Head back to the house?” “Unless you’ve got somewhere else to be.” “Well,” I said, “I wouldn’t mind having another drink.” ... “Ah!” Mom said then laughed, “A little dry after a year in the desert, huh? Well, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I had a get together at the house two weeks ago and have a enough beer and wine for a whole platoon!” I laughed and said, “I’m in!” We drove back to the house and mom wasn’t k**ding. The garage fridge was stocked with a ton of beer and. About 30 minutes later their was another announcement. “This is a final call for flight C-U-M-6-9 to New York. Will passengers please go through to departures.” Theresa and Sheryl, being in first class went to the gate ahead of the hoi poloi. They were joined by the tall, athletic Brad Karlson and all three flashed their boarding cards before going through the tunnel to take their seats. They had their own stewardess in the plush cabin, which was separated from the main part of the aircraft by. She was just 19 at that time, so as I was working in my office she was cleaning the floor step which go to my room which is on first floor, so she started doing some thing like she is getting giddiness so I told her to go up and sleep (take a rest) but she said that I am not able to walk also so I took hold of her hands and went up and made her sleep but as I did so she started saying that she has some pain near her chest so I told her giving a balm to apply there so she please would you do so. But for now, I had an empty house, a broken heart, and time. Oh, I had so much empty time before me.* * *But time passed, as time does. Slowly it seemed sometimes, and sometimes so fast I lost track of the weeks. I worked. I worked hard. I had nothing else. I still exercised, and jogged, and kept myself attractive. I still don’t know why. I’d run until I thought my lungs would burst. I’d exercise until I was so exhausted I would fall into a dreamless sleep. Upon awakening, I’d turn to his side.