Mike's examination reveals that Loren has had a stroke which has left him paralyzed on his left side and unable to speak intelligibly. Mindful of her promise to marry him, Dorothy determines to take on Loren's full care. But while she can meet his physical needs, Dorothy can do nothing to repair Loren's broken spirit. Thinking that being among familiar surroundings will help, she announces to Dr. Mike that she is going to bring Loren home. Mike agrees with hesitation, perhaps it will help Loren. Dorothy isn't the only one exhausted by Loren's care, Mike herself has been up for days and now all she wants is to sleep. Sully however knows that the time for his departure for Nevada is near and he must discuss his plans with her. "What plans' Mike asks surprised when he broaches the subject. When Sully replies that he intends to keep a promise he made to Daniel to always be there for him by coming to his friends' assistance, Mike panics and lashes out angrily. What about his promise to 'her' to the children she demands almost hysterical. She storms upstairs as Sully watches in frustration and the children in shock.


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At breakfast the next morning Mike announces cooly that she will be spending the night in town helping a 'friend'. You should know about that she remarks cuttingly addressing Sully. You can't hide from this in town, he replies calmly controlling his own anger. Later, a disastrous outing with Dorothy at the cafe leaves Loren humiliated and Mike convinced that she must make her friend see reason. She can't care for him alone- Does she want to give up all her dreams?To Mike's astonishment, Dorothy is prepared to do just that to keep her promise to Loren. "Keeping promises is easy when it's convenient but easy don't count for much' she tells Mike, leaving Michaela thoughtful.


Later, Mike and Brian arrive for a visit with Loren. As they enter the store, Mike sees Loren, gun in hand out of the corner of her eye and asks Brian to fetch her doctor's bag. Quietly, she approaches Loren. She spies the bullets on the floor that he has dropped and recognizes the tragedy that has been averted. Their eyes meet and acknowledging the pain in his eyes, instead of admonishing him, she talks of Brian's love for him. Brian returns eager to share a story he has written with Loren- it's about him. As Brian reads his story about the old man who needed a grandson and the boy who needed a grandfather, tears streak down Loren's face. Brian's love has reached him when nothing else could. No matter what his condition, he 'is' needed.

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Suddenly very much in need of being with her own loved ones, Mike returns home only to be met by a chilly reception from Sully. When Sully asks about Loren's condition though, Mike suddenly breaks down in tears and reveals that her own father died of a similar condition. She asks him to forgive her and admits that her reaction to his leaving was a result of her need for him to be with her- especially now. Understanding finally, Sully comforts her and assures her that as much as she needs him he needs her even more. Reconciled, Mike gives her blessing to Sully's departure.


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For Loren, Brian's affirmation of his importance in his life has given him back his will to live but it has also left him afraid that he is no longer able to give Dorothy the life he wants to give her. He releases her from her promise to marry him and asks for her help. Sully is leaving today and 'he' Loren must see his friend off. Halfway to the station, Dorothy's place is taken by Jake who takes the wheelchair from her. He too has learned about the value of friendship and committment. As Sully takes Michaela aside to bid her a tearful goodbye she makes him promise to invite Daniel to visit and Loren agrees to watch over the family in Sully's absence.


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