". . . And so, my dear Jethro, there really is no point you lying there unconscious, no point at all. Because I shall simply go on talking to you until you wake up. And this time, when you do, you will remember me. This time you will know who I am." Ducky patted Jethro's hand, which he held.

"You don't really think I am going to lose you so very soon after you finally became mine and only mine, do you? Because if you think that, then I'm afraid you do not know me at all." Ducky paused and took a sip of water.

"And do not forget, dearest, I know many, many stories, enough to keep us occupied for many hours, even days. And when I have finished telling them to you, I shall simply begin all over again. I shall sit here, Jethro, and talk to you until you open your eyes and come back to me. Of that you can be certain. And you will come back to me."

Weeks later, as he lay in Ducky's arms, Jethro knew that the sound of his lover's voice reaching to him across the void had brought him out of his coma.