She strained her ears but could only catch the low, soft rhythm of his voice. Undoubtedly, he was telling them a bedtime story.She ground her teeth as...that woman entered. Pat scooped the little boy from his father's lap and carried him into the back part of the house. The girls kissed their father and followed. Windows briefly showed lights and then went dark.She drank in the sight of Mike as he stretched out in the recliner. She thought of all the things they would be able to do together once. Besides, I was enjoying these emotions of horniness and jealousy. Finally, after what had seemed like an eternity, I got a text from Michelle. She asked if I wanted to meet her at the Olive Garden for dinner. It took me about a second and a half to reply, “Yes! On my way.” When I stepped into the Olive Garden lobby, I was actually relieved to see Michelle sitting on a bench alone waiting for me. I’d kind of assumed that Shaun was probably with her. When I walked in, Michelle stood and wrapped. After we’ve finished eating, we enjoy each other’s near silent company for what seems like hours. I’ve learnt by this point that forcing a conversation with Ida isn’t the right way to get her talking. For now it seems I’ll have to be content with her unspeaking trust, which I know is far more than I deserve. I know better than to expect her to suddenly open up, regardless of our budding friendship. I hope in time though, that she will trust me enough to tell me her entire story and that one day. John smiled. “I really enjoyed that, but as I can see from your face, things are not different, are they?”She shook her head, and looked wistful.“You have to do what is right,” he said. “You’ll feel better that way.”She nodded again.The month passed quickly.Two days before Valentine’s Day when the month would be up, John answered the phone to a woman’s voice with a Dutch accent.“May I speak with Mevrouw Klinsman, please?”John called Claire to the phone.“Hello?” She looked puzzled for a moment.