I feel bad, but not too bad.

Today I am in my own bed in my room at the house by the river. I am getting better.

Doctor Troy brings Shay to visit.

Shay stands by my bed, but she looks at the wall.

I take her hand.

I ask, Why, Shay, why do you look at the wall?

Shay does not answer.

The eyes of Shay are empty.

Where is Shay? I ask. Shay is not inside here.

I stroke the hand of Shay. I stroke the face of Shay. Shay, come back.

And she does. A little. I feel the push of her cheek into my open hand.

Doctor Troy says, Shay wants to do good work, but the work is so hard for her. She likes it best when you help her, Mila.

Doctor Beck says it is time for you to rest, Mila. Shay must go.

Shay holds my hand very hard.

Doctor Troy says, Say good-bye to Mila, Shay.

He opens the hand of Shay, one finger, then one finger, then one finger, and takes the little hand of Shay.

Together they walk out of my room.