"Like death warmed up!" I said weakly."You gave us all a scare", she said. "You died three times before they got you into the operating theatre. It wa... like you didn't want to come back!" No wonder my chest hurts", I winced, "and they must have used the paddles on me." And you're right; I didn't want to come back. I was with Mom, and I saw her, and held her hands, and she looked great! She looked strong and happy, and peaceful, at rest."I told Judy what had happened.I began crying, grief at. It’s a summer’s evening and it’s been recordtemperatures all week and Tom calls the guys tosuggest that they come early so they can take a swimand cool off prior to the poker. On arrival theydecide to drink a bit before they swim and before toolong they are all in high spirits Tom sets the tablefor the game and Michael puts ACE in the yard with hiswater and toys. After a couple of hands a few more beers the doorbellrings, it is the neighbors daughter Carly a prettyseventeen. “You mustn’t mind Giselle.” She laid a hand on Clarissa’s arm. “She doesn’t like meeting the public. Between ourselves she’s a bit of a diva. And I’m sure she’s jealous because you’re so pretty.” She laughed like quicksilver, eyes lighting up. It seemed weirdly magical to look on this slender naked girl all wide eyes and gently bouncing breasts. “I’m Clementine,” the performer announced, fingers lingering. “And you’re …” “Clarissa. Clarissa Beaumont.” “And your handsome partner is …?” “Call. " "It is true! Why would I say it if it wasn't true?" "Maybe because you want to get into my panties?" I said, not realizing until it was out how cruel that sounded. "That's not fair." "Maybe, maybe not. Look, can we not fight about this again?" "Okay. I'm sorry, I don't want to fight with you." Not knowing what to say, I said nothing. "Why don't I let you go? I'll give you a call tomorrow or something, okay?" "'Kay," I said, flipping the cover on the cellphone closed and cutting off anything.