HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN

Before Veil was allowed to leave her parent's house, she had to promise a million times that she would see a doctor as soon as she got back to the apartment she shared with June. Although she thought it was just some flu roaming in the air, her mother wouldn't let her ignore even the slightest headache.

She took the bus back into town, and June was excited to have her back. But more importantly, she was thrilled that her best friend looked normal, or at least almost normal. She didn't mope around anymore, and that sad line on her face had eased into a more resolved look like she had accepted what life had thrown her path.

But on Monday morning, as Veil got ready for work, June watched her from where she stood, leaning against the door frame. "Are you sure you are in the right space emotionally to return to work?"

"I took only a seven-day leave," Veil replied, going through her closet for a chiffon blouse. "If I don't show up today, I might just as well kiss the job goodbye."

"Okay,"