Tina, releasing a breath, watched the scene from the foot of the bed.

“Tina, I’m going to the cafeteria. Would you like me to get you anything?” Kit asked as she walked over to Tina at the foot of the bed.

“Tea with lemon and honey, please. Thanks Kit.”

While Kit was in the cafeteria, Dr. Francis returned to Bette’s room and walked over to her. “Good news. The x-rays show her collapsed lung has been re-inflated. I’m going to remove the chest tube.”

Bette nodded her head and reached out for Tina’s hand while Dr. Francis donned gloved and readied the site.  Tina walked over to Bette and reached over to grab Bette’s extended hand. Their fingers entwined naturally like they always did since their first meeting over seven years ago.

“Okay Bette. I’m going to remove the tube. When I say go, I want you to take a deep breath. It’s going to be uncomfortable when I pull it out. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

Bette nodded and tightened her hold on Tina’s hand and held her breath as Dr. Francis gave her the signal.

“I’m going to clean the site and stitch it up. And you’ll be good as new.  I want you take it easy.  Because of your history now with a collapsed lung, it may happen again.  Your liver shows signs of healing itself. Once you’re released, I want you to take it easy.”

Bette and Tina both nodded.

“I’m a little tired. Would it be okay if I took a nap?” Bette asked after Dr. Francis left the room.

“You don’t have to ask me. You’re probably exhausted.” The blonde leaned on the railing.

“Not exhausted. I just want to close my eyes for a while.” The brunette closed her eyes briefly.

“Okay.” Tina squeezed Bette’s hand.

“Stay with me, please… until I fall asleep.” Bette turned her head and looked up at Tina.

“I’ll stay.” Tina assured Bette. I’ll never leave you again. Tina pulled her chair close to the bed and sat back.

Bette exhaled and closed her eyes. It wasn’t before long that she fell asleep. Tina watched the rise and fall of Bette’s chest. She closed her eyes, her exhaustion catching up to her. Soon too she was asleep.