“I’m ok.  My back and neck feel better from lying down instead of sleeping in the chair.”  Alice said it without thinking and felt embarrassed admitting she had been sleeping in the chair instead of at home in bed.  The look in Dana’s eyes said she understood and Alice relaxed a little.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like knowing there is always someone here when I wake up, but what about work, your apartment, your life?”

“Everything is fine.  I took a leave of absence from KCRW and I don’t think they mind considering they were about to fire me for my behavior on the air.  As for the magazine, I write occasionally and email my ideas from here.  I hate doing the ‘Top Ten’ articles so I talked to my editor about writing freelance articles on various topics similar to what I talk about on the air.  My apartment is still in one piece as far as I know.  Shane said she is only hosting the sex parties at your condo.”  Alice couldn’t hold in the laugh when Dana’s eyes almost popped out of her head.  “I’m kidding Dane.  Seriously, the gang has been very helpful.  Someone goes by both of our places every few days to get the mail and check on things.  Really I’m doing ok.”  Alice looked at Dana and smiled before starting to climb from the bed.

“Where are you going?”  Dana asked, her voice laced with disappointment that Alice was leaving the bed.

“Well I’m not as lucky as you, I don’t have a catheter so I can’t lie in bed all day and pee whenever I want.  On second thought, maybe I am the lucky one.  Everyone says those things are painful.”

“Trust me, they are.  I wish I could get out of bed and walk.  But I do have to admit, it is nice sometimes to just be able to lay here and not worry about try to get out of bed to use the bathroom.  Especially when I’m having a serious conversation with you, and you don’t even realize what I’m doing.”

Alice was out of bed and looked back at Dana.  “Dana that’s gross.”

“Maybe but its payback for you saying I’m the lucky one because I can lie in bed all day and pee whenever.”  Dana tried to sound serious, but the smile on her face gave her away.