.. what do you want to do to me? I'll let you do anything."I couldn't bring myself to answer. I couldn't say it aloud, not to my daughter's best frien...! I knew she had no respect for me. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so bold... so sure of herself. To answer her would make me appear even weaker... sicker... I couldn't go further... not with a child!Thank god she didn't persist with her question... or an answer. She rolled off of me, lying back, outstretched on the sofa, her legs spread wide, a. ” At the sight of my frown, she hastily added, “God, that was cattier than I intended. It’s just…well, it is so rare and pleasant to see.” I merely nodded, not trusting myself to speak without revealing my true feelings. Claire sighed deeply. I cautiously observed her, waiting for the proper response, the most politic reaction. God her hair was pretty today and I found myself nearly faint with the giddy, exhilarating scent of the coconut shampoo she had used. I could feel myself stirring, and. Have a piece of pie, Ursus thought, once I had finished the cereal.For breakfast? Arthur thought."Everything in moderation" and "get it while you can" are both good principles, so we'll have a moderate slice of pie, Ursus replied. I fetched a small slice of chocolate pie.Of course, Mom, who was putting cups in the dishwasher, remarked, "Pie for breakfast?" It's dessert. I had my cereal first." She shook her head but didn't say anything more.When I finished eating, I went downstairs and got. In a way that meant me as well, I suppose. John and I started to drift apart as all his time was devoted to Michelle. I would leave in the morning with him beside her bed.When I arrived home from work he would still be beside her bed just stroking her long blonde hair. I knew he blamed himself and I suppose I myself still blamed him as well. I spent my time in our family room drinking. I did what John did when he had his war wall. I would run my hand over photos of Michelle on that new family.