Alissa insisted that she was feeling alright, even though it was a lie that hid behind reassurance. After all, many things conflicted with her persistence, like the expressions of pain visible on her face while her hand is over her stomach. Hazel had been watching her attentively all this time and finally, Alissa’s precariousness prompted her to question if she was being truthful. Was she really ok? Her frequent attempts at retching were obvious to those around her. Hazel knew she shouldn’t force the truth, instead she kept Alissa in her sight, worried for her.
It wasn’t long before Alissa’s guilt motivated her to apologize and change the subject, “Sorry for not telling you”, she said. In immediate response, Hazel smiled at her dismissively while shaking her head, “I get it, it’s a difficult thing to do”. Hazel tapped her fingers on the plastic and feared for her revelation. Her heartbeat faltered and she was met with the bitter truth.
“You’re way to kind, Nut."
Hazel smiled slightly and responded “I know, I know”. She couldn’t help but feel sad yet happy, Jacob had told her the same thing, and that’s the impression she wanted. Would she be remembered as being kind?