—- There are people in the world who can directly control the minds and bodies of others. I know this because I am one of them, and I have met other... with similar abilities. This has made me quite paranoid. So far none of the Talents I have met match my own level (especially after I alter their minds to limit or disable their ability). Most have been much weaker, and none so far truly recognized their singular talent as I have. But I live in fear of meeting one who is stronger than I, of that. One thing gave away her sadness; her eyes were red and puffy from crying. A knowledgeable observer would recognize her as dressed in mourning.Ms. Smith, having learned the identity of the lady, had warned her not to hug him. She explained that he had stitches along his back and a hug could rip them. The woman didn’t know how to act and sat there wondering what to do. She owed this man so much and had no idea how to repay him. She was lost in thought when he entered the room.“Hello, I’m John. Chrissy stood behind and to the right of Becky, while Cindy moved slightly off to the side. They approached and we stood nervously opposite each other before Cindy went over and kissed her Dad's cheek and hugged her mother. She turned to me and said, "This is my father, Jim, and you know Becky's Dad, Jake."I pulled my arms free from the girls and went forward to introduce myself. I shook Jim's hand, saying how nice it was to meet him, then Jake's, indicating that it was a pleasure to see him. I felt as if I fit right in. I also knew we had a long way to go to see if there was that ‘couple’ side of us. For all the time I had known him before, I felt as if he were a brand-new lover who I really didn’t know at all. When I woke up, I looked at him splayed stomach-side down on my bed. As much as I wanted him again, I just couldn’t bring myself to wake him. I could understand how he could be that tired. Our ride back from Rick’s house was nothing but teasing touches and double entendres.