"The Debra can help you with your treatment, can't it?"

"Yes."

"Then why don't you go for it? It will reduce the financial burden on your family if that's what you intend. Besides, if the complete skin replacement or grafting is working for some kids, then why not..."

"It's still in the experimental stage," she snapped. "The claims that it's working is a hoax to draw other kids to offer themselves for research."

"Where did you get all these notions?" I steered the car sharply to the right to avoid bumping into a lamppost.

"You concentrate on the road," she replied coldly. "Don't let tomorrows headlines be 'RECKLESS KIDS KILL THEMSELVES IN A CRASH'."

"Hey," I glared at her, "I am driving fine and if you still feel you're unsafe, you'd better take a taxi the next time."

"It's what I would actually do from next time," she flared up, "I value my life, my privacy and my ability to take independent decisions. I don't need a supposed boyfriend to interfere in my life."

"You are starting the same thing over again."

I steered my car to the left and brought it into a halt. Arguing while driving could actually cause a disaster with the busy Pittsburg traffic.

"The last time you fought with me and went off on your own, you ended up being kidnapped."

"I escaped myself. There was no one to help me at that time. When I don't get help in the time of need, then I should take charge of my life and not let others interfere."

I had no doubt that I and Doctor Phillip were among the 'others', so were her mom and dad probably.

A smart person would have ended the conversation there before it took an ugly turn, but I was too naïve and wanted to contradict her more.

"People try to help because they care for you. People always don't think about themselves as you do. They stop to think about others. If that annoys you then I have nothing to do. Phoebe you must try for once to listen..."

"I'm done with the listening. Pray leave me alone to live or to die," she opened the passenger side door and was out before I could grab her.

I jumped out, knowing that I had to stop her. I was a fool and a bad friend. I had proved it again.

"Phoebe, listen to me," I caught her hand.
She snatched it back.

"We're in public. Maintain your manners," she hissed.

That definitely stung and I let her go.
She got the opportunity to hail a passing cab and was gone before I could stop her.

"Stupid girl," I murmured, starting my car.
But then the realization hit me like a storm. Her mother was out for the day and she was alone at home. I was supposed to keep her company, not that she would let me in.

On first thoughts, I wanted to go back home but I knew she was upset and her last words made me catch my breath suddenly. She had said to leave her alone to live or die.

Surely she wasn't trying to...

I couldn't think about it anymore. I stepped on the accelerator and chased the taxi, following it closely.

If she shut the door on me, everything that we had worked to build this far would be lost.

Furiously I tailed the taxi and reached her house. She had probably readied herself for the calamity and I had barely the time to park when she jumped out of her cab and ran to the door.

Luckily I sprinted after her and put in my foot before she could close the door.
She left the door and ran up the stairs.
I chased her but she slammed the door of her room on my face.

"Let me in. Phoebe, we need to talk," I screamed, banging on the door, "Please Phoebe, girl, I am sorry. You know how reckless I am. Don't get offended. I can explain."

The silence on the other side was deafening. I waited for a minute and then knocked again.

"Phoebe, you there?"

No answer.

"Come out girl."

Silence.

"I'm sorry. I promise I won't upset you again. I should have known."

The ticking of the big grandfather clock was the only sound in the entire house.

"I need an answer on the count of ten or I'm going to break down the door," I threatened, giving it a massive heave to prove my point.

The sound of muffled sobs was heard.
I beat frantically on the door. Each passing second was a dagger through my heart.

"Ten, nine, eight, seven, and six, five..."

The door opened slightly and I forced myself in to get the shock of my life.

Phoebe was standing there stripped down to her underwear and she was covered in blood. The heaps of bandages on the floor, all bloody and her standing in that position, tears glistening in her eyes, made me realise what she had done. Bits and pieces of blood-soaked bandages clung to her skin.

"Why, Phoebe?" my voice broke. Seeing her in that state stirred something deep in me. The dark thoughts churned in the pit of despair. 

"Because you need to see me as I am. Not hidden behind these bandages."