Bending down, Tina noticed her parched lips .
Her face was burnt, something she never allowed to happen.
She was dazed.
Cmon Baby, cmon Bette, let’s get you inside Tina said.
You’ll tell me what happened sweet, okay?
Tina reached for her elbow, and as she did, she was startled by a soft, low, deep wail coming from Bette.
Within seconds she was weeping uncontrollably into her hands.
What’s wrong baby?
What’s wrong – tell me what’s happening.
Talk to me.
Bette’s head was bent over, she rocked herself back and forth sobbing, crying, and taking in deep almost hysterical breaths. She seemed totally unaware of Tina’s presence.
You’re scaring me Bette, Tina said.
But Bette was in a world of her own, she was nodding her head back and forth and all of a sudden she started repeating over and over again –
I can’t

I can’t

I can’t.
You can’t what sweetheart?
Tell me – what happened baby please.
Bette weeping – was working herself into frenzy –
Tina tried to get her up off the ground but Bette would not move.
Finally Tina came down beside her, and simply pulled Bette’s head to her chest and just held her there, rocking her, whispering to her – I’m here sweetheart, I’m right here, I’ve got you, you’ll be alright, I promise, it’ll be alright. It’s all right.
At this point Tina was in tears.
Almost an hour passed like this.
No matter how many times Tina asked her what had happened, she got no answer.
Baby, I’m going inside for a minute, Tina said whispering in her ear –
I’ll be right back, just stay right here sweetheart, it’ll be alright, I promise

She ran into the house totally panicked and called Shane across the street.
I found Bette, she said – something’s really wrong – help me.
Shane was there in an instant.
She ran out into the back yard and saw the two of them on the ground.
Tina was holding Bette’s head against her chest while she wiped the tears off of her wet face. She looked up and saw Shane and was tremendously relieved.
What happened? What’s wrong? What happened to Bette – Shane asked.
Kneeling down beside her Shane touched Bette’s face and said-
Bette – what happened girl?
Tell us so we can help you.
No answer. Bette didn’t even look up.
Shane looked over at Tina, but got no sign from her either.
I think we should try to get her into the house Shane, get her into bed and get some liquid into her.
They each took an elbow and tried lifting Bette up off the ground, who at this point was so exhausted that they were able to drag her to her feet.
They pulled her arms around their shoulders and walked her, stumbling through the doors into their bedroom.
Shane looked at Tina trying to figure out what was happening.
When they reached the bed Tina laid her down on it, but Bette continued weeping,
Tina pulled off her shoes, and unzipped her jacket.
Underneath she found Bette’s tank top soaked through as she had clearly left her jacket on through the heat of the day.

Tina had never seen Bette like this.
She couldn’t stop crying, she didn’t make eye contact.
Tina could usually find some way to comfort her, but Bette was inconsolable.
It was pretty clear that she hadn’t gone anywhere today, that some sort of meltdown had occurred.
In the other room, Shane was with the baby, trying to give Bette and Tina a moment so Tina could undress her, but after only a few moments she heard Tina calling her again.
She was afraid to leave Bette for a moment, so she moved towards the doorway to talk to Shane.
What should we do? She hasn’t said a word to me.
I have no idea what happened. I can’t even get her to look at me.
She has been crying like this for hours. I don’t know what to do Shane
Okay, Okay,Okay, Shane started – at least she’s home and she’s safe.
If she keeps on like this she’ll wear herself out and maybe sleep some of whatever this is, off
It doesn’t seem like she’s gonna be telling us anything tonight anyway
You look exhausted yourself, are you okay?
Tina nodded unconvincingly
How about I go into the baby’s room and just hang for a little bit, if you need me, I’ll be right there – okay T?
Tina looked straight at her friend, and thanked her.