Chapter 46: Back to the Beginning

“I don’t know why I’m going on about my love life when, clearly, it’s not the world’s biggest problem,” Reesa said as she looked around the room. While some people seemed to be animated, chatting with companions and personnel, or relaxed, occupying themselves quietly or napping, others showed signs of struggling. “I shouldn’t be saddling you with this.”

“Hey, don’t think it’s selfish for you to have feelings,” Hazel said. “My going through something doesn’t erase what you’re dealing with. Besides, ever since I got this diagnosis, my opportunities to simply be a mother, and not someone battling cancer, have been few and far between. Let me have this.”

“Okay,” Reesa said and gratefully took Hazel’s hand.

They said nothing for a while, only listened to the sounds of light activity and muffled conversations. A kind of white noise prevailed, and the setting put them to sleep until Joanne interrupted.

“This was fun, but it’s time to go. Aren’t we shopping today?”