Previously:

            The three women left the doctor’s office visibly unhopeful. They met Kit in the hall who offered to drive Caroline to Tina’s home. She needed to get some rest and wanted to know Angelica. To Alice and Bette was a relief that she would be away a few hours. Alice thought about leave to the magazine, but then decided that she would go later. She preferred to stay to give support to Bette.

            “Al, what I do to see Tina?”

            “Are you sure you are ready to see her?”

            “Yes, of course.”

            But both of them knew that she wasn’t.

            CHAPTER 4: ONE DAY EACH TIME

            “Al, before you go inside, can I ask you a question?”

            “Only if I can ask you one also.”

            “Why do you want one question if you don’t have one to ask?”

            “Is that your question? Or is it another question? If so I want two questions to use whenever I want just in case”

            “Al… I’m not in the mood for your jokes.”

            “I’m not too. But you know how I react in bad situations. It’s been difficult, ya know”

            “I know, Al. I can’t say how grateful I’m that you are here for Tina.”

            “I am here for both of you, always. Now throw my way your question, I’m curious.”

            “Why did you introduce me to the doctor as Tina’s next of kin? I know I don’t deserve much consideration but still”

            “For me, you are still Tina’s wife. I didn’t want to create another argument with Caroline, so I just said what really mattered to the doctor. That’s it. I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

            “Oh, okay.”

            “Now, my turn. You replied all comments that Caroline made. Why do you let her say you left Tina and Angelica when we both know that isn’t the truth?”

            “Because it’s none of her business what happened between us. And anyway it’s too complicate to explain. Do you think she will be trouble for me?”