Post-Rent
Chapter 1
After Mimi, Collins, Roger, Maureen, Joanne, and Mark stop singing, Mimi is rushed to the hospital. Remember Collins called 911? Roger stays with her in the hospital for a day or two while the others come and go. Once out of the hospital, Mimi gives up her license and goes into Rehab. Roger is extremely pleased with Mimi's progress, until one February morning when Mark walked into the loft to find Roger making coffee.
"Good morning, your up early." Mark rested his elbows on the counter and stared at Roger.
"Yeah. I got a call from the Rehab." He paused. "Mimi isn't doing well." His voice quivered.
"What's the matter with her? She's not...g-g-gone, is she?"
"No. She's...she's..." Tears sprang to Roger's eyes, his lip started to bleed, he was biting it so hard to keep from crying. Mark walked around the counter and wrapped his friend in a gigantic hug. Roger clung to Mark like he was going to fall down a very deep hole in the floor. Mark pulled away and Roger wiped his tears.
"They said that she's really sick. And withdrawal isn't helping."
"Sick? With what?" Mark knew that even the common cold could kill Mimi if not treated quickly.
"She's sick with the flu."
"OOo. That can turn ugly real fast." Mark clasped his hand over his mouth. Roger looked away, tears in his eyes. He walked over to the window and stared out of it while Mark poured himself a cup. 'Stupid! How could say that?' Mark thought, he couldn't bear to look at Roger, who was still staring out the window, tears streaming down his cheeks. Mark sat down on the couch with the newspaper, The Village Voice, and his steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. He proceeded to read it as Roger threw on his coat and scarf and walked out of the room. Mark hung his head as the door shut.