Day 1

Carmen,

Maybe you’ll read this someday, I don’t know, but writing to you is one way I can release all the anguish inside of me. I went to the hospital today. I fell when I blacked out. The doctor told me I had spinocerebellar degeneration. It’s nothing serious. I’ll be fine. I hope you’re finding life in New York happy. Everyone misses you here back home.

Shane put down the pen as Alice walked into the room.

Alice: Hey there.

Shane: Stop trying to be nice Alice. I’m not gonna die.

Shane punched Alice playfully when Alice came and helped Shane get out from her chair.

Alice: Writing in that again?

Shane nodded.

Alice: If you didn’t run, Carmen would still be here.

Shane sighed.

Shane: Al, even if I didn’t I’d still have gotten ill. And that would only bring more pain to Carmen.

Alice: Fine, whatever you say. I still think Carmen would make everything better.

Shane smiled at her best friend.

Shane: Thank you, Al.

Alice: Everyone’s here for you. We’re all going to see you through it.

Shane nodded.

Day 25

Carmen,

It’s a nice day outside today. Alice took me to the park with Dana. They’re laughing and playing Frisbee. I was too tired to play but I did walk around smelling the flowers. I haven’t appreciated life like this before. I watch their petals flutter in the wind. It makes me smile, just like how you make me smile. The weather’s getting cold. Make sure you’re dressed warmly.

Alice: Shane! We’re going home to Bette and Tina’s. Common!

Shane got up from the bench. She smiled at the flowers. In her hand, a wooden can to help support her. She made her way slowly to Dana and Alice as they cleaned up.

Kit: Baby girl. Look at you! You look great.

Kit pulled Shane into a warm hug.

Shane: Thanks Kit.

Bette: We’re having pizza and Chinese. Tina you want to order?

Tina: Yeah, Shane sit down on the couch. Don’t tire yourself out.