Wedding invitation

Louise gingerly approached Monique as she sat alone in the hospital corridor outside the ICU.

"Mrs. Monique?"

Monique, who had been leaning back against the wall with her eyes closed, slowly turned to face the elderly woman.

"Louise?"

Louise came and settled on the bench beside her. Monique's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Where have you been? Have you been avoiding me?"

Louise smiled bitterly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know how to face you after..." Her voice trailed off.

Monique sighed and reached over to take Louise's hand. "I never blamed you for anything. Not for one second."

"I know." Louise gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "But I still felt responsible in some way."

Monique leaned her head against Louise's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "It's so good to have you near again. You're like family to me."

Monique had already come to consider Louise as close as kin, just like her faithful friend Daniel. "I'm glad you're here," she stated simply.