Simone spoke her name in a rush of urgency as she hurried in. She flew across Claire’s kitchen, wrapped arms fully around her dearest friend and hugged her close. “Are you okay?” she asked, squeezing hard, as though they couldn’t be close enough. Grateful to be held firm within the warm and loving arms of her friend, Claire replied, “I’m fine.” It was the third time she’d said the words today, and if she said it enough times, she was certain to believe it. Simone drew back, worry scoring her tawny eyes with pain. “Are you sure? Do you need anything?” A cure, Claire mused wryly. But glad to have her best friend by her side, she simply replied, “Just you.” Simone took Claire’s hands into her own and bound them together. Her grip was strong, determined. “We’ll beat this. You know we will.” “I know.” Quiet, accepting Twenty-four hours into the diagnosis, the weight of it was still settling in. Dr. Sorenson ordered more tests, more blood work and she had another appointment with him tomorrow, but for now she needed support. Claire needed people to listen as she expelled her fears, her concerns, and there was no better person than Simone.
