Back at GH Stefan and Katherine continue their conversation.
K:” I know what I see. You have shown me nothing but compassion and kindness. You helped me even when the doctors couldn’t. And even though I’m a stranger, maybe I know you better in some ways than you know yourself.”
S: “I’ve always known what I wanted, how to pursue it. I didn’t always attain my goals, but I was infinitely resourceful and I didn’t mind waiting. In fact I enjoyed it. Life was like a game. The challenge, the striving. It was all exhilarating but winning was almost an afterthought. It was the pursuit that was the thrill. They say it’s the getting there that counts. The arriving. Well I’ve been in transit my whole life and I haven’t minded at all.”
He turns and walks toward Katherine, who is listening attentively.
S: “It’s only recently that I’ve begun to wonder what my destination is. And it’s easy to say the graveyard. Everyone’s ultimate destination. But that’s a cynical answer. Is my only choice between the pursuit, the thrill of the chase and death? Maybe I am missing the point. Maybe the arriving is the most important. The belonging somewhere, to someone. You just described a person I don’t recognize. A man who’s capable of giving to a stranger without expecting anything in return. That’s not how I see myself. That’s not how I’ve lived.”
K: “People are never one way, they’re so complicated. I know I’ve been terribly selfish in my life, but that’s not who I am.”
S: “Just prior to meeting you I, I had never felt so alone. I was surrounded by darkness. There were times I didn’t know if I’d get through the night. And then I would think of you, I’d see your eyes, your smile.”
Stefan sits on the bed and holds Katherine’s hand.
S: “So I would come here, to see if I was imagining these feelings. But no, they were real. And we got through the nights together. You have beautiful eyes.”
K: “You know when I realized I couldn’t walk. I knew I’d go on living somehow. But in my heart, I was sure my life was over. I didn’t want to see anybody including doctors, and well meaning friends, even strangers. It took every ounce of willpower not to scream at them to get out. But a stranger showed up, I don’t know anything about him. I don’t know his name, but just his presence made me feel so calm and peaceful. How is that possible?”
S: “I don’t know. All I know is I feel the same way.”
Stefan leans towards Katherine and caresses her face, nearly kissing her. He strokes her hand and gets up and kisses her forehead and silently leaves. Both outside and inside the door both Stefan and Katherine have a ‘whoa’ look on their faces. Looks like love.
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