Carmen nodded and gave her mom and Shay a big hug.

Shay: Tell my sister that I love her. And it was really nice to meet you.

Mercedes: I’m so happy to have seen you Carmen. You’ve grown into a beautiful woman, And found love. I’m so happy for you. Mami will always look over you.

Carmen: I love you mami.

Mercedes: Go now, back to where you belong.

Carmen kissed her mother’s cheek. She felt light and everything around her become blurry. She slowly opened her eyes. The light sort of hurt her eyes. Her mouth was dry. She took her free hand and took off the oxygen mask. She looked over at her other hand. It was so warm. Carmen gently stroked Shane’s cheek awaking the girl.

Carmen: Shane.

Shane rubbed her sleepy eyes.

Shane: Carm?

Carmen: Come here babe.

Carmen opened her arms to Shane. She lifted them as high as she could. She was still exhausted and hurting. Shane immediately with great care slipped into Carmen’s outstretched arms. For the first time in a week, her tears flowed.

Shane: Carmen, you’re back. You’re finally back.

Carmen smiled at this sensitive Shane and stroked her hair.

Carmen: I told you I will always love you. I haven’t finished loving you yet.

Shane placed a gentle kiss on Carmen’s lips.

Shane: I haven’t finished loving you either.

Carmen gave her a weak smile.

Carmen: See, neither one of us can fall down.

Shane nodded and let go of Carmen and tucked her in after protest from Carmen.

Carmen: You look sleepy too.

Shane: I’ll be right here sleeping next to you.

Carmen: The bed is big enough for the both of us.

Shane: No, what if I hurt you.

Carmen: You won’t. Please.

Shane slipped into bed with Carmen.

Carmen: I missed your smell.

Shane: I missed your eyes. And that sweet smile.

Carmen: Well I’ll make up for it. I promise.

Carmen’s recovery was speedy. The doctor’s ran tests on her day after day and released her from the hospital a week and a half later. She had to go back every week to do checkups, but that was fine with her. Shane on the other hand refused any sort of checkup on her ribs. But Carmen ruffled Shane’s hair affectionately letting Shane know she was going to come back for those checkups even if it killed her.