He sat down, the smell of his aftershave making my heart pound. ‘Fran, you awake?’ Patrice called softly. ‘Yes,’ I answered. Patrice was quiet... She got up and went to the bathroom. When she came back, she sat on her bed and looked first at Tim’s picture then at me. ‘You’re right. I can’t make this long distance thing work. I need more. I need a boyfriend who is here. If you think you can make him happy, then you should try.’ Her tone was even, without inflection. It was like a judge delivering. The AI in her head continued, "You are to proceed with your party to your housing pod. Follow the glowing yellow line, please." John," said Elizabeth, "the AI wants us to go to our housing pod. The yellow line will lead us there. Will you go first, please? Gail, will you see that none of us gets lost along the way?" With a nod, John led them off. Some in the group found it difficult to walk while bent forward and trying to hide their bodies. The corridor was empty and, after a short distance,. In fact there is no record of your past from the time you and your sister were found in the woods.” I start to interrupt when he cuts me off. “The murder is still unsolved and there is no record of who you are or where they come from or even if they were your parents.” I’m silent as I think about that night and shiver.“So...” I start, trying to figure out what he wants from me. “Is that why you want to talk to me?”“No,” he smiles. “I didn’t get interested in you until I saw you catch a bullet. " Changed??? What do you mean changed?" I'm mean, you're still you. Still Charlie, my best friend." Of course I'm still me, silly. Who else would I be?" I want you to look at me." said Sam. "Look really hard. Am I differentin any way?" You look perfectly normal to me. You're still the same old Sam I've known since grammar school. Let's sit down on your bed and talk aboutwhat's bothering you. Okay?" Okay." sniffed Sam. "Just like old times."And Charlie puts an arm around Sam and asks.