Launa and Tia have a talk, WE Tuesday Week 7

Instructions: This week, our characters are going to bring in a friend for a conversation. This friend can be but does not have to be a second character for the project. Your character and this friend can be anywhere, talking about anything, as long as the post is mostly dialogue.

"Launa," the nurse said softly, "are you awake?"

Launa opened her eyes and smiled.

"A couple reporters would like to talk to you. They have a photographer, too. Should I let them in?"

Launa's eyes widened. "God, no," she said. That's the last thing I need. "No visitors, please." She paused and said, "Well, Tia or Janice would be okay." Would Dave want to visit? The mental image of Dave and Janice comparing notes flashed by. No, that would not be good. Neither one knows just how little sleep I need.  "Just Tia or Janice, please. No one else."

"Okay, honey. No problem." The nurse quietly left the room.

* * *

Tia perched on the edge of the chair. "But why wouldn't you want to talk to the reporters? You could get your name in the paper!" Tia bounced in her enthusiasm. "Maybe even a spot on the news! That would be so cool!"

Launa groaned and made a face. "Not everyone wants to be in the public eye."

"But ... it could even go national! You're a hero! People want to know what happened."

"Oh no," Launa said shaking her head. "No national coverage. No reporters, no TV spots, and most definitely no national coverage." That would be more than a little inconvenient, she thought. It's getting harder and harder to stay in the shadows.

"But ... but ...," Tia stammered. "It sounds wonderful."

Launa smiled. "Then you talk to the reporters. Just leave me out of it."

"But I'm not a hero," Tia said with a pout.

"You were there and you have a story. Your story is important, too," Launa said.

"But what if they ask about you?"

"Tell them ..." Launa considered a moment. "Tell them I'm in a witness protection program and that publishing my name, description or photo would put my life in danger."

"You are?" Tia's eyes widened. "Really?"

"No, honey," Launa said patiently. "That's just what you tell them."

"But..."

"Or tell them I'm an undercover agent. Tell them it would blow my cover." Launa thought, The part about blowing my cover is more true than not.

Tia frowned. "You're not an undercover agent, right?"

Launa grinned. "No, I'm not." She paused then said, "Just between you and me, I have my reasons."  Launa chewed on her lip, hoping Tia would let it drop.

Tia did not want to let it drop. "But, Launa ..."

The smile left Launa's face. "Please, Tia. I can't talk about it. I can't." A tear rolled down the side of her face.

"Oh, honey, I'm sorry!" Tia said in alarm, seeing Launa's discomfort. "I won't say a word. I promise." She leaned down to hug Launa. "Please don't cry. I promise not to tell them anything." Tia glanced at her watch. "I need to run. Get better soon! We miss you at the shop."

Launa smiled at Tia and nodded.

After Tia left, Launa wiped her face. I wonder if I'll ever be able to live a normal life. She felt another tear starting. Probably not, she thought sadly. I hate refusing to answer her questions. I hate saying no. It would be nice to have someplace I could just be and not worry about hiding who I am. I wonder if a place like that exists.
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Next part: Advancing the story, The next bit