Marceline watches from her chair as Simon puts the knife he was using to make his sandwich into the fridge, and the mustard into the dishwasher.
"Simon, that's not where those go."
She watches a confused look cross his face before it really clicks that he did those things backwards.
"I'm sorry Marcy, I think it's getting worse."
"You don't have to apologize Simon, you've done nothing wrong. Plus, it's one of the reasons I'm here, to help you out."
"I know, but you shouldn't have to. You have dreams to fulfil and crowds to please."
"I'm already famous Simon, and no amount of fame or money could ever be more important than you."
She could see that he wants to argue, but she doesn't give him room to.
"When's your birthday?"
"December 27th, 1972. I was born during a snowstorm."
"Ding-ding, one point to Simon! He only needs to answer 3 more questions correctly and he may be able to take home the championship!"
"Very funny Marcy, you should treat this more serious."
"I know, but if I let myself take it too seriously, I'll be gripped by the fear of it Simon. I know you're trying to protect me, but you don't have to anymore. It's my turn to take care of you now."
The argument leaves him, and she can see the tension leave his shoulders with it. He knows she's right, and she doesn't have the heart to tell him that they had this exact conversation almost word for word yesterday and the day before. Or that that's the second sandwich he's made since they came into the kitchen 5 minutes ago. She managed to grab the first one before he realized. No use in letting Simon scare himself, she's seen what happens when his fear mixes with his memory loss. She doesn't want any repeat panic attacks or anything of the like.
Marceline had been in the city for years prior to moving in with Simon permanently, though before, she had only lived a few blocks from him anyways. With his quickly devolving Alzheimer's, she thought that the best course of action would be to have her here around the clock to make sure he didn't get himself into too deep of water.
Her music career is very active and healthy, though right now, it hasn't needed much upkeep. It's managed to stay healthy and strong on its own for a while. Being internationally famous has its perks, though, sometimes it's a real nail in the foot. Paparazzi is annoying as hell, and don't even get her started on the media.
It had somehow leaked that her Uncle was experiencing some kind of mental disease, and that brought with it a resurgence of annoying questions and way too much mail from tabloids and "concerned" fans. She wished they would leave her alone.
"Hey Simon, I'm gonna head out for a little while, get some air."
"Alright, be safe Marcy. Don't get into too much trouble. Alright, be safe Marcy."
She sighs as she puts her shoes on. She knew that it gets worse at night, but nothing in her life could ever have prepared her for how painful this was. At this point, it's only minor memory loss and repetition of words and phrases, though recently, she's also noticed him having trouble with his hygiene (namely toothbrushing).
She stands, stretches, and heads to the lobby of the apartment complex she and Simon now both have apartments in (though she spends more time at his). She greets the lobby attendant and makes her way through the doors and down the block to her favorite book store. She had just finished a different book on how to help people suffering through Alzheimer's, and it wouldn't hurt to see if there were any other books on the subject.
She couldn't ever tell him that she's terrified of what's happening. The words would do no good, and they would be forgotten soon enough. Maybe she'll pick up a 'for fun' book to read too, maybe it'll help her with the stress she's going through. Her very limited number of friends aren't the kind of friends that she would share this with, and they wouldn't know what to do with the information anyways, not that she would expect them to drop everything and help her out; that's not how relationships work.
Many of the people that she used to call friends dropped off the face of the Earth once she got famous, which was honestly the absolute worst time for them to do that. She still doesn't know why, but just like then, she still believes that people like that don't deserve to be chased after. They stopped communicating and she eventually did too once she realized that they were trying to avoid her. It wasn't anything that she couldn't deal with, but it definitely didn't help. Those were confusing days, and the pressure from all sides was almost too much to handle sometimes.
Luckily, she has Simon, and she had him then too. As far as friends go, he's the best that she's ever had. He is her family and her only friend, and she doesn't see that as a sad thing. Maybe eventually she will go out and mingle with people her own age, but she knows it won't be as easy as she would like. She doesn't want "friends" who are close to her for her fame or money, but friends who are important to her and who she is important to. There's no room for toxic people in her life.
With these thoughts, she browses the shelves. Maybe she can find a book about friendships instead of intimate relationships. She's realized most of the books in market right now really seem to encourage toxic and restricting thoughts about relationships, and quite frankly, Marceline doesn't have the patience for it.
"Can I help you find anything?" The sales associate looks star-struck, but Marceline can tell that she's trying to keep it professional.
"You can find me a book you've wanted to read, and I'll sign it for you?"
"No, that's really not necessary. Plus, I don't really have the money for a new book right now."
"It's alright, don't sweat it. I'll buy you a book, I'll sign it, and you can read it once you're done with your shift."
"I don't want to seem-"
"I promise you Lucy, you're not inconveniencing me. You're not asking, I'm offering. Let me give you some sunshine in a day full of clouds."
Marceline knows that the combination of using the girl's name (taken from her nametag), and the lyrics of one of her early songs would more than likely tip the scale. And sure enough, a smile splits Lucy's face as she agrees timidly and runs off to find her book of choice. It's moments like these that make Marceline happy to be as influential as she is. She likes to make people happy, and she's never expected anything in return. It's one of the greatest lessons that Simon has ever taught her, and she couldn't be happier about it.
"Are you sure you don't mind Ms. Abadeer?"
"I'm sure. And hey, we're on a first name basis now alright? Marceline is fine. It's good to see a new face working in the store."
She signs the book and writes a few sentences to personalize it a bit more and hands the book over.
"There is one small thing I would like to ask. Have you gotten any new books on Alzheimer's and aging diseases?"
"Not that I'm aware of, but I can check if you want?"
"Nah, that's alright. Thanks for your help Lucy."
With that, Marceline leaves with no specific destination in mind. She doesn't want to head back to the apartments quite yet, but she also doesn't want to walk around a whole bunch. Maybe the Blue Lantern has a band playing tonight, it wouldn't hurt to check. That's her next destination then.
Walking the city blocks brings her an odd sense of calm that only someone who has lived here a long time could experience. There's the artists on the corners (who she tips generously) and the drunks shouting from the sidewalks, all of it tying together in a way that makes no sense but becomes a living white noise machine. It's honestly wonderful, and as the Blue Lantern comes into view, she can hear a steady stream of music playing through the opening and closing doors.
"Marceline! Long time no see. How's your Uncle doin?"
"Hey Mike, you know I can never stay away for too long. Uncle's had better days, but nothing too bad."
"Sorry to hear that Marcy, but hey, we've got a local up and coming band playing tonight, and they're right up your alley. You want your usual booth?"
"Sounds great Mike, I appreciate it. Tell the husband hi for me, yeah?"
The atmosphere inside is even better for her brain than the atmosphere that's outside. The hard riffs and angry vocals of a new age rock band has her muscles vibrating with excitement. Halfway through the performance, she calls over the manager to see if she could meet the band after their set. And after the set finishes, Marceline is asked to follow the manager (Rob, a great guy) backstage to meet the band. There're roadies everywhere trying to pack stuff up quick, but the band is looking slightly apprehensive as she approaches.
"Fellas, what a great show! You guys have a great sound!" There's visible confusion written on their faces, not quite understanding why a legend in the music industry is approaching them in the Blue Lantern, and better yet, giving them praise for their performance.
"Uh, um thanks? Did- did you really like it?" The guitarist speaks up first.
"Most definitely. You've gotta agree that the acoustics in this place really make the rock beats extra bangin."
"Have you played here before?" Ah, the drummer this time.
"Oh yeah, bunches of times. Most were before I got real famous, but it holds a very special place in my heart. Rob here doesn't quite enjoy the crowds I bring in nowadays, they're usually on the rowdy/destructive side."
"Why'd you come and watch us then? We're only local, we don't have any scouts out for us or anything." The bassist, always the voice of reason.
"I like to come in here and hear the local talent when I can. My music is good, but it's not nearly as fun to listen to as you may think. Now you guys, you sound amazing. I just wanted to tell you good job."
They're starstruck, she can tell. She can't really blame them, and before she heads off she offers to do some autographs, which are then distributed with glee. Considering the time, Marceline makes her rounds of the pub and talks to some of the employees that have been long term friends of hers. She only talks to them when she's at the pub, though with how frequent that is, it doesn't surprise her that she considers them a kind of family for her. Maybe she has more friends than she thought, though they're all far older than she is. More wisdom for her.
Heading back to the apartments, Marceline thinks more deeply about her relationships. She may not have friends in the conventional sense of the word, but she certainly isn't lacking in people who are in her corner. Filling her with a sense of ease, these thoughts linger as she reaches Simon's apartment and helps him get ready for bed. He has a much easier time tonight than he did last night, and gets to bed without much hassle. Marcy, taking after her Uncle as always, also heads to bed, and sleeps much more soundly than she has in a couple weeks.