“I don’t think so. Besides you started the animosity when you pretend you didn’t remember her. Just perfect. But now take it easy with her. You don’t need any more problem.”

            They entered the ICU. On the center of the unity there was a nursing station where the nurses could monitor all the rooms. They could be seen from the nursing station trough their large   windows that could be closed with the curtains to give the patient some privacy during medical procedures. Indeed the whole unity didn’t seem much different from any common ala of the hospital unless for the sophisticated machines attached to the patients and the melancholy atmosphere of the place.

            Alice knowing how Bette didn’t like that people saw her in her weakness moments thought it could be better give her some space now. “Bette, Tina is in the next room. Room number four. I’ll be here in case you need me, okay?” She squeezed Bette’s arm in reassurance who just nodded in return. Bette walked the few steps until the window of the next room and glanced inside. Alice could tell by her body language that Bette have looked to Tina. But she just stayed there, unmovable, apparently completely disconnect from the reality. Then Alice decided to get closer to Bette who muttered an almost inaudible whisper “It’s the wrong room. It’s not Tina. It can’t be.” Alice held Bette’s arms from behind just in time to prevent her to fall. “It’s her Bette. Let’s go inside, it’s better you take a seat.” Alice led an unresponsive Bette to the room, seating her on the couch beside Tina’s bed. Bette was with her face dive on the palm of her hands. But she wasn’t crying. A few minutes later she stood up next to Tina’s legs. It was then she took the courage to really look to Tina. Tina was with an advanced jaundice, her skin with a golden tone not much different from her own hair. She had lost a lot of weight, 30 pounds at least. It was impressive the amount of machines and fluids connected to her. She was breathing with the help of a mask. But what had impressed Bette the most was a subtle but significant thing for her. Bette had always been mesmerized for Tina’s energy, essence, whatever. Bette couldn’t name or explain it. It was just there. A glow. Something special she felt whenever she was around Tina. It wasn’t there now. And that scared her. She just felt she was loosing Tina. And herself. She muttered, “I’ll be right back, Al.” and left the room.