BILLY WAKES UP....

At the hospital, Jack and Ashley encouraged Mack to go into Billy's room. She slowly approached the bed. "Look at you," Mack said out loud. "Such a stupid waste, Billy Abbott." Mack told Billy that he couldn't die. There were too many people depending on him, she said, referring to Jill -- not to mention herself. Mack, who had been holding Billy's hand, suddenly realized that his grip was getting stronger -- Billy was starting to stir.

Billy started to stir at the hospital. "Billy, can you hear me?" Mack wondered. Billy opened his eyes and looked at her. "Hey, Mack, how's it going?" A relieved Mack lay across Billy, embracing him. Billy slowly lifted his arm and patted Mack's shoulder. "You're alive! Everybody's been freaking out," Mack informed him. Billy couldn't remember anything that had happened. Mack went out to get Jack and Ashley, but not before Billy thanked her for "being here."