"Dia-what?"

Alex looked pale. "What did you say?"

The doctor handed him her notes. "Type 2 diabetes."

Alex went over the notes and shook his head. "Maxie... I'm so sorry."

I blinked. "What's wrong? Is it something wrong?"

The doctor nodded. "It's a terribly chronic illness. Thousands of people have it."

I blinked. "It can't be cured. Right?"

The doctor nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, Max."

I didn't complain or anything. I didn't wanna sound like a kid.

"Can me and Alex have a moment alone please," I asked. The doctor smiled.

"Of course, Max. I'll be right back, OK?"

She left and Alex turned to me. "Maxie? Are you OK?"

I shook my head and started crying. "Alex, I'm scared. I'm so scared."

Alex gave me a hug and I cried in his shoulder. "I don't know what to do. My parents are gone and I have no one."

"Hey, Maxie, you do not have no one. You have Sophia and Rob and Kerry, and Leslie, Presley, Dana. You have me, Maxie, and I'll take care of you. Through all of this."

I sniffled and looked up at him. "Really?"

Alex kissed my head. "Of course, Maxie. I'm here for you. And besides."

He smiled and talked in his BeetleJuice voice. "I'll be your G-U-I-D-E to the other side!"

I laughed and hugged him tightly. "Thanks, Alex. Thank you for everything."

Alex hugged me tighter. "No, thank you, Maxie. For being in the right place at the right time."