Previously –

“I was so depressed and so unhappy that I thought about ending it all several times.  I just wanted to die to stop the pain.”  Shane stopped laughing and looked at Dana in disbelief.  “But I couldn’t do it.”  Dana looked into Shane’s eyes and saw the tears forming.  She continued to stare into Shane’s eyes as she spoke again.  “I care about everyone else too much.  I rather cause myself pain by living a miserable life than hurt the few who do love me by killing myself.”

Shane was in shock.  She didn’t know what to say or what to do.  Even Yoda was at a loss for words.  Shane wrapped Dana into a bear hug as they both cried.  She was just grateful that Dana chose not to end her life.

Chapter 4-

Dana and Shane continued to sit on the beach talking for another hour.  It was getting late and Shane knew Carmen was waiting for her at home.  She suggested going home and they both stood and headed for her truck.  The ride back to the hotel was mostly silent.  Shane was worried about leaving Dana alone and wanted to invite her to stay the night at the house, but she knew that Dana had to deal with everything on her own.  Shane understood, she just hated seeing her friend in pain.  Shane decided to speak when she pulled into the hotel parking lot.  “I know you aren’t sure, but I really hope you come to the party tomorrow.  All of our friends are going to be there and I know they would love to see you.  Everyone misses you.”  Dana nodded and reached across the truck seat to give Shane a hug.  “Try to get some sleep and don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”  Dana hugged Shane tighter to say thank you. 

Dana stood on the sidewalk and waved as Shane drove out of the parking lot.  Get some sleep, yeah right, who was she kidding.  Dana’s mind was racing and she knew sitting in her depressing hotel room alone was not a good idea.  So she decided to take a drive around the city allowing memories of Alice fill her mind.  She hoped driving would clear her mind enough to allow her a few hours of sleep.  The hotel was near campus and from the parking lot she could see the dorms.  She remembered that August morning so many years ago.