"I am so sorry Jess. But I can't", said Mia.

"Why not?" Jesse asked.

"I just can't"

"There must be some reasons."

"Yes, but I can't tell you"

"Why not?"

"It's just. Oh, Jesse. Can we go home now, please?"

"Not until you tell me the reasons."

"Right, then I'll walk by myself," Mia stepped out of the car and started to walk.

Jesse was trying to date Mia, a graduate student he met at BBQ Bobs a month ago. This was the third time he asked her out. And this was the first time he tried to kiss her. But Mia refused.

Jesse saw Mia walking away. He sighed and got out of the car.

"Mia!" he shouted. "Mia!"

Jesse gets closer and grabbed her hand. Suddenly, she went down unconscious.

Jesse's eyes widened and he was startled. "Mia! Mia!" Jesse shook the girl, but got no answer.

Jesse brought the girl to his car and drove to the hospital. On his way, he called Mark.

***

Jesse sat on a couch in the doctor's lounge, covering his face with his hands. Amanda entered the room. Jesse stood up, "Amanda?"

"Hey, Jess", she walked to him. "There's something I've got to tell you. Sit down." They both sat next to each other. Jesse felt Amanda's hand on his back, rubbing it gently.

"Is it about Mia?"

"Yes"

"Is she okay?"

Amanda shook her head. "We don't know yet. Mark is still doing surgery on her. But we just found out that she... she..."

Jesse's eyes widened. Worried, scared.

"She's got cancer, Jesse"