I love it…most days. Of course, its never fun when you are speaking with women that are learning they may never be able to have children.

Forgive me for pointing this out, Rachel said, but I couldnt help but notice the bandana. She took a breath, realizing she was about to cross a line. She was typically pretty good about knowing when to toe a line, but she felt a sense of urgency for this case that she was pretty sure was spurred on by her diagnosis. Is it cancer? Are you taking chemotherapy?

She was surprised when Amber didnt get angry. She just nodded and, almost with a bit of flair, took the bandana off to reveal her bald head. Yeah. Chemo. I lost my hair, but I also lost about twenty-five pounds. Id call it even. She grinned here, but there was no real humor in it.

Did you miss a lot of time from work for the chemo?

Some. But everyone here has been very supportive, so there were no problems.

Well, with your prognosis and having to deal with it all, it must have been difficult to come into workto a place where you are around people trying to bring life into the world while you were fighting for your own, right?

She could feel Jack shifting uncomfortably beside her, tensing up. In front of her, Amber cocked her head and looked quizzically at her. No, not at all. In fact, I

The silence was deafening as she understood what was being asked of her. Slowly, a grim line of anger set across her mouth.

Are you seriously suggesting that I…that…no. No, this is not only insulting, but an embarrassing breach of privacy.

You have to understand where Im coming from, Rachel said. We are dealing with a killer that seems to have something against bringing life into the world that

No! Amber was to her feet now, glaring at them. If you stop right now Ill consider not taking your names and contacting your supervisor. And not that its any of your fucking business, but my day consists of coming to work and then heading home where Im asleep by eight o clock because the chemo treatments have wiped out any excess energy I might have. I might currently be in remission, but the draining nature of it sticks with you. I have my husband, my two children, and a neighbor that helps out that can back my story up.

Amber, Jack said, just as shocked as she was. We dont mean to

Goodbye, she shouted as she walked through the door. If I see either of you again, I will press charges.