“Alice Alice” Dana called, as if she was not aware Alice was in the room. “It hurts, Alice” Alice climbed up beside Dana and stroked her girlfriend’s cold and sweaty forehead.

“Here I am, Dana.” She said loud and clear, since Dana seemed to understand her a little better when she spoke up. “I’m right beside you.” She gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Now, do you remember what the doctor said to do when you feel any pain? You should just press this button here. Do you feel it? Just press this button, and you’ll feel better. You’ve done it before.” Alice helped Dana push the button. “Do you remember that? And soon the pain will go away.”

“Why can’t it be over” Dana cried, still only half there. “I don’t want this anymore Alice” All of this was too much, and Alice couldn’t fight the urge to cry. She buried her face in Dana’s pillow to try and keep herself form crying out loud. “I just want to sleep, Alice I’m so tired.”

–

“Alice, I’m telling you this for your own good!” Bette ranted. “You need to get a grip.”

“Can’t you just leave it alone?” Alice sighed. Bette was clearly on a mission, but Alice just wished she’d go away and mind her own business. It was not that it wasn’t nice of her to care, but Alice didn’t want anyone to care. She didn’t want pity, or good advice, or someone to tell her off. She just wanted to stay in her bubble. In there it was safe, and she could preserve her memories of the woman she loved. She didn’t want interference. Nothing Bette said could possibly make her feel any different.

” No. I can’t.” Bette crossed her arms firmly over her chest. “I mean, look at this place. Look at you. You’re a shadow of your former self. I’m pretty sure that if Dana could see you right now she would be horrified by the way you’ve let yourself”

When Bette spoke of Dana, and what she might think, there was like a clicking sound inside of Alice’s head. She became furious in an instant. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her voice was trembling with anger and sorrow as she yelled. “Fuck you, Bette! How the hell can you say that? You know that she she is the one person the only person who’s opinion I care about!” She sobbed angrily. “How dare you use her like that?!” Bette was taken aback by Alice’s furious outburst, but after the first shock she stepped forward and put her hands on Alice’s shoulders.