Shane looked at the box of cookies that she was holding, trying to draw comfort from it. Jenny had baked them especially for Carmen and instructed Shane to bring it to her dear friend at all cost. Shane smiled, thinking of how the cookies would cheer Carmen up. She was sure that Carmen wouldn’t be up to eating much. But even a small bite would make Shane happy, at least her mission was accomplished.

The thought of Carmen being happy gave Shane the courage she needed as she made her way to Carmen’s room. She drew in a deep breath before pushing the door open.

As Shane walked into the room smelling the cookies, she caught sight of Carmen struggling to get off the bed. Shane walked swiftly and soundlessly towards her girlfriend and caught her girlfriend in lightning speed when she saw that she was going to fall.

————

“Carmen! Are you okay!” Shane lowered her voice with concern.

She put her arms around Carmen protectively and peered at her for signs of discomfort. When Carmen pointed to her mouth and made a hurling action, Shane lifted her swiftly around the waist and helped her to the bathroom.

Shane patted Carmen’s back softly as Carmen hurled into the toilet bowl. She was careful about not making contact with the lower part of Carmen’s back, having gone thru this routine for a week now. She held back the tears and softly encouraged Carmen.

After vomiting all the acidic liquid out, Shane helped Carmen rinse her mouth and guided her back to the bed. When she neared Charmaine’s bed, she nodded appreciatively at the both of them and murmured a thank you.

As Carmen settled back on her bed, Shane turned to pour her a glass of water.

“Baby, I’m so glad you’re here.”

“And I am glad I caught you before you did something stupid like getting out of bed without help.” Shane scolded mockingly.

Carmen pouted as she accepted the water from Shane, “I wanted to hurl and it was too late to call for help.”

Shane pushed a little button at the side of Carmen’s bed until it came up to a more upright position. She sat on the bed, one arm placed protectively across Carmen’s thighs.