Howard sat the Big Boy bag down in from of Denise and started to walk off. He paused when he heard her sigh. He looked back and saw her walking over to the window. He moved back across the room and stood beside her. He looked out the window and wondered what she saw.
How would it feel to never learn anything new? To never grow as a person? He couldn't imagine being stuck with the same memories every day and never having the ability to learn something new.
"Some day I'm going to be a famous actress," Denise said softly. "I don't care what I say," she said, gesturing to Penny across the room. "I am not going to be stuck in some boring old community center, teaching acting. My name is going to be in big bright lights that you can see from the moon!"
Howard looked at her, and realized it wasn't joy he was seeing in her sparkling eyes. It was fervent desperation. "Why do you want to be an actress?" he asked carefully.
Denise looked back out the window. "An actress can be anyone they want. They can be strong, or graceful, or loved, or wanted. They demand attention and get it. I want that. I want people to look at me and know I matter."
Howard felt something for Penny in that moment that he had never felt for her before. Pity. She was so anxious to be famous, but for all the wrong reasons.
Denise turned to him as her smile faded. "I'm tired, Howard. I want my bed."
He placed a hand on the small of her back and led her over to a cot. "Here, lay down for a bit, and I'll get you a ride, okay? It'll take a couple of minutes, but you rest for now, alright?"
Denise nodded and yawned. "Thanks Howard. When I'm famous, I'll give you an autograph."
He nodded and walked out of the room. He sat by the window and thought about what she had said for a long time. A shadow moved over him and he looked up.
"I need a ride," Penny said firmly. "It's very important."
Howard stood and pulled his keys out of his pocket. "Where to?"
R/W: grow, wonder, fade, light, key