Tina quietly opens the bedroom door.  Bette is clutching Tina’s pillow as she sleeps.  Tina turns the shower on while she gets undressed and takes a long and hot shower. The water is giving her strength as its cascades over her.  Tina gets out of the shower and wraps herself in a big fluffy bath sheet as she looks in the mirror and talks to herself.  Tina knows what she has to do. But first she’s going to brush her teeth and take a swig of mouth wash.

Tina shuts off the bathroom light.  She tip toes, in the nude, back to her side of the bed.  Tina pulls the covers up to her chin and waits a minute.  She’s ready.  Tina slides under the covers over to Bette’s side of the bed.  Bette is lying on her back.  Tina puts her leg on Bette’s thigh and slides her hand through Bette’s pajama top and holds her breast.  Tina snuggles Bette’s neck for a minute then she whispers in Bette’s ear, “I still love you, and I forgive you.”  Bette bursts out in tears as she grabs onto Tina for dear life.  Tina starts to cry too.  Bette’s head is spinning as she’s thinking, “Am I dreaming or is this really happening to me?  Tina says she still loves me and she FORGIVES me.  I can’t believe it!  Tina is so amazing she has a heart of gold!  If this is really happening I’m the luckiest woman in the world!  I will cherish Tina forever!”

Bette finally speaks, “Tina is it all right if I take my pajamas off?  I just want to feel your body next to mine just so I know I’m not dreaming!”  Tina says ‘Yes’ softly.  Bette does not have enough strength to take her top off so Tina helps her.  When she has her pajama bottoms off she carefully and respectfully snuggles up to Tina’s neck and gives her a gentle ‘thank you’ kiss.  Tina in turn pulls Bette lovingly into her arms.  Bette lets out a long and relieved sigh.  Tina is afraid to speak so she waits until she can find the courage.   The long-suffering women fall fast asleep before either has spoken a word.  It’s the first peaceful sleep either one has had in over a week.