CARLA

(Continued)

They both looked at me waiting for me to say something.

"I think I should excuse you guys." Joyce suggested leaving.

I stopped her, "No Joyce. You are the reason I kept him and his life was saved. You should be here."

"Umm... I don't think it's necessary. Besides I did nothing, we did it together." She replied scratching the back of her neck.

"No Joyce. You're not leaving." I warned her.

I faced him, "How are you feeling Jerry?"

"Good. Since you took care of me." He replied with a smile.

This smile. He always has to smile even when things are not okay. Can he not...