“What’s wrong Dane?” Alice said as she put her hand onto Dana back and rubbed it.

“I don’t feel like eating.” Dana said hoarsely.

“You know you must eat at least a bit Dane. It’s good for your recovery.” Alice moved down to sit beside Dana.

“I know, but what’s the use eating it when you have to throw it up later.” Dana said softly and looked down at her hands.

This made Alice’s heart broke. She bit her lips and tried to suppress her tears from coming out. She took a deep breath.

“Dane? Dana please look at me.” Alice put her fingers at Dana’s chin and moved her so that they were face to face now.

“Dana baby you have to eat. I know it’s hard but…” Alice paused to suppress her tears “Please at least try, ok?” She looked at Dana pleadingly but her heart broke once more as Dana looked away from her.

“Al why don’t you just go and leave me alone.”

Alice felt as if her heart had stopped beating. Dana did it again. She had said this over and over again and Alice actually had lost count on how many times she hurled these words towards her. But it was still hard to hear though. It made Alice wanted to cry every time she heard this but she knew better that Dana did not say it intentionally. She was in pain and Alice would never know her entire life how hard it was on Dana. She just wished she could switch position with her soul mate so that she wouldn’t have to suffer from this. But she knew she couldn’t, so the best she could do was to stay strong for Dana. She exhaled.

“Dane are you not feeling well? Do you want me to call the doctor?” Alice tried to soothe Dana by rubbing her arm, but Dana moved away from her abruptly.

“I said I am ok! I don’t need your sympathy Al. Now just go ok.” Dana raised her voice.

“You know I won’t leave you Dane. I will be here even if you don’t want to see me.”

Alice defended. She was shocked when she saw anger in Dana’s eyes.