Carmen held her until she stopped crying.  She had never seen her like this. Not since Dana’s death had Shane been so shaken up.  How could Gabriel come in here after I asked him to leave? she thought.  Then again, I can’t be too surprised.  That fool doesn’t seem to care about anyone but himself. 

“Is everything alright in here?” a nurse ducked her head inside the door. Looking down at the broken remote, she gasped.  Carmen came and picked it up saying “I’m sorry. There was someone who came by that upset Shane. I’ll pay for the remote, can we get a new one in here?”  “Of course” the nurse answered, retreating out of the room with a look on her face Carmen couldn’t quite read – pity maybe?

Shane was so angry, she didn’t know what to say. All of a sudden, she became tired.  “Iii a tired” she said, surprising even herself with how much clearer she was sounding. Maybe what she needed was a good scream and that’s what Gabriel got out of her.  “Oh I understand. Do you want me to get you anything?” Carmen had all but forgotten about the sliced piece of pie that she got from the cafeteria. All of a sudden, she had no appetite. 

“Nno” Shane replied with not much energy. Instead, she reached for Carmen’s hand and placed a light kiss to the top of it.  Then, she slowly turned her body on its side, and closed her eyes.  Carmen stood over her, stroking the familiar messy locks. I should have been here to protect you.  That will be the last time he has a chance to upset you again.  When she heard light snoring coming from Shane, she walked to the window.  Fishing in her pocket, she brought out the two rings that she now kept with her since fishing them from the box that night at the hotel – one for her and one for Shane. She glanced down at the rings in her palm, smiling to herself.  We have a lot to talk about don’t we?  That night at the hotel seems so long ago, but its been even longer since I felt you close to me.  Heard you laugh.  Oh Shane, if you only knew how much I love you.  Carmen placed one of the rings back in her pocket, and placed the other on her left ring finger.  She held her hand up so that she could get a look at it.  This wasn’t the first time she’d tried the ring on, but it still felt just as new. Inside, she felt a rush and didn’t try to explain it.