The sun streams through the balcony windows. I haven't a clue what time it is. It could be the middle of the afternoon for all I know. Jed is curled up next to me still sound asleep. I place a tentative hand on his forehead. Not cool, but not burning up, so I guess we are making progress. It's a little after 8:00. I feel pretty good for only having gotten 4 hours sleep. Leo's chair is empty and his things are gone. I hope he got some rest too. I find a note on the coffee table.

Jed and Abbey,

Thanks for the lovely evening. Let's not do it again soon. Jed, hope you are feeling better and things are looking up, (and staying down).

Call me when you are ready to make some plans.

I know I don't say it enough but, I love you both very much.

Leo

I put it on the table next to Jed and go take a long, hot shower.

Jed's still asleep and I decide to let him be. I dress, read the paper and have some coffee. Jed starts to stir.

"What time is it?"

"Almost 9:00. Let me check your temperature before you get up"

He's not arguing. I hope that's a good sign. I decide to be nice and use the ear thermometer.

"So, what's it say?"

"99.9, not too bad, Mr. President. More importantly how are you feeling"

"Better, thirsty and maybe even hungry. Unhook me and help me get out of bed."

"Not so fast. Hackett thinks you should use a cane for a few days. Just until your leg is stronger. Please don't give me a fight about it"

"Fine, as long as you take out the IV"

I take it out and help him to the shower. I stay while he's showering and we talk about the meeting. I can't seem to convince him to go public with his disease. But at least the staff will know.

After considerable discussion over what he should wear, I help Jed into a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, Notre Dame of course. It is Saturday after all. Jed has been on the phone with Leo and the senior staff is meeting in the Oval Office at 12:00. He wants me to come to the meeting. As far as I know the issue of telling the public is dropped for now. As I tie his sneakers for him and go to try to find the cane in his disaster of a closet he tries valiantly to eat breakfast. He's been staring at the plate for a good 20 minutes now.

"Sweetie, don't force yourself to eat if you don't feel up to it. Have some tea" I yell from the closet.

"How about some coffee?"

"Josiah Bartlet, you haven't eaten or had anything to drink in almost 24 hours. The first thing you put into your stomach is not going to be black coffee. I am in no mood to be holding your head and rubbing your back while you toss your presidential cookies yet again." I emerge smiling from the closet with the cane and threaten to beat him with it. He gets the point and pours himself some tea and eats half a piece of toast.