She wants me to go home. She pleads with me.
"Go home Josh. Please. They need you."
"But I wanna stay with you."
"Please."
Finally, I give in. She's so adamant. And there's some comfort in knowing that her mother and Colin will be there with her. I actually like the guy. Go figure.
When I return to her room later, Colin and her mother are watching TV.
"Hey, guys, I just came to say goodbye."
Donna's mother gets up, hugs me, and thanks me for being there for Donna when she couldn't be. I shake hands with Colin, and wish him well. And I mean it.
Donna is dozing. I push a piece of hair from her forehead.
"Hey, sleepyhead."
She opens her eyes, blinks a few times. "You're leaving now?"
"Yea. You're sure?"
She nods, and I see tears in her eyes. "I'll miss you."
I smile. "Me too. But I'll see you soon, right?"
"I hope so. Call me lots, okay? Make me crazy."
"I think I can arrange that."
"Good."
We hold our gaze for a long minute. Finally I lean over and kiss her, just to the side of her mouth and linger there a bit longer than I probably should. I feel her hand against my chest, not pushing me away, but pulling me closer.
She whispers in my ear, "Josh." Nothing else. Just "Josh".
When I reach the door, I turn back and her eyes are closed again.
Soon Donna.
Soon.
You'll see.