“God damn it!” John cursed, jumping back.He held up the head. “There, done!”Nothing happened.“Oh, right.” He chucked the hairy orb out of ...he circle.The dragon’s image appeared immediately. It spoke quickly, “You have completed your first level Task. For your second level—T”“Hold on!” He raised a palm. “You said I get the reward first.”The dragon paused. “You wish to receive your reward at this time?”“Yes. You said I get an increase... ?”“You may elect to receive a general increase to all. "I returned Holly's wave. Mainly because I knew she would be a little put outif I didn't. She was a great mom, always putting my needs before her own.Although, she could occasionally be a bit insecure about how I truly feltabout living with her and her husband.I guess she couldn't believe that a teenage girl could be mature enough tohandle the tragedies I had and not carry around a humongous chip ofresentment on her shoulder. I guess she always wondered if I was going toblow up one day and. " She said dreamily, then swiftly told him to clean up in her bathroom before returning to his desk.Fast forward to her next birthday, and she hated that she had to work that day. She got one of those “pings” on her work calender that had Daniel’s name and a request for a half-hour scheduled “product demo”. She “accepted” said appointment, wondered about it for a second, then gave it no other thought.At the appropriate time, Daniel knocked and entered, but not alone. He had another man with. You're being disingenuous."All right, I read. I know what disingenuous means. But who the fuck uses it in actual conversation? It is a word meant only to be used on the printed page."Well." That could have meant anything. I didn't know. Let him figure it out."I had a nice time studying with you the other night," he said.Yes! I was getting a second chance."Me too. I was wondering if you were doing anything tonight." Well, I do have plans, but perhaps you'd like to come along. I'm going to see.