The narrative jumps to 2007. As Travis enters the hospital where Gabby works, he reflects on the nature of his relationship with Gabby. Memories of their courtship and marriage flood his mind. He grapples with the swiftness of their love and ponders the sacrifices love demands. Travis observes the hospital’s routines, drawing a parallel with his own routine as a devoted father to Lisa and Christine. He wonders if Gabby truly understands him.

He flashes back to a past incident involving Dr. Adrian Melton’s harassment of Gabby. He confronted Dr. Melton, and there were subsequent legal repercussions. Gabby had mixed feelings about Travis’s actions, but Travis believes that Gabby secretly appreciated his defense of her honor.

Despite the challenges, Travis expresses a deep appreciation for the years spent with Gabby. However, fate and external circumstances have introduced complexities into their relationship. Travis grapples with the question of whether there is a way to reconcile and mend the impact of these external forces on their love story.

As Travis stands in the doorway of Gabby’s hospital room, he reflects on the papers in his pocket that could potentially end their marriage. Dr. Stallings, a coworker, provides a listening ear, expressing uncertainty about what he would do in Travis’s situation but offering reassurance that everyone seeks to do the right thing.