Night fell and there was silence. Natalie had avoided talking to Diana for the rest of the evening and Dan had gone to bed early. Diana was sitting alone in the living room watching a movie and eating a bowl of popcorn when she heard someone whisper, "Mom, what's wrong? You seem sad."
Diana turned the voice and saw Gabe. "It's nothing."
"It doesn't look like nothing. You're sitting here watching My Sister's Keeper, which I thought you hated."
"It fits my mood."
"Why? Who died, besides me?"
"No one."
"Is someone sick? Is someone gonna die? Or are you just being depressed?"
"Gabe, please. I don't have the patience for that."
"What's wrong with you? You never minded before! You loved it! You loved me! You're acting like you hate me."
"NO! I'D NEVER HATE YOU! Gabe, there's no easy way to tell you this, but I have cancer."
Gabe stood motionless. "Mom, I don't know what to say…"
"Please go."
"Mom, I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"I'm the one who should be sorry. What I said to you was just mean."
"It's okay. Are you going to be okay?"
"I don't know."
"Well, I'll be there for you." Gabe's eyes welled with tears. "Don't die, Mom. I love you."
"I love you too. I remember how I didn't want you to die. And at least you're caring. Natalie is so upset, she won't talk to me."
"Are you sure she's upset? She might be mad, you know."
"She's always mad."
"Well, I better get going." Gabe took a handful of popcorn. "Thank you. Bye."
Diana laughed. "Bye." Gabe left and Diana sighed. "Yeah, she may be mad, but I don't want to die with her being mad at me."
**NOTE: DEATH HAS NOT BEEN DECIDED. It was just Diana's way of theoretically speaking. I know that cancer doesn't always kill (my grandma is a survivor), but it may be interesting. I'll just go along with what happens**