“Baby girl…?” Kit called out as she let herself in through the front door.
“Hmmmpppff” came the muffled reply from under the pillow.
“It’s a beautiful morning, Bette. I brought breakfast…” said Kit. She tried her best to block out the stuffed smell that the house gave off.
“Go away, Kit…”
“You know I’m not going to, so you might as well accept the fact that I’m here.”

No sound came from the broken body on the couch. Kit ignored her sister’s hostile exterior and went to open a few windows to let in some fresh air. Kit couldn’t even remember how many mornings she spent like this over the last couple of months. She came by at least four times a week to check in on Bette who only seemed to get worse. Kit had tried to listen, to talk, to back off, to hold her sister, but nothing seemed to make a difference.

“Kit, I don’t want you here… don’t you get that?” Bette moaned out between her fingers. She rested her face in her hands trying to keep from throwing up.
Kit stopped as she felt the rage building inside. She had taken Bette’s abuse with the greatest of patience for days on end and she was reaching the end of the rope. Kit took a deep breath trying to control the anger.
“Just leave me, Kit. Everybody else does. You will too… you might as well get on with it. Just get the fuck out,” Bette breathed without raising her voice.
The anger flared up inside Kit, leaving her no choice but to react.
“You once told me that you would never give up on Tina. That you would not end up sad and alone. That you would fight for her, for you and her. Remember that, Bette? You said those words to daddy one of those last days before he died and you meant it. I was so proud of you at that moment. You knew that you had done wrong and you were determined to set things right. I think you should honor that promise and get yourself together cause this is getting tired, Bette. Look at yourself….” shouted Kit, gesturing at Bette.
“I have… looked at myself, Kit. I don’t know who I am anymore… I don’t know what I should find my way back to. I don’t know what I have to offer,” said Bette, finally looking at her sister.
“Well, not much these days…” Kit smiled, trying to lighten the mood. Bette winced, not picking up on the intended levity.
Kit sat down on the couch next to her sister. “I remember, Bette. I remember every wonderful thing you have to offer… that you still have to bring to the world. Do you want me to remind you? I can help you remember, baby girl,” Kit said, resting her hand on Bette’s back.
Bette’s upper body was rocking back and forth like a caged animal or a child in need of the most basic of care.
“Do you want me to help you remember, Baby girl?” Kit repeated, looking intently at the shell of a woman next to her.
A spasm shook through Bette’s body and then she threw up.

TBC?