Alex looked across the room at her friends, her eyes pleading for help. Michelle nodded her head toward Jill, encouraging Alex to go on. Alex gave her a weak smile and turned back toward the silent Jill.
“I need you to throw me a lifeline because I’m drowning here. I’m afraid you’re fading away into that distant place, and I’m scared to death that you won’t come back. Please don’t shut me out.”
Seeing Jill so shattered and still not speaking was taking its toll on Alex. Jill looked small in the corner of the couch. Her worn out clothes, which at times made her look carefree and casual, only served to make her look like the battered woman that she was. Alex was losing the battle to keep her tears at bay. In frustration Alex used her forearm to swipe at the tear rolling down her face and
