Shane put her fingers under Alice’s chin and lifted it.  “Al shut your mouth before someone takes you up on the offer.”

“Careful Alice, Shane might not be able to fight the temptation.”  Now it was Shane’s turn to look at Dana stunned.  “Don’t even think about saying something.  That’s for all of the times both of you picked on me.  Payback is crispy!”  Dana, Alice, and Shane all almost fell out of their chairs laughing.  Dana had to wipe the tears away from her eyes before she could stop laughing and focus on Kit long enough to actually order something to eat.

All of the women sat at The Planet talking for another two hours enjoying the light conversations.  The alarm on Dana’s phone finally brought the women back to reality.  “I guess we need to head back to the hospital Alice.  I have my appointment with Josh in thirty minutes.”  Dana was sad saying goodbye to everyone and making plans to see them over the weekend.  Between their various crazy conversations and fits of laughter, Dana actually forgot she was sick for a few minutes.  Sitting at the table laughing with Alice and Shane reminded her of so many mornings when she came into The Planet after training.  Back when they were young and innocent, when Shane had a new conquest to discuss each morning, before Alice had her show and would discuss all of her gossip with them, before the cancer.  Dana was pulled from her thoughts as the bright sun hit her eyes when she stepped out of The Planet.    

_____

Alice dropped Dana off at physical therapy and went across the hospital to the doctors offices.  When she was on her pill binge she was seeing a psychiatrist and though she hated to admit it the hour long sessions did help.  She didn’t want pills nor did she think she needed them, but she did have a lot of stuff going through her head and she thought it might help to talk to someone.  She had been through a lot since Dana first became sick.  Sitting in The Planet this morning she admitted to herself that Dana was doing better and would need her help less and less.  Alice had focused all of her energy on taking care of Dana for so long and was worried that if she didn’t figure out a sage way to refocus some of her energy, she was going to go crazy.  Alice made her way to the office and made an appointment at the same time as Dana’s next physical therapy appointment.