Chapter 45

Mitch watched him go, and then turned to Avi with a smile. "I took a bunch of vitamins so I can stay here for a while. Want some soup? Or.. Um. A board game?" "Why don't you go catch up with Scott? I'll stay here. Maybe you can send Kirstie in here for a second?" Mitch's smile faltered a second at someone choosing Kirstie over him again, and then he smiled tightly without using his teeth. "You too?" "What do you mean?" "Nothing. I.. Nothing. I'll send her in." And then he turned to leave before Avi could say another word. Mitch found Kirstie in the kitchen, before sending her to Avi's room. She skipped down the hall, and then threw open the door. "Hi hi!" Avi smiled at her tiredly. "Hey, Princess." She closed the door and then walked to the side of his bed, leaning down to kiss him. Avi held her back, with his hands on her shoulders. "Baby... You can't kiss me.." "I don't care if I get sick." She tried. "But I do. You can't get sick. I won't allow it." Kirstie stood back up and whined.