eleanor no. 39
You think she’ll ever wake up?
I told you. Ain’t like she’s sleeping.
I know. But still. You think she will?
Maybe. Doctor told Mom sometimes it takes years. Mom told Daddy she doesn’t know if Ellie’s folks can afford it. I guess it costs money.
It’s just a bed.
I know. But I guess there’s more to it than that.
Maybe.
Mom told me she saw you here yesterday.
Yeah.
Why didn’t you come get me? When you came here.
I didn’t think you wanted to come see her anymore.
I never said that.
Yes, you did.
I said I thought maybe I couldn’t do it anymore.
That’s the same thing.
It isn’t, really.
Well, I didn’t come get you because I didn’t think you cared.
That’s a mean thing to say, Jack.
Then I guess I’m sorry.
I mean it, that’s a really mean thing to say. Ellie’s my best friend.
I know.
What did you do?
When?
Yesterday.
Oh. I, uh. I read to her.
Read what?
Stories.
What kind of stories?
She likes them Martian Chronicles. I read those.
I didn’t know you read. Did you — nevermind.
Did I what?
Did you read to her before?
Sometimes.
Before the accident, I mean.
I know what you meant.
Did — did she read to you?
Only once. She said she hated hearing her voice that much.
Did you?
Did I what?
Did you hate hearing her voice that much?
That’s ridiculous.
Well?
No. I liked it when she read to me.
Oh.
What?
Nothing.
Alright.
It’s just — I like to read, too.
Okay.
Maybe you could read to both of us?
I didn’t bring the book.
Why not?
Cause you were coming with.
Oh. But –
Look, Stace. It’s just a thing that we did. Me and Ellie.
You and Ellie.
Yes.
Fine.
I wonder if she knows when we come here.
I don’t care.
Liar. You care.
I don’t. I think you stink, Jack.
I don’t want you saying things like that.
It’s true. You stink.
You say whatever you want to me, Stacy. I don’t care. But don’t say it in here. Not like that. Not where she can hear us. You being stupid to me doesn’t make her feel better.
She can’t hear. She’s — she might as well be dead.
Say that again.
No.
Get out anyway.
What?
Get out. And don’t come back here with me.
I hate you.
No, you don’t.
I do.
I know you don’t. Now go away.
I thought you said you didn’t bring the book.
I didn’t. I leave it here.
You’re staying?
Go home, Stacy. I’m going to read to her now.
I hate you.
Okay.
I do, I hate you.
It’s okay. I can live with it.
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