Dr.:  “Ok here we are.  You can go in here.  The nurse will provide you with face masks and gowns to cover your clothing.  You’re each allowed no more then 5 minutes each with her.  She’s very prone to infection this close after surgery.  Talk to her.  Despite what she looks like she can hear you.  It’s good for her to know she’s surrounded with people that love and care for her.”

The Dr. walked off and the two women entered the room.  There was a nurse sitting inside a small room with nothing but a desk with monitors on it.  That room was separated from the larger one, which Stevie now resided in, by large glass windows.

Upon entering they established that Shane would go in first.  She was given the appropriate materials and let inside the room with Stevie.

Bette watched as Shane apprehensively approached her sister.  Bette couldn’t imagine that being Kit lying in that bed right now, actually she could, due to the fact that it was the love of her life laying there right now.

Shane:  “Well I found you.  Thanks for ruining my plans to kick your ass.”

She laughed ruefully into the silent room.  Nothing could be heard but the compressions of the iron lung and the eerie beeping of the heart monitor.  Despite the breathing tube in her mouth and the wires running from here and there Stevie looked as if she was only sleeping.

Shane:  “I-the doctor said to talk to you but I dunno what to say.  I came here concerned for Bette and I come here to find you.  I gotta tell you I’m lost right now Steve.  You were gone so long I didn’t realize how much I needed you.  And now that you’re gone again I feel as if I’m floating on my own.  So I need you to come back.  I need you to…”

The tears welled up in Shane’s chest threatening to choke her.  She couldn’t go on.  She took one last look at Stevie.

Shane:  “Please, just wake up.”

And then she turned and walked out.  She removed the gown and mask and walked right out the room.