Alive

"Tell the world I'm coming home."

I pull into our long driveway. Balloons, friends, and family. That's all I see. Well also a big banner that says "welcome home, Liv!"

My parents look back at me from the front seats and smile. I grin back and roll down the window and wave, feeling like a princess.

Dad stops the car and we get out. People crowd me and give me hugs. I swear the whole town was in my driveway.

"I'm so glad you're home, Liv!"

"Come get some cake, Liv!"

"We missed you so much, Liv!"

Everyone was talking all at once. It was kind of overwhelming. I try to answer every compliment, but then I see Carrie. I run at her and our arms intertwine. I got a huge mouth full of blonde curls as I try to tell her "I love you".

We finally in lock or arms and I tuck my short brown hair behind my ear. My hair was nothing compared to hers because of all my chemo.

She pulls me over to the snack table and hands me a piece of cake. The blue frosted cake looked so much more appalling compared to the hospital food.

"How is it?" She gives me one of those Carrie smiles.

"Delish" I answer with a mouth full of cake.

The party goes on. And on. And on. So many people talking to me.

I really just wanted to fall asleep in my own bed.

Finally everyone leaves and it's just my parents, Carrie, and me. Carrie and I fall asleep on my bed. We curled up next to each other with TaterTot, my cat, in between us.

I missed my old life. I hate the new one.