****

            Carmen sat in her old room, nodding to the music coming from her headphones. There was a knock on the door, and she removed the headphones from her ears.

“Come in,” she sat the headphones on the table and her sister Alana walked into the room. She closed the door and crossed her arms.

“You had a phone call.”

“From who?” Her big, brown eyes still filled with pain and sorrow.

“It was Alice again. She wants to see you again.” Carmen dropped her head and rubbed her nose. Carm, you’re friends miss you. You can’t hide in here forever. You still have a life to live.”

“Alana, I really don’t want to talk right now. Can I please be left alone?”

“You gotta get out and have fun. I mean—it’s been six months since—.”

“Alana, please get out…” Carmen glared at her sister. Alana just shook her head and walked out. Carmen closed her eyes and tried to shake away the dire memories from the night. She opened her eyes, swelling up with tears. She put the headphones back on and continued to listen to her music.

****

            Alice walked into her apartment and turned on the light. She smiled when she saw her cat walking towards her. She picked her up off the floor into her arms.

“Hey Piddles, did you miss me today?” she gave the cat a kiss. She got the cat from the kennel and brought it home after the first month of Dana’s funeral. She named him in the honor of her friend and her cat. She dropped her purse on the couch and walked over to her desk. She pushed the play button on the answering machine and looked through her mail. She put down her bills and listened to Lara’s voice.

“Hey Al—I thought I give you a call since I haven’t talked to you since our last night in Canada.” She laughed nervously. “I hate that we’re avoiding each other, and I really think it’s time for us to talk. Please call me back…you pick the place and time. I hope to see you sometime soon. Bye.” Alice walked over to the answering machine and rewind the message. She stood there and listened to the message again. She bit her lip and grabbed her phone. She looked at it and began to dial Lara’s number. She chewed on her fingernail and got the answering machine. She raked her fingers through her choppy flaxen tresses and took a deep breath.