She doubled over, losing her mouthpiece, the wind knocked from her. The dark haired woman was instantly all over her, pummeling her with punches. Down...she went to the canvas, dazed, unable to find her breath or the will to continue, but she knew she must. The small single mother of two had been told she would be paid only if she could last two rounds against her heavier and experienced opponent. Having lost her job several days ago, she had searched desperately for a means to pay the rent. . I...” she trailed off, I suppose looking for the right words. I sat silently, not offering any help or brooking any bullshit.“Last year,” she started, “the company switched insurance carriers in an effort to control costs. This new company believes more in preventative medicine than waiting for something to happen and then worrying about it. Towards that end, physicals are two dollars, drugs are like six dollars, most preventative procedures are likewise very affordable. I hadn’t had a. Far from it. Every day I spent with Kim was golden. Things went well for the next two years. One day I suggested to Kim that we have a little talk. She said "Now is as good a time as any. So what do you want to talk about?" I sat and thought for almost a full minute and then began "Kim, I have overheard some of the kids in school pondering the thought that you never go out on dates. I mean that at your age of 16 most girls, sorry, young ladies, go out with boys on dates to do fun things.. "Debating?" We were discussing this momentous bit of decision-making in the most serene imaginable fashion. We were blissfully pleased to be together, here or anywhere else, on World Series Eve.The woman continued to amaze me. Initiating her into the world of sexuality continued to be a sweet and rewarding experience. The initial tenderness hadn't been lost in the weeks that followed.But Alice surprised me with her willingness to take the relationship beyond that point. Along with the moments.