Alana plans another baby shower

Alana went to her cousin’s in Bala Cynwyd. She had fun with Marc in Reno. Since they’ve got back they’ve both been keeping to themselves. But usually, talk. Marc hasn’t answered any of her texts or other communications. She was worried.

Shabbos started. Alana was getting tired of it. Like Marc, she did things in spurts. She always quoted Leonard Cohen, her faith was strong but she needed proof. Anyway, her cousin was less religious. She used to be frum. But walked. Alana did light candles.

Her cousin brought out a delicious meal of home baked challah and a baked Virginia ham. Alana doesn’t eat ham. She settled for the oysters. Dinner was finished and she fell asleep.

She woke up and went for a run. She had Anat’s baby shower on her mind. She wasn’t even sure why she was planning it. Anat didn’t have any friends. She and Alana were not friends. They have gone through so much together. And Alana watched Anat’s transformation from a dirtbag to a soon to be a mom. Alana still wished for a kid. But she knew it wasn’t in her plan.

She kept running. She wondered who she’d invite? She figured she would invite Ann. She was doing much better since Jay attacked her and was back at work. She even spoke to Jen, one of the people who caused Anat to go crazy. Jen was still shocked that Anat saved her from Jay a few weeks ago. She agreed to go. She even bought a gift. Alana ran harder and harder.

Meanwhile, Marc was home nursing his wounds from his fight with Jay. He went into isolation. He listened to a lot of Joy Division. He took his talit and used it to dust. Eventually, he went to an old friend from camp, who was now a physician. They kept in touch. But for some reason stopped. They were too busy.
Marc walked into the office. The doc apologized profusely for not keeping in better touch. He examined Marc and sent an Rx to Walgreens for some creams to put on his wounds. He said he’d be fine in a few days. They shook hands and promised to grab a beer.

Alana kept running. She was so high. Running did that to her. She didn’t see the break in the ground. She ran right into it and fell hard. She banged her head into the pavement and passed out. EMTs arrived. She was medivaced to a trauma center.