Shane: If I get this adoration everyday, I’ll cook for you all the time.

Carmen: I never knew you cooked.

Shane: Picked it up a while back.

Carmen: So, tell me. What did you make?

Shane: Well, I made you some chicken noodle soup, fruit salad, and some freshly blended juice.

Carmen: Yum, sounds so nice.

Carmen was climbing out of bed, but Shane pushed her back down.

Shane: Sit.

Carmen: Such nice treatment.

Shane: So are you saying I don’t treat you well?

Carmen: No, you always do.

Shane picked up the bowl of chicken noodle soup and a spoon.

Shane: Say ah.

Carmen smiled and let Shane feed her spoon after spoon.

Carmen: I’m full already!

Shane: Fruits are good for you Carmen.

Carmen obliged eating all the fruit that Shane had slaved over peeling and finished part of the smoothie before declaring she was not taking another bite.

Carmen: Shane! I am stuffed to the max. I can’t take another bite.

Shane: Fine.

She placed the highball glass on the tray. Shane laid down horizontally on the bed.

Shane: So tired.

Carmen leaned over kissing her girlfriend thanking her for the delicious lunch.

Shane: You’re so yummy tasting.

Carmen laughed.

Carmen: Babe, come here.

She pat the spot next to her under the covers. Shane crawled next to her and this time it was her turn to rest her head on Carmen. Carmen smoothed over Shane’s hair.

Carmen: I can’t help but think, I’ve lost so much time. It feels weird.

Shane: What does?

Carmen: Me. I miss you.

Shane: You’re just tired Carmen.

Carmen: If you say so.

Shane: Am I too heavy?

Carmen: No, you’re my snuggly Shane. Not heavy.

Carmen’s memory had been wiped clean of the prior weeks. The child like Carmen was gone and now what was left was one that was worried about what had happened and looking for an answer. Shane didn’t want to tell her, not yet. She wanted Carmen to rest before she was hit with anything. Jenny wouldn’t forgive her either. Neither would she, herself. Shane looked up at Carmen who smiled down at her with weariness. She got up and a confused Carmen looked at her.

Shane: I love you, and I’ll always protect you. No matter what. Even if I had to chose between what is right and wrong, I’d be wrong every time if I could keep you safe.

Carmen leaned her forhead onto Shane’s.

Carmen: I know babe. I know.

They sat there in silence just taking in the comfort of being with each other. This was just the calm before the storm. And Shane wanted to hold onto it for as long as she could.