Chapter 52 Still You

• Vangie clasped her hand over her mouth the moment she saw Bert. He was staring back at her, tears pooling in his eyes. He had changed so much. His cheeks were sunken, his arms thinner. She recognized the shirt he was wearing—before, it fit him perfectly. Now, it looked like it was hanging on a hanger from how loose it had become. He hadn’t shaved in days, his beard had grown thick, and his hair was now tied at the back of his head.
• “B-Bert…” she whispered. What had happened to him?
• “Vangie…” Bert smiled weakly. He took a step toward her, as if he were about to embrace her, but Vangie raised her arms and took a step back.