The metal door swung open, nearly hitting her. Shane stood, silhouetted in the doorway. She stepped out, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the darkness outside. What did Danas parents say?

I talked to Sharon. She said about what youd expect. Shes upset, and said theyll be here in the morning, Alice replied, watching as Shane shook a cigarette out of her pack and lit it, the orange glowing tip bobbing around as she spoke.

Thats good, I guess, Shane said.

Alice reached over and snatched the cigarette from Shanes lips and put it between her own, inhaling deeply. I need this.

Shane watched, amused, while she got out another cigarette for herself. The two stood silently, leaning with their backs against the brick, as smoke clouded around them. Finishing her cigarette and stubbing it out viciously against the brick, Alice turned to Shane. What do we do, Shane?

Gazing at Alice through a haze of smoke as she exhaled smoke from her nostrils, Shane replied, We take care of her, Al. Thats all we can do.

*********************************************

Shane and Alice walked back into the waiting room to find Dr. Hernandez, Danas doctor, talking with Bette and Tina. Alice practically ran over to them. Any news?

The doctor smiled sympathetically. I was just updating everyone. Youll be happy to know Dana is stabilized and doing well, considering her condition. As I said, shell be in a normal room tomorrow and youll all be able to go see her. Shell be here for several days, before we will release her the capable hands of one of you, with a wheelchair. Now, we can rent her the chair for a while, but Dana had better think about getting her own. She might want to consider motorized, as it may be needed in the long run. The doctor flipped through Danas chart. Youll be happy to know that at least she wont be here as long as she normally might have been. If, say, shed had her accident even a year ago, shed be here for months. Now, things are different.

How so? Bette asked curiously.