Chapter 8
A little over an hour later, I rushed back into the familiar hospital room. I had gone home and showered, changed, and packed a bag. I called the TV station and told them I wasn't coming in that week, but would mail them my film. Right at that moment, I was packing my only copy of "Today 4 U: Proof Positive" into a box. Forget the ending, I decided. The middle was what now held the core, and that's what mattered.
Inside, I found my friends gathered around Collins' bedside. They were standing silently, while Collins fought back sleep and perhaps something else.
"Hi," I said breathlessly when I entered.
The others regarded me with looks of mixed emotions. I really wasn't sure whether I was going to get group hugs or beaten up at that point.
It was Roger who spoke. "What are you doing here?" It wasn't a malicious snarl, it was a genuine question, and one which I'm sure was on everyone's mind.
I swallowed and smiled slightly. Looking past Roger and into Collins' eyes, I replied "I'm home."
"Decided to come home for the end?" Okay, that remark wasn't so gentle.
I shook my head. "No, because this isn't the end. Not for me, anyway, and not for you," I looked at Roger "or any of you," I glanced at the rest of our group. "This is just the middle for us." In the corner, I saw Collins smile gently, his eyes opening wider.
"Welcome home," he said, his voice stronger than I had heard it all day.
With that, my friends (even Benny) rushed in to greet me. And I truly was home, and far from alone.