If there was one thing Elaine Barrish had never experienced, it was some peace of mind.

What with TJ's battle with addiction, Douglas' tricky engagement, and everything going on with her ex-husband - and therefore the press - she just couldn't catch a break.

But if there was one single thing that she could find some solace in, it was a newly appointed advisor working under the Secretary of Defence, you.

You were younger, full of life, but also of pessimism and distrust, and she saw herself in you to an almost uncomfortable degree. Either way, amid the chaos and disruption of her daily life, she found herself looking forward to the occasional stress-induced smoke break, where she would usually catch you doing the same.

Today was no exception.

It was mid evening, around 6:30 when she finally found a moment to take a step outside onto the quiet balcony just down the hall from her office, and to no surprise of hers you were already there, leaning against the railing.

"Please tell me you have a light." She spoke - or inquired? - in her deep register, wandering slowly up to you as she took in a deep breath of fresh air.