Chapter 3
Upon my arrival I saw everyone standing outside Collins' room, looking somber. Maureen ran over and hugged me fiercely. I was surprised at first, and then remembered that it had been a year and a half since I last saw her in person.
When she released me, I gave my greetings to Joanne and Mimi, and wandered over to Roger. He was standing off to the side, talking to Benny.
"How's he doing?" I asked.
"Not too good." Roger's voice was short, boarding on angry. "He...um...he caught the flu about a week ago, but didn't tell anyone."
"He didn't tell anyone?" I asked in disbelief. "How can you miss that?"
Roger turned and gave me a cold stare. "I wasn't exactly here. I just flew in from L.A. this morning."
"This morning?" I was confused.
Benny stepped in. "Collins checked himself into the hospital yesterday, without telling anyone. When he was given the diagnosis, he called me, then Roger, then Maureen."
I was about to ask why I wasn't called till an half an hour ago, but something stopped me. "The diagnosis? What do you mean?"
Benny faltered. Roger looked away, angry as ever. Maureen clutched Joanne's hand tightly. It was Mimi who spoke.
"Mark...they don't expect Collins to recover."