Earlier on the phone, he had heard the sob even though she was trying to hide the pain. She didn’t want him to know she had another altercation with...her husband. After a deep breath and clearing his throat he had changed his tone slightly. “Little one, I know you're sad. You can't hide it from me. I must know what happened. Tell me now.” Whispering between the sobs she had told him. “He came home from work and started yelling. He threw dinner on the floor. He broke the dishes and didn’t care.. ”“Empathize.”“Empathize,” she said carefully. “I wouldn’t be mean. I could even offer my cat for her. And Mommy. I understand. I ... a cat ... it would ... I would...”“ ... be responsible.”“Yeah. And if something ... Gosh! I didn’t ... empathize. I didn’t understand. People ... don’t understand, do they Joe? All they have is their brain. They can’t really empathize. Not totally. We really are so very selfish, aren’t we Joe?”“Holy shit,” he muttered.“Aren’t we Joe?” she persisted.“Yes, Esther.. I take this time to inhale your scent and even place a slight kiss on your neck. Again I turn away and jot down the numbers this time leaning over a little further so you have a better view of my ass. I measure neck to wrist and slowly trace my nails down your exposed skin giving you a slight chill. It’s time to measure your waist so I ask you to please lift your shirt slightly. But now I think you’re on to me… You say ‘I think it would be better if I just take it off” I tell you that sounds. Dawson. Um what’s his name mom?’ ‘Malcolm. Why?’ ‘Oh nothing mom, um the names Malcolm and Marilyn go well together.’ ‘Yes they do. You are looking well.’ ‘Thanks and so do you. Show me your tits.’ Jack rolled to his right and a slap landed where his face had been only a second before. ‘You pig. Jack Redman you pig.’ ‘I love you mom. Give me a kiss and no tonguing,’ Jack said, holding out his arms and rolling back into his original position. Laughing Sara kissed him on the nose and then kissed.