25. May 19, 2021

Summary

• Barbara arrives in a hurry at Kiner Memorial Hospital's oncology department, where she meets Marie.
• Marie reveals Barbara's acquaintance, Olivia, has a slow-progressing form of cancer that is monitored regularly.
• The condition has started progressing slightly faster, but it has not metastasized, and Olivia is living with it rather than dying from it.
• Olivia has something important to tell Barbara, who is concerned but also preoccupied with school and her poetry.
• Olivia, using a pair of canes, joins Barbara and Marie after an MRI, mentioning the indignities of old age and medical procedures.
• Olivia questions Barbara about the concept of screaming and initiates a conversation about coping with emotions in difficult settings.
• Olivia gives Barbara an envelope from the Penley Committee, revealing that she is shortlisted for a poetry honor.
• Barbara becomes emotional upon confirming she is still in the running for the Penley award and the opportunity to be published by Random House.
• They leave the hospital and return to Ridge Road, with Olivia providing lighthearted commentary during the journey.
• Once home, Olivia encourages Barbara to release a scream of joy in celebration of her poetry achievement.
• Olivia expresses pride in Barbara's success, noting that she is the youngest and the first to be shortlisted among those she has mentored.
• Olivia acknowledges that while there are still challenges ahead for Barbara, she has already distinguished herself among a talented and dedicated group.
• Although exhausted, Olivia insists on discussing further matters with Barbara before resting.