“Oh.  Uh…nothing.” 

“Um…hmm.  That’s why you have stared at the wall for the past five minutes without blinking and missed the pig that flew by the window.” 

“A pig did not fly by the window.  I was thinking about this past weekend.  It was great having everyone come visit.  But I don’t like people putting their life on hold for me.”

“When you say people you mean me.  That’s why your mom tried to get me to leave the hospital.  Look Dane, I already told you, staying at the hospital is not putting my life on hold.  I can still work, shower, sleep, and eat all from this room.”  Alice emphasized her final words by doing a sweeping motion of the room with her arms. 

“I know.  But what about your social life?  You are so out going, you must me going nuts sitting in here all of the time missing the latest gossip.”

“I do talk to people and I get the latest gossip from Shane and Kit every time they stop by.  I talk to you and the nurses when they come check on you.  If you are worried about my love life don’t be.  The last person I slept with had fangs and no reflection.  I like kinky stuff but that’s a little much even for me.  Besides, one of your cute nurses flirts with me every time she comes in here.  So if I decide I really want some” Dana heard enough and cut Alice short. 

“Ok. Ok. Ok.  I get it.  I don’t need all the details.”  Dana always believed what occurred in a bedroom should stay there.  If only that was the reason she cut off Alice’s explanation.  Hearing Alice talk about having sex with others always bothered Dana because for so long she wished it was her Alice was sleeping with, but this time bothered her more than normal and she wasn’t sure why.

_____

Dana and Alice had finished dinner and were relaxing and watching TV.  Dana’s health was improving and the doctors removed her feeding tube and started her on a liquid diet on Sunday.  It was Wednesday night and the doctors allowed her to start on soft foods tonight.  Dana never knew mashed potatoes and Jell-O could taste so good.