“Alice misses you a great deal. There’s always a part of her that’s sad,” said Bette.

“Yes. We were all very close. You, me, and Alice. We’ve been that way since college. You introduced her to me. We dated off and on. When I died, we were on. We talked about getting married. Having a family. She loved me very much.”

Bette sighed. “There’s so much pain here. I miss my reality.”

“I understand.”

Bette’s eyes watered. “Do you?”

“I do. And I’m sorry that you are here. I know this has been difficult.”

“That’s an understatement.”

“Perhaps. I do know this has probably had a deep effect on Alice as well. My family cut off contact with me after I came out. You and Alice and Sidney were my family. I spent the last week of my life here with you guys, in this house. I was under hospice care. You and Alice and Sidney all took turns caring for me. You were all together when I died. It was very painful.”

Bette swallowed. “For you?”

Dana shook her head. “No. For you. And for Alice and Sidney. Sidney couldn’t handle it. She started spiraling. Using more heavily.”

“Using?”

“Drugs. Cocaine, MDMA, oxy. Sometimes a combo. Your relationship was already struggling. Her drug use and the pain between you just made everything worse. Four months ago, you asked her to move out. Last week you asked for a divorce. She still spirals. You love her. But you are not in love with her. You care for her. But she drains you.”

Bette met Dana’s gaze. “That sounds so sad.”

Dana nodded. “It is sad.”

When her bath ended, Bette lathered herself in scented lotion and dressed in pajamas. Dana was updating her about the upcoming show at The Porter Gallery, when Bette heard keys opening the front door. Dana smiled softly. “Maybe that’s Sidney. I’ll leave you now. I’ll be back later.”

And then she let herself out the garden-side door.

“Bette, honey!” Sidney called.

Bette sighed. “I’m here, Sid.”

Rapid footfalls sounded and then there she was. Sidney was older, her thick blonde hair now cut into an angled bob which tapered and was shaved at the back. The soft blue eyes were still expressive, her warm skin bronzed by the sun, her cheeks fuller than they had been in her youth. She was dressed in baby-blue pants, a white tee that extended down to her hips, and comfortable moccasins.