Um, grocery shopping? Me? Shane asked in disbelief.

Yeah. Cant you handle it? Dana asked, challenge in her voice as she continued writing.

Well, yeah, sure. I mean, I dont have much experience at it, but, whatever, Shane replied, lifting her chin.

Call Tina. She can go with you, Dana told her, cocking her head thoughtfully before suddenly writing again.

Cant. She and Bette went for another ultrasound today, remember? Shane reminded her, scratching absently at her chin.

Then call Alice, Dana said, ripping the paper from the pad and depositing it back in the drawer.

Alice? What, are you kidding me? Thats worse than just me, Shane said, laughing at the idea.

It could be fun, Dana told her with a shrug.

I dont know about that, said Shane, rolling her eyes. Anyway, let me show you your new bedroom and help you lay down for a nap. Kneeling down in front of the wheelchair, she stared Dana in the eyes, scrutinizing her. Are you sure you dont want to go? Are you sure youll be okay here alone?

Dana cleared her throat and averted her eyes away, feeling the pressure of Shanes arms as she leaned on the armrests of the wheelchair. Ill be fine.

Shane shrugged. Okay. Cmon, Miss Fairbanks, while I show you to your new digs. She led Dana to what was formerly the downstairs guest bedroom.

Dana surveyed the room quietly. Someone, probably Alice, had moved her things to this room, trying to arrange everything as similarly as possible. Still, Dana knew she would always know the difference, and know why she was here. It looks, um, nice, Dana said lamely, sensing Shane expected her to say something.

Nodding, Shane helped steer Dana over to the bed. With a grunt, she once again lifted Dana out of the wheelchair, helping her into the bed.

Burying her head into the pillow, her hair obscuring her face as Shane pulled a light blanket over her body, Dana said, One day, when my arms are strong enough and Im used to it, I wont need anybody to do that for me. Ill be able to lift myself up and move myself.

Thats right, Shane agreed, feeling the sudden urge not to leave as she stared down at Dana, seeing the child-like look on her face.

This is really happening, isnt it, Shane? This is my life from now on, Dana asked suddenly.

Shane cleared her throat and swept Danas hair out of her face. Yes, it is. But youre strong, and youll be just fine.

Dana didnt answer, and her eyes were closed, so Shane just assumed she had fallen asleep. Staring down at her friend, she debated over whether or not to leave her. Shell be fine, Shane muttered to herself decisively, leaning down to kiss Danas cheek and exiting the room, chuckling to herself as she watched Mr. P leap onto the bed next to Dana.

With one last look behind her, Shane headed over to the phone and, after a moments hesitation, called Alice. Hey, Al? I need a bit of a, um, favor.

Alices tone immediately turned cautious and suspicious. Like what?

Can you go grocery shopping with me? Shane asked quickly, glancing down at the crumpled list in her hand.

Grocery shopping? Alices surprised voice rang out over the line. The who now?

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

Dana lay there, eyes clenched tightly shut, listening to Shanes quiet murmurs as she spoke to Alice on the phone. After a moment, she heard footsteps, keys jingling, and the door softly shutting.

She let out a breath she didnt even realize shed been holding as she wrapped her arms around Mr. P and squeezed the cat tightly, a tear escaping and sliding down her cheek and landing on his fur. He looked up at her inquisitively, instinctively seeming to know something was wrong.

Oh, Mr. P, Dana murmured, bursting into tears and burying her face into his fur. She lay there, body racked by silent sobs, holding onto the cat for dear life until she finally drifted into a fitful sleep.