Shane played with Carmen for the next week, they went everywhere together. Carmen wouldn’t let Shane out of her sight for one minute. It was quite cute to see Carmen so latched onto her. Cezar came back to see his daughter too. He shook his head in dismay seeing her so close with Shane.

Cezar: My poor Carmen, if I could do anything for you, I would.

With work pressuring him, he left Carmen in Shane’s care, but under the careful watch of Jennny. Shane sat and watch Carmen who stared off into the distance on the lounge chairs on the balcony. Her eyes were unfocused staring into the blue sky. Maybe she was just thinking about something. Shane sat on the lounge chair next to her and smiled. Maybe she should just stay like that. She seemed so carefree except for the part with the nightmares, Carmen seemed happy.

Carmen: Shane.

Shane: Huh?

Carmen: Why are you staring at me?

Shane was caught off guard.

Shane: Why are you talking to me?

Carmen: Do you not want me to talk to you?

Shane: No no, I do.

She sat up and kneeled right next to Carmen’s lounge chair.

Shane: I’ve been so worried about you!

Carmen: What do you mean?

Shane looked into the chocolate brown eyes. Carmen smiled at Shane weakly and cupped Shane’s cheek with one hand. Shane thought for a second and decided not to jolt Carmen’s memory for now. She could sense Carmen’s body was weak.

Shane: I’ve just be worried. You seem so tired.

Carmen: I felt like  I’ve been asleep for long long.

Shane: You’ve just been sick.

Carmen: I feel sleepy.

Shane sat on the side of the lounge chair and let Carmen rest her head on the crook of her shoulder.

Shane: You want to sleep here? Or do you want to go inside?

Carmen: Just here. Will you stay with me?

Shane nodded. Carmen scooted over and let Shane lay too. Shane wrapped her arms around Carmen. She rested her head under Shane’s neck and placed a hand over Shane’s chest.

Carmen: Will you tell me a story? I can’t fall asleep.

Shane: What story do you want to hear?