folds it to place it on the coffee table. There are a few of Tatiana's toys nearby that she picks up and moves to a safer place in the corner. Taking one last look she nods her head and turns out the light.

Cut to show her coming up to the top of the stairs to the second floor. She opens a door and looks carefully in on Tatiana, who is sleeping soundly in her bed, curled on her side and cuddled with her Raggedy Ann doll. She is tucked tightly and a night light is in the far corner of the room for her. Carol smiles softly and closes the door. She goes on to the master bedroom and opens the door. Doug Ross is in bed asleep, but, hardly as "kept" as Tatiana was! He is on his stomach, one arm stuffed under his pillow and the other flung over his head. He has on a t-shirt and short with the cover barely comes past his waist. To Carol, it looks like he just 'flopped' into bed and stayed where he landed. She smiles slightly and pulls the cover up to his shoulders, placing it around him carefully. She goes into the bathroom and emerges minutes later dressed for bed herself. She slides in beside Doug and reaches to turn out the light beside the bed.

Doug (groans):
What time is it?

Carol (quietly):
Not time to get up. Go back to sleep.

Doug (doesn't move but continues to talk):
Tatchie OK?

Carol (pulls covers around her...lays down beside him):
She's fine. She and 'Anya' are sleeping just fine.

Doug:
Rough day?

Carol (sighs):
The usual. How about you?

Doug (rolls over on his back to lay beside her):
Helen came by. That's always a good way to start things off.

Carol (looks at the ceiling, then glances at Doug):
Did she give you a hard time?

Doug:
Not too much. She was too busy making of Tatchie to pay much attention to me.

Carol:
Well, I guess that's something. How did you and Tatchie get along today? It's your first real day just the two of you.

Doug:
I think we did OK. We went to the zoo and ate lunch at the Circus Clown. Then we came back here and we all had tea.

Carol:
Sounds like you had a full day!

Doug (looks at his watch):
I gotta get some sleep! I promised Mark I'd be there by 6AM.
(looks over at Carol)
You'll be asleep when I leave...

Carol (kisses him lightly):
Tatchie and I will come and have breakfast with you!

Doug (nods...kisses her back):
That'll be great...

Carol turns one direction and Doug rolls over to face the window. He draws the covers up around his shoulders and sinks into his pillow to drift back to sleep. Just before he closes his eyes, his attention is caught by something near the window in the moonlight. He can't quite make out what it is and he strains to see in the dark, leaning forward to take a closer look.

Pan slowly over to show the window. It is lit by only light from the moon shining outside. There is a screen in the window and the curtain is blowing loosely with the night breeze. It gives an eerie effect, but, nothing out of the ordinary is shown. Doug shakes off what he thought he saw and drifts off to sleep.

Cut scene to show Doug opening his eyes slowly. The room is an eerie blue color and there seems to b fog rising from the floor. He pushes himself up in bed to see if he is dreaming or awake…neither is confirmed to the watching audience. Doug gets the feeling someone is watching him. He look carefully up from his bed and is taken aback by what he sees. Standing a few feet from his bed is Nadine. She is dressed in a long flowing gown that is blowing with the breeze from the window. She says nothing, just stares blankly at Doug. He looks up at her, obviously frightened.

Doug:
What do you want from me?

Nadine doesn't speak...she only points back at Doug and smiles. He pushes himself up on his bed and sits up to face her a little better.

Nadine (eerie voice):
Did you think I'd just let you walk away Dr. Ross? Do you really think that's fair?

Doug (defensively):
I didn't do anything to you...

Nadine:
That's right. You didn't. Not to help me, either. Do you think men like you can just turn the other cheek and that's all there is to it? Have your perfect little life in a perfect little world?
(Motions to Carol)
She already doesn't trust you. Wouldn't take much to shatter this little world, would it?

Doug (pleading):
Please! Just leave me alone! I didn't do anything to hurt you...

Now we learn that Doug has been asleep...and this is just a dream. He sits bolt upright in his bed. He is sweating and his breathing is labored, frightened from his dream. He recovers quickly and looks over at Carol, sleeping beside him. But, when he touches her, she wakes up quickly, and she is alarmed at the state she finds him in.

Carol (sits up to face Doug):
Doug? Are you OK? What's wrong?

Doug (shakes his head, looks away from her):
Just had a bad dream.

Carol (smiles, touches his shoulder):
Well, it was just a dream. It's OK. It's not real. (he doesn't calm as quickly as she would hope so she takes him in her arms and lies down with him, holding him next to her)
Do you want to talk about it?

Doug (shakes his head...buries it in her shoulder):
Uh uh!
(he wraps his arms around her and pulls himself as close to her as he can get)

Carol:
I thought your nightmares from the attack were pretty much over with. Did something happen today?

Doug:
No, it's just...well...You wouldn't leave me, would you?

Carol (laughs lightly):
No! We took this thing for better or worse, remember? I'll ride it all out with you, Doug. I'm not going anywhere.

Doug (doesn't look at her, still has his head buried in her shoulder):
Promise? No matter what?

Carol:
Is there something you want to talk to me about, Doug? Something you want to tell me? What's wrong with you? I don't think I've ever seen you like this!

Doug (shakes his head against her shoulder):
Just a bad dream, I guess...

Carol:
It was just a dream, OK? Go back to sleep...

Carol cuddles Doug close to her as he drifts back to sleep. She strokes his hair with her hand, but, her look is troubled as she ponders on what could have prompted his actions.

Fade Opening Act into the Opening Credits of the show.

"ER"

"Dancing With Skeletons"

Act One

Scene opens just as the opening act ended, still at the Ross/Hathaway home...Doug and Carol still snuggled together in bed. Focus on Doug as he opens his eyes slowly. He sits up slightly and presses his hand to his chest, indicating he is having some trouble breathing. He reaches up to feel his forehead, then puts his hand on the back of his neck. He reaches over and shakes Carol awake gently.

Doug (quietly):
Carol? Wake up, Carol...

Carol (rouses awake slowly):
What? What is it, Doug? What's wrong?

Doug (takes her hand and places it on his forehead):
Do I feel warm to you?

Carol (sits up to feel his forehead better):
Well, yeah, you do feel a little warm.
(tosses covers off her and climbs out of bed)
Stay there. I'll get the thermometer.

Doug (calls to her as she disappears into the bathroom):
I don't think I had it earlier today. Must have come on suddenly.

Carol (returns with the ear scan):
Any other symptoms you didn't have earlier today?

Doug (hand to his chest):
I'm a little tight. Feels like a cold coming on.

Carol (sticks the ear scan in his ear):
Let's see how hot you are, Doctor.

Doug (sarcastically...grin at her):
You mean my fever, right?

Carol (grins at his joke):
Yes, Doug, I mean your fever. I already know how hot you are.
(takes scan out and shows it to him)
Yes. You have a fever.

Doug:
101. Great.
(sudden panic sets in)
I gotta get out of here! I can't be around Tatiana!

Doug throws the covers off him and starts for the bathroom to start getting dressed. Carol gets up with him.

Carol:
Doug, we talked about this! We can't shield her from everything...

Doug:
No, but we CAN protect her in her own home. I'll just go to the hospital and stay there until the fever goes away. It'll be OK.

Carol:
I don't want you to have to do that...

Doug (calls out to her from the bathroom...we do not see him):
Well, I can't stay here! She'll want to be with me every minute I'm here to take care of me! I can't take a chance like that. If I've got something contagious and I give it to her and something happens to her, I'll never forgive myself!

Carol (leans on the door way...frowns at him):
Are you sure?

Doug (comes out of the bathroom fully dressed except for tugging into his shirt):
I'll feel much better doing it this way. It'll only be for a day or so. I'll get some antibiotics there and I'm sure I'll be fine in no time.
(kisses her cheek lightly)
Cancel breakfast. I'll call you later.

Carol (sighs...walks him to the door):
OK. Whatever Mark tells you to do, you just DO it, OK? And don't give him any lip.

Doug (smiles sarcastically):
He wouldn't know what to do if I did that!
(Carol frowns at him)
But, I'll try. Give Tatchie a kiss for me and tell her I'll talk to her later, OK?

Carol:
OK...I hope you feel better.

Doug exists the house, turning to wave back over his shoulder as he heads for the hospital.

Cut scene.

Open next scene at County ER. Mark Greene and Anna Del Amico are arguing heavily over schedules at the front desk. John Carter is working at a computer nearby listening, but, not getting involved.

Anna:
Mark, I have worked graveyard three straight weekends now!

Mark (protesting):
I can't help it, Anna! I need you down there!

Anna:
Why can't you get Doug Ross to work one weekend? He hasn't worked a weekend in I don't know how long now!

Mark:
I've been trying to help Doug work out some things in his personal life. I've been trying to be a little more flexible with him.

Anna:
Well, that's all well and good. And I'm all for Doug Ross becoming citizen of the year, but, I think it's time he got back to his medical obligation around here! And past time he started taking weekends again! I have a life too. I'd like to get back to it.

Mark (nods):
OK. You make a valid point. I'll talk to Doug and see about changing things around this weekend.

Doug comes through the staff door. He is dressed against the weather in a jacket, which he has pulled around him. He comes into the ER coughing and holding his chest.

Mark (looks up to see Doug and looks at the clock on the wall):
A little early, aren't you, Doug? I wasn't expecting you until 6...

Doug (stops in front of him, still coughing):
I need a doctor.

Mark (nods, sarcastic grin):
I'd say you came to the right place. Come on. I'll take you.
(Motions Doug to an exam room and turns to Carter before he goes in)
Keep an eye on things out here, Carter.

Carter (looks up...nods):
Sure thing, Dr. Greene!

Mark goes into the exam room with Doug and closes the door. Doug has peeled off his jacket and is hopping up on the table.

Doug:
Came on pretty quick. I was fine when I went to bed.

Mark (takes stethoscope and put it in his ears):
Cough come on quickly, too?

Doug (nods):
Yeah.

Mark (places stethoscope under Doug's shirt and listens carefully):
Been feeling sluggish or anything lately?

Doug:
I've been a little under the weather, but, I thought I was just tired.

Mark (works the stethoscope around to Doug's back and continues to listen):
Take a deep breath for me, OK? And hold it.
(Doug does, but, as soon as he tries to hold it, he can't, and starts to cough)
Running a fever, too, huh?

Doug (nods, recovering from the coughing fit):
101 when I left the house.

Mark (takes ear scan):
Let's see what it is now.
(inserts ear scan and wakes for the beep)
102 now.

Doug (sighs):
Great. Can I just take a room down here someplace? I didn't want to stay at home because I didn't want to take a chance on giving something to Tatchie.

Mark (nods):
I can understand that. Sure. Why don't you crash back in six and I'll check in on you in a bit. Let me just give you some penicillin first.

Mark walks over to the cabinet and pulls out a bottle of penicillin and a syringe. He goes back to Doug, who is pushing the sleeve of his t-shirt up for Mark to swab it with alcohol. Mark swabs his arm and plunges the needle in. Doug winces, but doesn't say anything. Once the needle is out, he pushes the sleeve of his t-shirt back down and hops off the table.

Doug (heads for the door):
Thanks, Mark.

Mark (calls after him):
Get some rest! And feel better, will ya? I NEED you down here!

Doug goes on off down the hall, waving his hand up over his shoulder in acknowledgment to Mark that he fully understands his orders.

Cut scene.

Open next scene at the Ross/Hathaway home. Carol is in her bathrobe, fixing breakfast in the kitchen, when Tatiana comes in with her doll, both of them in a nightgown. She climbs up into a chair at the table and smiles at Carol, who return the smile and set a plate of pancakes on the table in front of her.

Tatiana (picks up her fork to dive into the pancakes):
Where's Dr. Doug?

Carol:
He had to go into the hospital this morning, remember? Real early? Before you were awake.

Tatiana:
Did he come in and kiss me good bye?

Carol (smiles):
No, sweetie! He didn't want to wake you. He asked me to give you a kiss for him
(kisses her forehead lightly)

Tatiana (pouts slightly):
Not the same!

Carol:
Well, he'll be home to give you one of his own soon.

Tatiana:
I like Dr. Doug.

Carol (sits at the table with her and smiles):
I'm so glad, Tatchie! Because he loves you very much.

Tatiana dives happily into her pancakes and Carol just sits and watches her, sipping coffee, and smiling.

Cut scene back to County ER. Charlie Chimengo slips quietly and un-noticed into the hallway in front of the nurses station. Randi is working there with John Carter. Charlie is hardly dressed for the weather. Her hair is wet and stringy from the rain that is now falling outside. Her clothes are dirty. Her jeans have holes in them. She looks cold, scared, and tired. She stops in front of the desk and peers carefully up at John Carter.

Charlie (quietly):
Where can I find Dr. Ross?

Carter (looks down at her and smiles lightly):
I'm not really sure! He was here a little while ago, but, I'm not really sure where he is right now. Is there something I can help you with?

Charlie (shakes her head...starts backing slowly away):
No, thanks...that's OK...I really need to see him. I can come back later...

Carter (starts around to try and assist her):
Well, I can let you wait someplace while I try to find him...

Charlie (turns and darts quickly to the exit doors):
No! That's OK! It's not important! Really!

Before Carter can react, Charlie is gone. Mark comes in just as she runs out and leaves Carter standing bewildered at the base of the entrance watching.

Mark (comes up beside Carter):
What's going on?

Carter (shakes his head):
I'm not sure. Some girl looking for Dr. Ross.

Mark (chuckles):
I thought those days were well behind him now.

Carter (smiles lightly):
She's just a kid. A teenager. She didn't want to wait. Is Dr. Ross still here?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, and right now, he's a patient. I don't want him disturbed. If she comes back, I'll talk to her.

Carter (nods):
Yeah! OK! Sure thing, Dr. Greene.

Mark goes one way and Carter goes back to the computer.

Cut scene back to the exam six where Doug is resting in bed there. Focus on him tossing and turning, obviously restless. He is sweating and kicking and punching. He opens his eyes to the same strange blue glow he saw in his bedroom earlier. His eyes focus to a figure standing at the foot of his bed, staring at him. It is Nadine, dressed exactly as she was the night be brought her into the ER with her seizure. She smiles at him and begins to move closer to him.

Nadine:
Is this where it was, Dr. Ross? Is this the room where you brought me?

Doug (coaxing):
I don't know what you want from me! Why won't you leave me alone?

Nadine:
It must be an incredible feeling to think you have the power between life and death over someone.

She places her hands on his chest and begins to push down. Doug immediately begins to struggle, unable to breathe. He begins to gasp and tries to get up from the table, but, her force is holding him down.

Mark (suddenly over Doug, trying to aid his struggle):
Doug! Wake up, Bud! You're having a bad dream!

Doug opens his eyes. The room is a normal color and he sees Mark standing over him with a concerned look on his face.

Mark (grins slightly):
You OK?

Doug (catching his breath, but, wheezing):
Yeah. I think so.

Mark:
Having trouble breathing?
(Doug nods...Mark places the stethoscope to his chest to listen)
You're really rattling around in there. Borderline pneumonia. I want you to really rest, OK?

Mark takes out an IV bottle and a needle and begins to swab the vein in the back of Doug's hand to give him the drip. Doug's eyes shift up to watch him, but, he is weak from the burning fever and sweating profusely. He sees Nadine standing behind Mark and smiling and in his mind he hears her voice talking to him.

Nadine:
Guess what's in this tube, Dr. Ross? Guess what Dr. Greene will find in your blood test now?

In his fear that he is being given cocaine, Doug tries to pull his hand away from Mark. Mark gives him a concerned look.

Mark:
I'm sorry! Did I hurt you? I'm usually pretty good at this!

Doug (rolls his head with a groan):
I think I'm just really sick right now, Mark.

Mark (pats his shoulder):
You'll feel better, Bud. Just rest.

Mark goes on out and Doug lies awake in bed, watching the room carefully, afraid to close his eyes. From where he is resting, he can listen to what is going on outside his door, which is a conversation between Anna Del Amico and John Carter. They are unaware he is resting in the room they are standing in front of as the door is closed.

Anna:
Mark said someone came looking for Doug, and that it was a teenager? Is that right?

Carter:
Yeah, little while ago. I didn't know if he was still here...

Anna (cuts him off, impatiently):
Young girl? About 14? Or 15? Long hair?

Carter (nods):
Yeah, that would be her.

Anna (sighs):
Charlie!

Carter:
You know her?

Anna:
Doug and I walked the streets looking for her a while back with no luck. Was she OK? Did she look hurt? Or sick?

Carter (shrugs):
She looked a little ragged. I offered to let her wait while I tried to find Dr. Ross, but, she took off.

Anna:
If she should happen to come back, let me know, OK? I'll talk to her...

Carter (confused):
Dr. Greene said I should get him...

Anna (shakes her head emphatically):
No! Come and get me. Charlie isn't too trustworthy, but, I think I can handle her.

Carter (nods):
Sure. I can do that.

Anna and Carter walk away from the door. Pan back inside the door to show Doug was standing close to the door listening to their conversation. Once it is quiet, he opens the door carefully, looking to see if anyone is nearby. No one is. So, he starts quickly and quietly through the hallway and out the doors, stepping out into the rain and the Chicago streets.

Fade Act One To Black.

"ER"

"Dancing With Skeletons"

Act Two

Scene opens on the Chicago streets, daytime, exterior. Doug is walking through the streets in the pouring rain looking for Charlie. He is shivering from the cold and the fever, coughing, and pulling his jacket around him. He stops and questions several groups of kids about Charlie, but is constantly met with shaking heads and kids pointing him to other directions. He goes on through the streets and finally stops to rest, leaning against a building, his back pressed firmly to the wall and his face turned towards the pouting rain. When he tilts his head forward again, he is met by the blue glow and sees Nadine standing directly beside him, leaning on the wall with him.

Nadine:
There's the bar across the street. Let's go have a drink. My treat.

Doug (pushes himself off the wall an starts to walk away):
Leave me alone, Nadine.

Nadine (races after him):
We'll have a few drink...we'll tell a few jokes...and then we can go back to your place and have a good time...

Doug (turns to her...screaming at her):
No! You're not there! You're not real! And I don't know why you're bothering me now!

Nadine:
Am I a 'bother' to you now, Dr. Ross? And if I'm not real, how come you can see me?

Doug (pushes away from her):
Please! Just leave me alone!

Doug side steps quickly and walks into the path of an on coming car, which screeches to a sliding halt, with the driver shouting 'crazy idiot' at Doug as they drive by. When Doug looks around, the blue glow is gone and things look normal again. He gets across the street and leans heavily on the building there, gasping for breath and weak from all his walking. He looks around him to see how far from the hospital he is and starts walking back in that direction.

Cut scene back to County ER. Mark goes to exam room six to check on his patient and find the bed, and the room, empty. He goes quickly to the desk where John Carter and Anna Del Amico are going over files.

Mark:
Did either of you happen to see where Dr. Ross went?

Anna (looks up):
I didn't see him...is he missing?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, he's not in his room.

Carter:
You want me to check the men's room? He might be there?

Mark:
No, that's OK. I'm sure he's not far. He just isn't feeling very well and I'm a little concerned about him. If you see him, let me know.

Carter (nods):
Sure thing, Dr. Greene.

Mark goes back to his work in another area of the ER. Anna and Carter go back to their work at the desk. Cut to show Doug stumbling in through the staff entrance and making his way very unsteadily to the front desk. He is drenched with rain burning with fever, and wheezing hard. He leans on the counter to steady himself mumbling aloud 'I couldn't find her' to anybody who will listen.

Anna (darts quickly around the counter to Doug's side):
Oh my, God! Doug! What in the world were you doing outside?
(to Carter)
Carter, go find Mark! NOW!

Carter takes off quickly to try and find Mark. Anna tries to help Doug steady himself on his feet.

Doug (helplessly):
I was looking for Charlie. I couldn't find her.

Anna (feels his forehead):
You are burning up with fever.
(takes him by the arm)
Come on! Let's get you back to your bed.

Anna starts down the hall with Doug and is met promptly by Carter and Mark coming the other way. Carter on one side and Mark on the other with Anna leading the way, they help Doug back to his bed and start stripping him out of his wet clothes.

Mark:
Anna, go get me some scrubs for him to change into, please. Carter, we need to collect a sputum culture...

Anna nods she understands and quickly darts away. Doug is sitting on the exam table as Carter helps him peel off his shirt. He kicks out of his jeans and sits shivering in only his underwear. Mark grabs a blanket and wraps it around his shoulders quickly, rubbing his wet hair with a towel from nearby. Anna comes in with the scrubs and Carter helps Doug tug into them. Carter stands close to Doug with a spit cup and pounds his patient on the back to make him cough. Doug coughs deeply and spits the culture into the cup for Carter to take away.

Mark (laying Doug down by the shoulders):
WHAT did you think you were doing out there?

Doug (mumbling...shivering):
I was trying to find Charlie! I looked everywhere for her! I couldn't find her anywhere.

Mark (pulls covers around Doug's shoulder...gruff voice):
You were out in the rain with border line pneumonia looking for a teenager?

Anna (defends Doug):
Not just any teenager, Mark. Charlie really needs someone on her side...and she seems to connect with Doug.

Doug (still shivering):
She came here looking for me. I had to try and find her and see what she needed.

Mark (turns to Carter and Anna):
I can handle Dr. Ross from here, now. Thank you both for your assistance.

Carter and Anna shrug and leave the room together, closing the door behind them. Mark turns back to Doug and lets his rage explode.

Mark:
Are you completely crazy!? What about your own family? Did you think anything about them? You have a little girl at home to think about instead of traipsing all over Chicago looking for a teenaged hooker!

Doug (angrily):
Don't you call her that! Don't you EVER call her that!

Mark (retreats...nod his head):
Ok! OK! Maybe that was a little out of line! I'm sorry, but, damn it, Doug! This was a totally irresponsible thing for you to do!
(Doug doesn't answer, just takes his lecture in stride, rolling his head away from Mark's line of fire)

Doug (looks at Mark helplessly):
Mark, something really weird is happening to me. I really think I need to talk to Nina Pomerantz. Is she here?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, she's here. But, I'm not sending her to you until you're a little more stable.
(hooks Doug back up to his IV bottle)
Can I trust you to stay here? Because if I can't, then I'll put you in restraints to keep you here.

Doug (nods):
I'm not going anywhere. I promise. Can you give me some oxygen?

Mark (grabs a mask and positions it on Doug's face):
For now...if the culture comes back positive, we'll start you on full blown treatments
(once mask is in place)
That better?
(Doug nods, weakly)
OK, then, you STAY PUT, OK? I'll be back to check on you later!

Doug (just as Mark gets to the door):
Mark!
(Mark turns back to him quickly)
If Charlie comes back. will you let me know?

Mark (sighs):
That depends on you, Doug. Get some rest.

Mark goes on out of the room. Focus on Doug as he presses the oxygen mask close to his face, closes his eyes, and rolls under his covers tightly.

Cut scene to show Mark conversing with Anna and Carter back at the front desk.

Mark (quietly):
If Charlie shows up back here, don't anybody connect her to Doug until you check with me first. I'm going to put a rush on this sputum culture and see if he just threw himself into pneumonia.

Anna (nods):
I'll watch out for her.

Anna and Carter go back to work. Mark takes the culture and disappears.

Cut scene to show Carol arriving for work. She puts her coat in her locker and looks around for Doug. When she can't find him, she goes looking for Mark. She finds him working in an exam room and approaches him quickly.

Carol:
Mark! Hey! Where's Doug?

Mark (nonchalantly):
Around the corner in six tucked in and hooked up.

Carol (grins):
You wouldn't let him work with a fever, huh?

Mark:
No, I wouldn't let him work with pneumonia.

Carol (stunned):
Pneumonia? Are you sure?

Mark:
Culture came back positive about an hour ago. I checked in on him just before you got here. He's sleeping. I'd like to keep him that way.

Carol (knowing sigh):
OK. What happened?

Mark:
Charlie was in here some time this morning trying to find Doug. She couldn't find him. He somehow found out she was here so he went out looking for her.

Carol (stunned):
In THIS weather?
(Mark nods...Carol sighs)
Oh, God. Well, you just have to understand how Doug is where Charlie is concerned.

Mark:
That's admirable, I'm sure. I tried giving him the 'think about your own family' lecture and everything, but, I think he was too sick for much of it to set in.
(pauses)
He mentioned something strange happening to him...asked for Nina Pomerantz. You know anything about what that might be about?

Carol (shrugs):
I know he's having bad dreams again. Probably what he wants to talk to her about.

Carter (quickly in the door way):
Dr Greene? We need you!

Mark starts out of the room with Carol close behind him. He gets to the hallway and finds Carter and Anna struggling to try and keep Doug from leaving his room. With Mark and Carol's help, the four of them get him back to bed and Mark reaches for the restraints to tie him down, but, Carol pushes his hands away.

Carol (sternly, to Mark):
Absolutely not! You are NOT tying him up like an animal!

Mark (defensively):
It's for his own good!

Carol (adamant):
NO!
(To Doug)
What's going on, Doug?

Doug (wheezing):
Charlie was on the phone...she really needs help! I've got to go get her...
(he weakly holds up a pad with a phone number scribbled on it)

Mark:
Doug, be reasonable! You can't even walk down the hall! There's no way I'm going to let you out in this weather!

Anna:
How about if Carol and I go get Charlie and bring her back here? Will you let us do that?

Doug (groaning):
She called for me...I don't know if she'll trust anybody else or not...I don't know if she'll go with you...

Anna:
She'll trust us! I'll talk to her! I know some street talk too, ya know!
(takes Carol by the arm)
Come on, Carol. We'll take my car.

Carol (gives Doug a stern look):
You stay put, OK? Do whatever Mark tells you to do! You've got to get well! You hear me?

Doug nods weakly and sinks into the bed, drawing the covers up around his shoulders. Carol starts away with Anna...Carter goes back to the desk...and Mark stays with Doug.

Doug (groaning, looks up at Mark sheepishly):
DON'T start! I'm really not up to it.

Mark (nods):
OK...but I promise you we'll talk about this later.

Doug (nods):
I'm sure!

Mark goes out and leaves his patient alone. Doug rolls his head away from the door and when he turns it back, the room is filled with that strange blue glow. He looks up to see Nadine standing close beside his bed. She reaches over and turns off the oxygen, cutting off his air. Doug begin to wheeze violently and he fumbles in a panic for the emergency button to summon help. He is nearly out of air by the time he pushes it and Mark comes rushing in to aid him, with Carter on his heels. Doug is gasping for air in a panic, and Mark has to steady him back on to his bed.

Carter:
Everything looks good! I don't understand the problem.

Mark (calmly to Doug):
Take it easy, Doug...everything's OK.
(takes stethoscope and listens to his chest in several places)
He's just really congested in there.
(adjusts mask)
Just take easy breaths, Doug. It'll be OK.

Doug (starting to relax):
Did you tell Nina I needed to see her.

Mark (nods):
Yes, and she said to tell you she'll be along as soon as she can get down here.
(Doug nods)
You gonna be OK now?

Doug (coaxing):
Could you leave the door open? I really don't want to be alone right now.

Mark (nods):
Sure, no problem.
(Turns back to look at Doug very carefully)
Are you sure you're OK? You look a little spooked.

Doug:
I'd rather talk to Nina about it, Mark, OK?

Mark (nods...pats Doug's shoulder gently):
OK. Sure. Try and rest! And don't worry about Charlie. Anna will find her.

Mark and Carter leave the room but Mark leaves the door open. Doug relaxes heavily into his pillow, closes his eyes, and rolls his head to one side.

Fade Act Two To Black.

"ER"

"Dancing With Skeletons"

Act Three

Scene opens interior of Anna Del Amico's car. She and Carol are cruising the street in the pouring rain, both of them keeping a watch for Charlie on the sidewalks.

Carol (sighs):
This is totally hopeless! We don't even know where to look.

Anna (nods):
Yes, we do. I saw the phone number Doug had scribbled on the pad beside his bed and I know that number is Shakey's Pizza.

Carol (grins):
Doctors do not live by pizza alone!

Anna (laughs):
Tell me about it!
(turns the car into the parking lot and spots Charlie in a phone booth near the building)
Batta bing! There she is.

Carol (hand on the door handle):
This isn't gonna be easy...

Anna (sighs):
Don't I know it!

Carol gets out on one side, Anna gets out on the other. They start around the car and head for the building. Focus on Charlie who looks up to see them coming. One look, and she bolts to run the opposite direction.

Anna (shouts to Carol):
Go around the other side...maybe we can cut her off!

Carol goes around directly behind Charlie...Anna goes the other way. Charlie is looking over her shoulder to see where Carol is, unaware she is running smack into Anna, who is standing waiting for her at the end of her run. Anna reaches out and grabs Charlie by the shoulders to stop her.

Charlie (desperately...struggling to get free):
NO! Let me GO! I wanted Dr. Ross...

Anna (sternly, tries to calm her...struggles to hold her):
We're gonna TAKE you to Dr. Ross...

Charlie (sarcastically):
SURE you are! And I'm gonna become a Nun! LET GO!
(tries to kick, but Anna side steps her)

Anna:
Charlie! Stop it! Listen to me! Doug sent us to find you and bring you to the hospital. He knows you were there looking for him earlier today...

Charlie:
Well, don't let ME interfere with his busy schedule...

Anna (holds her shoulders tight...leans to look her in the eye):
It's not like that, Charlie! Doug can't come after you this time! He's a patient in the hospital...he has pneumonia!

Charlie (stops struggling):
He's sick?

Anna (nods):
Yeah. Real sick.

Charlie (genuinely concerned):
Well, is he gonna die?

Anna (sincerely):
I don't know. I hope not. But, he's really sick right now. He came out in the rain looking for you earlier this morning when you ran off from the hospital!

Charlie (desperately):
I gotta talk to him! It's really important!

Anna:
We'll take you to him...

Charlie (pulls back):
You'll call child services...

Anna:
I'll take you to Doug...

Charlie (repeats...insisting):
You'll call child services...

Anna:
We'll work it out once we're there, Charlie. I won't do anything until you get to talk to Doug and that's a promise. OK?

Charlie (paranoid):
How do I know I can trust you?

Anna (truthfully):
You don't. But, sooner or later, Charlie, you're going to have to start trusting people. It might as well be sooner.

Charlie:
You promise I'll get to see Dr. Ross?

Anna (nods):
I give you my word.

Charlie looks at Anna, not sure she wants to trust her. She looks over her shoulder at Carol standing behind them and she gives Carol a desperate look. Carol nods at her with a soft smile and a coaxing look.

Anna:
What's it gonna be, Charlie? I'm cold and I'm wet and I need to get back to work. You gonna get in the car and come back with me? Or are you gonna run?

Charlie (quietly):
This better not be a trick. If I see we're not heading to the hospital, I'm out of here!

Anna:
You have my word, OK? Trust me.

Charlie goes with Carol and Anna, unsure she wants to trust them, but climbs into the car with them and they drive away back into the direction of the hospital.

Cut scene back to the hospital and Doug Ross' room. He is still sweating...his face is flushed...and still sports the oxygen mask. An IV bottle drips healing liquids into his blood stream from beside his bed. He opens his eyes to that strange blue glow. He is weak and can barely keep his eyes open. He looks up to see Nadine staring back down at him from beside his bed.

Doug (weakly):
Are you a ghost?

Nadine:
I'm whatever you think I am. Do you want me to be a ghost?

Doug:
No. I want you to go away.

Nadine:
I bet you do.
(laughs)
I'm the one skeleton you can't bury, Dr. Ross...one part of your past your little woman will always know about...

Doug:
Carol's forgiven me for all of that...

Nadine:
Ah, but, maybe she isn't the one who NEEDS to forgive you!

Doug (gives her a confused look):
I don't understand...

Nadine (fingers IV tube):
Maybe I'll just bring you here with me...we can have a party...everybody knows Dr. Ross LOVES a party...

She takes a syringe from out of nowhere and pierces the IV tube with the needle, injecting something into the tube with Doug's medicine.

Nadine (smiles):
See you soon, Dr. Ross...

Doug begins to panic with the thought that he has been poisoned. He starts to gasp and wheeze even under the help of the oxygen mask. Quickly, he reaches for the emergency button beside his bed.

Cut to the front desk where John Carter is working at the computer. He is alerted by the warning light going off in Doug's room and he races down the hall to him instantly and finds Doug in deep distress, struggling against the mask and the tubes, and gasping for air.

Carter (over his shoulder...shouting):
Somebody go find Dr. Greene! NOW!
(turns back to aid Doug)
Take it easy, Dr. Ross...
(Carter adjusts the mask and begins looking at all the stats hooked to Doug)
Just be calm...

Doug is struggling...almost fighting...against the tubes and the mask. Carter is trying to steady him, keeping an eye on the door for Mark. Mark comes rushing in just as Carter tilts Doug's head backwards to prepare for a trach. Doug realizes what Carter wants to do and panics, causing more distress in his breathing.

Mark (pushes Carter's hand away):
No, Carter! That's not what you need to do!

Carter (defensively):
He's in severe respiratory distress! We need to open the airway...

Mark (nods):
He's in a panic...it's anxiety...

Mark takes the IV tube and opens it at the connection, carefully injecting medicine from a syringe into the tube. Doug never takes his eyes away from Mark or the tube.

Mark (leans over Doug comfortingly):
Dophamine...it'll help you sleep...

Doug nods that he understands and begins to calm down, breathing somewhat easier under the mask. Mark steps away with Carter in tow and keeps his voice low so Doug won't hear

Mark:
Keep an ET Tube handy in here just in case that Dophamine lowers his breathing too much. Keep a close eye on him and call me at the first sign of ANY chances, OK?

Carter (nods):
Got it.

Mark (slight smile):
And don't be so quick to whip out that knife and cut on someone, Carter. You aren't in surgery anymore.

Carter nods that he understands. Mark gives Doug a comforting nod before he goes on back out to his own work. Carter stands in the doorway and watches the monitors one last time before returning to the front desk.

Cut to show Anna and Carol coming into the ER with Charlie. Carter looks up and sees them and gives a sigh of relief to Carol.

Carter:
Am I glad you're back...Dr. Ross took a turn for the worse.

Carol (alarmed):
What happened?
(she starts towards Doug's room quickly):
Is he OK?

Anna keeps a hand on Charlie as Carter follows Carol. She opens the door and gazes in at Doug. He is sleeping, but, restlessly. She walks in and strokes his cheek carefully with the back of her hand, peering down at him with a concerned look.

Carol:
What happened?

Carter (quietly):
Just couldn't breathe. Dr. Greene gave him Dophamine.

Carol (nods):
He'll sleep for a while...maybe it'll do him some good. I'll keep an eye on things at the desk, Carter. Thanks.

Carol follows Carter back out to the desk where Anna and Charlie are still waiting.

Charlie (quietly):
Is he gonna be OK?

Carol:
He's sleeping right now. We'll just have to wait and see how he is when he wakes up.

Charlie:
Can I see him?

Carol (smiles):
When he's awake, OK?

Anna (cheerfully):
Come on, Charlie. Let's get something to eat and warm up in the cafeteria.

Charlie (nods):
Yeah. OK.

Charlie goes off with Anna. Carol starts sifting through things at the desk. Her work is interrupted by Helen, who comes in with Tatiana in tow. They are dressed well for the weather and even Raggedy Ann is wearing a raincoat.

Tatiana (rushes up to Carol):
I wanna see Dr. Doug!

Helen (explaining):
She simply would NOT give it up. That's all I've heard since you dropped her off! I knew I wasn't going to get any rest until she sees him...

Carol (lifts Tatiana up into a chair to talk to her):
Honey, you can't see Dr. Doug right now. He's very sick and the doctors have to take care of him.

Tatiana:
Dr. Mark can make him better! Dr. Mark is his friend!

Carol (nods):
And Dr. Mark is working on it. But, you need to just go home with Nanna, OK? And I'll be home with you soon.
(Tatiana pouts)
I'll be sure and tell him you were here, though, OK? That'll make him feel better!

Tatiana (nods):
OK!

Carol lifts Tatiana to the floor and walks out with her and Helen.

Helen (quietly):
He's going to be all right, isn't he?

Carol:
It's kind of touch and go right now. He's pretty sick.

Helen (concerned):
Will you be OK?

Carol (smiles...nods):
I'll be fine. I might need you to stay with Tatchie a while longer, though...so I can be here with Doug...will that be OK?

Helen (nods):
Of course, Dear. Just let me know.

Carol (bends down to Tatchie):
You be good, OK? And mind Nanna for me?

Tatiana (crosses her heart):
Promise!

Carol gives her a hug and watches her go on out with Helen. Then, she goes back to check on Doug. She stands beside his bed and just watches him sleeping in a deep, but, restless sleep. Her look is concerned. Just as she turns to go back to the desk, Doug opens his eyes. He sees her and he smiles weakly at her, reaching his hand up to her. She takes his hand in here and grins down at him.

Carol:
How you feeling?

Doug (weakly):
I don't know. Better maybe. Did you find Charlie?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, she's having lunch in the cafeteria with Anna. She's fine.
(pause)
Tatchie was here to see you. Mama said she was worrying her to death asking about you.
(Doug chuckles weakly)
I didn't let her in though. Even though I don't think you're contagious now. She can see you when you feel a little better.

Doug (nods...agrees):
I don't want her to see me like this. It'd just scare her.

Carol:
When you feel more up to arguing with me, you and I need to talk about your priorities.

Doug (nods):
I figured that was coming...

Carol (strokes his hair gently):
Right now, I just want you to rest and feel better.

Doug (groans...chuckles):
And save my strength for later, right?

Carol (smiles):
Yeah! You'll need it for me as well as Charlie...

Doug (thinking quickly):
Do you know what she needs?

Carol (shakes her head):
No. She wants to talk to you and Anna promised her that much.

Doug:
Whatever they're doing with her isn't working. They're gonna have to try something else...

Carol (cuts him off...tucks covers around him):
You can worry about that when you feel better. Right now, get some rest.

Carol goes on out of the room and Doug watches her go. He is somewhat relieved that the strange blue glow doesn't come to meet him once he is alone. He closes his eyes slowly and drifts back to sleep. Fade Act Three to Black.

"ER"

"Dancing With Skeletons"

Act Four

Scene opens with Nina Pomerantz walking out of the elevator and starting down the hall to Doug's room. She pushes open the door to find Doug, obviously feeling better, sitting up slightly in his bed and watching the door. He grins at her and motions her in.

Nina (goes in, pulls up a chair):
Mark said you wanted to see me.

Doug (nods):
Yes, I did.

Nina (smiles):
Well! Here I am! Do you feel up to talking?

Doug (nods again):
Yes. I'm glad you came.
(pauses...sighs)
The nightmares have started up again...only they're much worse than they were before.

Nina:
Are you reliving the attack?

Doug (shakes his head):
Doesn't have anything to do with the attack...it's Nadine.

Nina (confused):
Nadine? That woman with the seizure?
(Doug nods)
What does she have to do with anything?

Doug (quietly...almost embarrassed by what he is admitting):
I keep seeing her. And she's trying to kill me.

Nina (smiles politely):
The bad thing about a doctor becoming a patient is that all of their common logic goes right out the window. Doug, you've been running a fever of 103 all day. I'm sure it's causing your mind to play tricks on you. And Nadine is not trying to kill you...pneumonia is trying to kill you.

Doug (frowns):
Then, why do I see her?

Nina:
My guess is that you are still carrying some guilt around about all that. Maybe you haven't forgiven yourself yet...

Doug:
She keeps threatening to wreck my life with Carol...

Nina:
Can she do that? I'd think they only way that could happen would be if Carol didn't know anything about that situation and found out about it now. Quite to contrary, Carol knows EVERYTHING about that situation and it's all behind both of you now. You may be seeing Nadine, but, what you're really battling with is your conscience.

Doug (confused):
My conscience?

Nina (nods):
Yeah. You still feel guilty about what happened with Nadine and that's why your conscience is taking form in her. It's all really just caused by the fever and the fact that you are very run down right now.

Doug:
So, how do I get rid of it?

Nina (smiles):
Well, your 'visions' will subside now that you are recovering from your illness. The rest of it, I don't know. Maybe you should go to your Priest and make a good Confession. Maybe that might make you feel better.

Doug shrugs):
I doubt that God would listen to me. It's been YEARS since my last confession...

Nina:
Well, however you choose to do it, you need to make peace with yourself over this or it will just keep coming back. You know you didn't kill Nadine.
(Doug gives her a careful look)
You DO know that, don't you?
(Doug nods carefully)
Sounds like maybe you don't fully believe it.
(Doug shrugs)
Let me put it to you this way. Suppose Nadine had been sitting at the bar having a drink with Mark Greene and still had that same seizure with the same end results. Would you think Mark killed her?

Doug:
Mark didn't sleep with her without even knowing her name.

Nina (nods...understands):
So, that's where the real guilt lies with you, then. You don't blame yourself for her death in as much as you can't believe you did something so irresponsible.

Doug (sheepishly):
Explaining it to people isn't easy, you know? Nobody understood how incredibly low I was feeling. I felt like nobody wanted to be around me...that all my friends had deserted me. Anybody that would just pay attention to me looked pretty good to me. I guess Nadine and I were two of the same kind of people on the same road at the same time.
(Shakes his head)
Still doesn't make it right.

Nina (pats his arm gently):
You paid your dues over that, Doug. It's time to let yourself off the hook.

Mark (opens the door suddenly and inadvertinaly interrupts with a smile):
Are you harassing my patient, Dr. Pomerantz?

Nina (smiles at Doug):
You think about what I said...about a confession...and don't hesitate to call me again if you need me, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK.

Mark (sincerely):
I didn't mean to interrupt! It you two need more time...

Nina (shakes her head...stand up to leave):
No, that's OK! I think Dr. Ross has had enough talk from me for one day.

Nina leaves, Mark looks over all of Doug's stats and sits with him quietly.

Mark:
How you feeling?

Doug (nods):
Much better.

Mark (takes stethoscope and puts it in his ears):
Let's see how you sound.
(Listens carefully to Doug's chest)
You're still pretty congested. But, I think I hear some air trying to spin around in there.
(takes stethoscope and flips it back over his shoulder)
I want you to stay here through tonight and we'll see how things look in the morning, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK.
(short pause)
What about Charlie? Did you find out what she needs yet?
Mark (shakes his head):
She's been with Anna most of the day. Maybe you should talk to her. I'll send her to you.

Doug nods. Mark starts out of the room.

Mark (calls back with a stern warning):
REST!

Doug gives him a mock salute as he goes out the door.

Cut scene.

Open next scene with Carol coming into Doug's room. Doug is still sitting up and looking better. His color is returning and his oxygen mask has been replaced by a nasal tube. Carol goes over and sits carefully on his bed with him.

Carol (quietly):
How are you feeling?

Doug (reaches for her hand):
Much better.

Carol:
I should be mad at you, you know...traipsing out after Charlie like that as sick as you were.
(Doug hangs his head sheepishly)
But, I can't be. Your intentions were good. I know how you are about Charlie.
(Short pause)
I know what it's like when someone needs you.

Doug (shakes his head):
I still shouldn't have jeopardized my own family like that. I'm really sorry.
(gives her is best puppy dog look)
Forgive me?

Carol (grin):
Charlie needs someone, Doug. She needs someone strong. She's smart and she's got so much potential...
(pauses carefully)
I was thinking maybe we could...

Doug (cuts her off quickly...reads her mind):
No, I don't think we could. I think we might have before we got Tatiana, but, it's out of the question now. I think we've got enough with a 7 year old...we don't need to double that with age OR problems!

Carol (protesting):
We could be good for Charlie, Doug...I know we could.

Doug (shakes his head):
I have another idea for Charlie. Just leave everything to me. Go bring her in here.

Carol nods and goes to the door to summon Anna and Charlie to Doug's room. Charlie enters slowly, a bit taken aback to see Doug in such a weakened condition. She stands at the foot of his bed and gazes at him blankly.

Charlie:
You look like hell.

Doug (sarcastic grin):
Thanks! So do you! At least I have an excuse.

Charlie (smiles):
You're gonna be OK.

Doug (nods):
No thanks to you, yes! What's the big idea running off like that?
(Charlie shrugs)
Well, what was so important that you had to talk to me?

Charlie:
It seemed pretty important at the time...but, it doesn't seem like such a big deal now.

Doug:
So, what should we do now? Call child services? Call your Mom? You tell me!

Charlie (frowns):
Neither.

Doug (looks cautiously at Anna):
Well, what if we try something new...

Charlie (hopefully):
I could go home with you!

Doug (cuts her off with a look):
We've been through this before, Charlie...

Charlie:
Yeah, but, things are different now! You said so yourself! You said you were more settled now...better with commitments...

Doug:
You need more attention than I can possibly give you right now...

Charlie (matter-of-factly):
Well, I won't stay where you put me. I'll just hit the streets again...

Doug:
I talked it over with Dr. Del Amico and we think it might work for you to stay with her for a while.
(Charlie look quickly over at Anna)
You'd be off the streets...under good care...and I promise to help her out with you.

Anna (sternly):
And you have to do things MY way. Or it's back to your Mom.

Charlie (hopeful):
You mean, this will pass with child services?

Anna (nods):
Already arranged. It's just up to you, Charlie.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that's really the bottom line here, Kiddo. It's your decision. You can try staying with Anna, BUT, you'll have to get into drug rehab and FINISH it this time! You'll have to go back to school and STAY there this time! You'll have to do things completely Anna's way AND you'll have to work part time in the hospital. Otherwise, it's no deal. You go back to your Mom, and as you stated already, back to the streets.

Anna:
I think you're too smart for that, Charlie. There's a whole new world waiting for you...but the choice is yours.

Charlie (scoff):
Sounds like a lot of rules...

Doug (grins at her):
Rules are good for you, Charlie. Trust me on that one. I ought to know!

Charlie (looks cautiously at Anna):
You really want me?

Anna (nods with a soft smile):
Yeah, I think I do. We just might be a good team.

Charlie (looks back at Doug):
And I'll get to see you, too?

Doug (nods):
Everyday. When you're not at home or at school, you'll be here.

Charlie (nods carefully):
I want to try...

Anna:
Try is what we do! The whole thing is a 3 month trial. At the end of 90 days, we'll both be evaluated by Child Services. If it's working, it stays as is. If it's not working, well, we've tried everything we know to try and the rest is out of our hands.
(extends her hand to Charlie to shake)
Do we have a deal?

Charlie (shakes hands with her excitedly):
Yeah! We have a deal!

Doug joins in with a soft chuckle as the deal is sealed for Charlie.

Cut scene to later in the evening. Doug is alone and resting. Carol comes in quietly. She has on her jacket and is leaving for the evening.

Carol (sits on the bed beside Doug):
You gonna be OK here by yourself?

Doug (smiles):
I hardly think I'm alone around here. I'll be fine.

Carol:
Do you need anything before I leave?

Doug (shakes his head):
No. You go on home and take care of Tatchie. Give her a hug and a kiss for me and tell her I'll see her soon.

Carol (pats Doug's shoulder gently):
OK. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night.

Doug nods a good night to her and she heads for the door. Just as she is leaving, Charlie and Anna call to him from the doorway as well.

Charlie (excited):
I'm going home with Anna, Dr. Ross! Wish me luck!

Doug (grin):
You're gonna need more than luck, Kiddo! She's tough! You better watch your step!

Charlie:
I hope you feel better...

Doug (smiles):
I'm feeling better every minute. Go on. Get out of here. I'm sure you two have lots of girl talk to get started on.

Charlie (big smile):
Yeah, and some of it's even gonna be about you!

Doug watches them go with a soft chuckle. The last person to come into his room is Mark. He comes in an checks over all of Doug's stats and stands quietly beside the bed with him.

Mark:
You look 100% better. How are you feeling?

Doug (nods):
Much better.
(ducks his head...short pause)
Hey, Mark, I'm really sorry I gave you such a hard time today.

Mark (chuckles):
Anything less from you wouldn't be you.
(zeros on Doug's quiet and serious mood)
Something wrong?

Doug (shakes his head):
Nah, just thinking about some of the things Nina and I talked about today.

Mark (nods):
Anything you want to talk about?

Doug:
No. I got it. I'm fine.

Mark:
Well, OK, I'm out of here, Buddy. I'll see you tomorrow. Carter will be here tonight if you need anything, OK?

Doug (nods):
I'm fine. Thanks.

Mark nods again and goes on out of the room, leaving Doug along in the dim light by his bed. Focus on Doug's pondering look as he is lost deep within his own thoughts.

Fade Act Four To Black.

"ER"

"Dancing With Skeletons"

Closing Act

Scene opens in Doug's room, early next morning. Doug is sitting on the edge of his bed, tugging into his t-shirt. Mark is in the room with him writing on a script pad.

Mark:
I want you to get this filled, OK? And take it easy for the rest of this week. I do NOT want you back in this hospital, patient OR doctor, before Monday morning! Understand?

Doug (nods):
Absolutely.

Mark:
I'm not saying you have to stay in bed, but, I do expect you to take it as easy as possible.

Doug (nods again):
As easy as possible with a 7 year old in the house. Sure, Mark. Whatever you say!

Mark:
And I want to see you Monday before I release you to work, OK?

Doug (nods, impatiently now):
Yes, yes! Anything! Just let me OUT of here!

Mark (grins):
Something wrong with the care you got here, Doug?

Doug (nods, side stepping Mark to head for the door):
Yeah! There was too much OF it!

Doug steps into the hallway and spots Carol coming through the staff doors with Tatiana and Helen. The second Tatiana sees Doug she bolts loose from the hold Carol has on her hand and rushes to him, all smiles. He bends down to scoop her up in his arms, but, has to catch himself on the counter to steady both of them since he is still somewhat weak.

Tatiana (happily):
Are you coming home?!

Doug (smiles):
You bet, Punkin! I just have a few things I have to do first.

Doug carries Tatiana to Carol and Helen and then lifts her to the floor.

Helen (grins):
I'm glad to see you feeling better, Doug.

Doug (nods):
Thank you, Helen. I guess you don't want something to kill me before you get your chance, right?
(she catches his joke and gives him a sarcastic nod)
Could you take Tatchie with you and I'll meet you at home later? I have a couple of things I need to do before I go back to bed.

Carol (concerned):
Something wrong?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, just a couple of things I need to do. I won't be long.

Carol (nods):
OK. I'm on duty all day, so, please call me when you're home, OK.

Doug (nods):
You got it.

Helen leaves with Tatiana, who waves back over her shoulder at Doug. Doug returns the gesture and tugs into his jacket. Carol goes to work at the desk with Carter and Mark nearby. Doug stops quietly beside Carter before venturing out.

Doug:
Carter, I wanted to tell you I really appreciated you taking time to talk to me last night. I've been thinking about a lot of things your said, and I want you to know I think you really helped.

Carter (grins with a nod):
Glad I could help, Dr. Ross. Anytime.

Doug starts down the hall toward the door. Mark steps quietly beside Carter as they both watch him leave.

Mark (quietly):
You and Doug have a conversation last night, Carter? Everything OK?

Carter:
Dr. Ross just needed someone to talk to...I was here. It was really nothing.

Mark:
What'd you talk about? Anything wrong?

Carter:
Just things. Nothing in particular. Everything. You know how it goes.

Mark (lost in thought):
Yeah.
(turns and goes back to work)
Yeah, I guess I do.

Cut to show Doug starting across the back lot to the hospital and passing Anna Del Amico coming in.

Doug (stops with her quickly):
Hey! How'd it go last night with Charlie?

Anna (sighs):
Well, she was still there this morning, so, I'd say that's progress. I let her sleep in but set the alarm. She's meeting me here about 9 for her evaluation to enter the program. Can you come?

Doug (shakes his head):
Not this time. Mark let me out, but, he wants me to rest. I've got something I need to take care of for me and then I need to get back to bed. But, call me later, OK? And let me know how it went?

Anna (nods):
Sure! You take it easy! I'm gonna need you later!

Doug (starts away...call back over his shoulder to her):
Tell Charlie I'm rooting for her, OK?

Anna (nods...calls back as he nears the corner):
I sure will! Thanks!

Anna goes on through the staff entrance and disappears. Cut back to Doug and follow him as he walks slowly through the Chicago streets, hands in his pockets, looking around him as her goes. He walks around several turns until he stops. Focus to see he is standing in front of a Catholic church. He eyes the steeple solemnly and just gazes. He is so caught up in his own world as he stands looking that he does not realize he has been spotted by a Priest, who approaches him carefully and quietly.

Priest:
Can I help you with something?

Doug (turns his attention to the Priest):
Is this your Church?

Priest (smiles):
No. It's God's Church. I'm only his Minister.

Doug (nods...understands):
When do you hear Confessions?

Priest:
You are Catholic, then?

Doug (shrugs):
I guess so. I know I used to be.

Priest:
Have you left the Church?

Doug:
I don't know if I was ever in it. But, I was Confirmed. It's just been a long time.

Priest:
Have you married outside the Church? Or anything that would deny you the Sacraments?

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't think so.
(short pause)
Do you think God would listen, Father?

Priest (senses Doug's mood...smiles lightly):
God always listens. You just have to talk to him first.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, maybe that's my problem...
(pause)
Father, could we could just talk for a while? And if you think it's all right, I think I'd like you to hear a Confession...

Priest (motions Doug to follow him to the Rectory):
Please come in, Mr....?

Doug:
Ross.
(soft smile):
Dr. Ross.

The Priest leads the way and Doug follows behind him as they disappear through the doors and into the Church.

Fade Closing Act into the closing credits of the show.

August 6, 1997