The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

Sleep eventually does come, but in the middle of the night, I wake with a start. The room is dark, and I’m not sure where I am. Then I remember the doctor’s office. I’m anxious to check my face in the mirror for chicken pox. In the moonlight shining through the window, I see Samantha sleeping beside me. I don’t want to wake her. I touch my face, searching for bumps or blisters. I don’t feel anything.

Part of me wants to stay and get to know Samantha better. The other part of me is “itching” to go back home. I need to ask my mom if I’ve ever had chicken pox. I could leave a note for Samantha and go home now, but I know she’d be sad to wake up and find me gone. What do I do? The longer I lie still, the more anxious and itchy I feel.