Karen had fallen asleep at the small table in the back of the bus, her notebook open in front of her. She had been writing down her thoughts- dark, heavy thoughts about her situation, the baby, and the future that seemed so uncertain. The pen had slipped from her fingers as exhaustion overtook her, but now something stirred her awake. She felt a soft touch on her shoulder, and her body instinctively tensed, her heart racing as fear shot through her. Her mind immediately thought of Earl, but when she opened her eyes, she saw Denise standing over her.
"Hey, it's just me" Denise whispered gently, her voice filled with warmth and sadness. Karen relaxed, letting out a breath of relief as she wiped the sleep from her eyes.
"Denise..." Karen muttered, sitting up and rubbing her face, trying to shake off the grogginess. "What's going on?"
Denise pulled a chair close and sat down beside her. She smiled, but it was a bittersweet one. "I wanted to say goodbye," she said quietly, glancing around to make sure no one else was nearby. It was still early, and the bus was mostly quiet. The others were probably still asleep.
"Goodbye?" Karen's eyes widened as it dawned on her what Denise meant. "You're leaving today, aren't you?"
Denise nodded, her eyes clouding with emotion. "Yeah, as soon as we get off the bus. I'm heading straight to the airport. I just... I can't do this anymore, Kare." She reached out and squeezed Karen's hand. "I'm sorry I'm leaving you like this. I wanted to take you with me, but..."
Karen looked down at their joined hands, her heart heavy with the weight of it all. "I understand," she whispered, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. "You have to do what's best for you, Denise. I don't blame you."
Denise's grip tightened as if she wanted to say more, wanted to apologize again, but she knew Karen wouldn't hold it against her. "I hate leaving you like this. I hate leaving all of y'all, but especially you. You're dealing with so much... and Earl, Mama - it's just all wrong." Denise's voice trembled, her anger towards the situation simmering just below the surface.
Karen shook her head, blinking away the tears. "You're doing the right thing. You deserve to be happy. You deserve a life away from all of this." She swallowed hard. "Just... don't forget about us, okay? Don't forget about me."
Denise pulled Karen into a tight hug, holding her sister close. "I could never forget you, Kare. Ever. I'll find a way to help you, I promise. Just hold on, okay? Don't give up."
Karen nodded against Denise's shoulder, her tears finally spilling over. "I'm trying. I'm trying so hard."
They stayed like that for a long moment, holding onto each other as if it were the last time they'd ever see one another. Denise pulled back first, wiping Karen's tears away with her thumbs. "I'm gonna miss you like crazy," she said with a shaky laugh. "But I'll be in touch as soon as I'm settled."
Karen forced a smile. "I'll be waiting to hear from you."
Denise stood up, glancing at the door of the bus, her time running out. "I have to go say goodbye to Twinkie and Dorinda before everyone wakes up. But... you take care of yourself, alright? Don't let Earl or Mama push you any further. Fight back if you have to."
Karen nodded, her resolve hardening just a bit. "I will."
Denise smiled one last time, then turned and left, quietly slipping down the aisle toward the other bunks to say her goodbyes to Twinkie and Dorinda.
Karen sat there, watching her sister go, feeling an emptiness settle in her chest. Denise was doing what she had to do, and Karen respected that. But it didn't make it any easier. She knew that things were about to get harder without Denise around. Earl was growing more aggressive, and their mother more indifferent. Karen wasn't sure how much longer she could hold on, but for now, she would try.
Denise was gone, but her words 'don't give up' echoed in Karen's mind. She had to survive, if not for herself, then for the baby growing inside her.
