“Hey baby!”, Spencer kissed Ashley softly on the lips. She moved back a little, gently swirling her fingers in the brown curls. Ashley smiled at the sensation. Spencer could feel a few tears starting to fall, “Do you hurt anywhere?” Ashley closed her eyes for a moment as she moved her arm up under the blanket. Spencer watched as she pointed to her neck. Spencer looked alarmed, “Honey, I’m gonna go and get the nurse and tell her that your neck is hurting, I’ll be right back!” Ashley opened her eyes and smiled wider at her girlfriend, “I don’t think the nurse can help me.” Spencer’s head tilted to the side as she gazed at her girlfriend, “Ashley, if you’re hurting we need to get you some medicine.” Ashley nodded slightly in agreement, “I already know what I need though. I need a Medi-Spence pack.” Spencer chuckled, “What on earth is a Medi-Spence pack?” Spencer laughed at Ashley’s expression of total disbelief at her ignorance, she tugged Spencer closer to her, whispering, “A Medi-Spence pack is a kiss from one, Spencer Carlin”. Ashley squinted as she did her best New York accent, “The Wetta the Betta Baby!” Both girls giggled as Spencer kept kissing all the new places that Ashley said “hurt”.

* * * * *

Clay sat gingerly holding Paula’s hand. He couldn’t believe how different she looked, how sick. He felt another tear slowly slide down his check. ‘She looks so broken.’ He shuddered slightly. Clay looked up as a nurse entered the small room, “Excuse me son, we have another person here to see your mother, he wanted to know if it would be okay if he had the last five minutes of this time?” Clay looked at her confused, his dad had already been down and he knew Spencer was with Ashley, “Who is it?” The nurse paused for a minute trying think of his name, “He’s a doctor here, let me see…oh yes, Dr. Montanio.” Clay shrugged slightly and slowly got up. He leaned over to Paula and kissed her gently on the cheek. As he reached the door, he paused and turned to look at his mother one more time, ‘Please God, keep her safe.’

* * * * *