At that point, I knew Mom would take over and she and Dana and probably Jenny would start to plan everything. I assumed that I would just have to show...up. We had just gotten to that stage when the door chimes rang again. It was Jenny, making her usual twice weekly visit. It took about ten seconds for Mom to spill the beans, followed by cries from Jenny of "What!" and "Really?" as she hurried into the kitchen."Oh congratulations, you guys. This is great news. I'm so happy for you both," she. She hung her head, avoiding them seeing her eyes.The whole family expressed their heartfelt concern for her, asking why she hadn’t stayed in contact with them. “Monique, please look up so we can see your beautiful face,” Jenny pleaded.“My face is no longer beautiful,” she lamented. She hesitantly raised her head. She looked tired and didn’t smile at her. “I wholeheartedly apologize for not keeping in contact with you. That was very rude of me. My life has been in turmoil these past several. At 18, she was dressed for summer in high cut denim shorts and had about her an indie, alternative air. Her conspicuous Slavic beauty told of her Albanian ancestry.“Will you two shut up!” she whispered loudly, “ and let's get in the house. Maria is asleep, so shhhhhh !”This piece of information defused the brewing argument and Asimina pointed to Natalia's turquoise ruck sack.“Let's leave her in the car for a moment and get that in the house. Hide it somewhere.”Natalia nodded and the three of. —————————— Much work needed to be done when the sun next rose above the distant plains. The stitches in Ivory’s furs needed tightening. The fires needed kindling. Ivory also had to accompany the other women in the foraging of roots, nuts, berries and mushrooms on the forest floor around the cave. The women ventured abroad only very cautiously given the constant risk presented by the cave lion that couldn’t be very far away. Even without this fear, there was always danger from bears, wolves and.