“Nothing’s fair, Tina. You broke everything that meant anything to me. And I don’t think it can be fixed.”

“I won’t accept that.”

“Well, then…I don’t know what you want me to say.”

Tina exhaled.

“I don’t want you to say anything. I’m sorry. For all of it. And if you truly don’t want to communicate with me until I get back home then I will respect your wishes. But I’m not giving up on us.”

This time Bette exhaled.

“Could you please just let me know you made it back safely?”

Bette shook her head yes.

“Thank you. I packed you a couple of pastries and some fruit.”

Bette looked at the bag on the back of the couch.

“Hey…umm…Bette?”

Bette looked at her.

“Julia suggested we try couple’s therapy. Not now. But maybe when you’re ready.”

“We’d have to be a couple to go to couple’s therapy, right?”

Tina fought back the tears. She knew Bette was lashing out because she was hurt.

“Maybe we will be again. One day.”

Bette kicked herself. There was a knock at the door.

“That’s Adam.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

Bette opened the door and was greeted by a smiling AJ.

“He wouldn’t let me leave without him.”

“Hiiiiiiiiii,” AJ sang.

Bette laughed.

“Hiiii. Well, isn’t this a great surprise.”

“Hi, Ms. Teee-naa”

“Hey AJ. Take good care of Bette for me, please.”

“I will.”

“Thank you.”

AJ’s whole face lit up. Bette looked at Tina.

“I’ll text you when I land.”

“Thank you. Have a safe trip.”

Tina watched AJ grab Bette’s hand as they walked to the car. Tina hoped Bette would look back but she did not. Tina closed the door and walked slowly down the hall. She fell on the bed. Her senses were filled with Bette. She could smell her on the sheets. Tina sat up and looked around. She was confused. She grabbed the pillow and Bette’s scent struck her nostrils. Tina inhaled. Tears gradually fell down her cheeks. Tina picked up the photo and was surprised by the note in Bette’s handwriting.

I was so blinded by anger, I didn’t even notice this was gone. Do you think it’s possible to find these people again? I miss them. Check the laundry bag. ~She signed it with a heart and a smiley face.

Tina frantically looked around until she saw the laundry bag in the corner. Tina pulled out the Yale sweatshirt. She brought it to her nose and started crying.

“Oh Bette.”

Tina shrugged on the sweatshirt covered in Bette’s scent, crawled into the bed covered in Bette’s scent and balled up into the fetal position. She read the note again and ran her fingers over Bette’s face.

“It’s possible, Baby. I will help you find your way back to me.”

Tina fell asleep as Bette’s scent comforted her.