The long driveway to Claire’s house was lit with a row of lanterns. It was only 4pm, but the mid-December sky was already midnight-blue. He looked a... himself in the rear view mirror, quickly checking his teeth and rearranging his mop top hair. He rang the bell at Claire’s door, his hands fiddling behind his back as he waited.“You must be Brandon,” a voice said as the door opened. “I’m Claire’s mom, Kathy.”Brandon held out a hand. “Hello Mrs. Silverstein, it’s nice to meet you.” He was surprised. But there was one day, when it all nearly collapsed. When I almost lost my way. When I thought of leaving them. Running off somewhere else. Start a new life on my own. So let me tell you about that day. That for the first half completely ordinary work day.As always, I got up early in the morning. I was the first one up. Enjoyed the quiet. Did some exercise. Brewed two cups of coffee, one for me, one for my wife. Made two nice beagles, filled with whatever was in the fridge. Then she came in.. Jackie put in the Titanic DVD and they drank while the movie started. I kept my eyes on Jackie's booted feet as my bladder ached and intestines growled.The women became engrossed in the movie and fell silent. From where I was, I could only see their feet. Jackie had kicked off her boots and socks and was stretching out her bare feet toward the cage, legs under the coffee table. Gina was still wearing her black heels and her feet were flat to the floor to Jackie's left. They were indeed. “Randy, this is Nadia Clark. Nadia, this is Randy Jackson, a new member of our class and church though he hasn’t made all that formal yet.”Nadia looked at me and gave me a small smile. “It’s good to meet you, Randy.”I replied, “It’s good to meet you, too, Nadia. Hello, Gloria, Lois.” I looked at each and then sat down. Pam started the class. She was introducing the letters to the Corinthians today. It was a good lesson, well taught. Nadia made a couple of good comments. Loise was quiet and.