“Your bodyguard, yes, I know. It is a pleasure to meet you, Major, and I want to thank you in advance for any effort you put forth in keeping my son...safe,” she said graciously.“The pleasure is all mine, ma’am, and I will try not to be too much of an inconvenience to you or your family during my stay here.” he assured her.After my mother had shown Major Johnson to his room, she returned to the kitchen to start my interrogation.“So, Joseph, it appears your father and I missed out on your birthday. Several times he tried to do the same as Stick with two rocks, but instead of half formed points, he wound up with many smaller rocks.The following day, in less than half a day's time, they had sorted more flint stones and points than they could possibly carry. Two Bears unveiled a surprise for Stick that he had prepared in anticipation of their coming need. He had fashioned a large quiver made of old fur skins that couldn't be used for lodge coverings anymore. He had stitched the furs together. " A complicated lookof both relief and anxiety spread across her face."Can I ask what your name is?" Maeve" With your red hair, that is a perfect name for you. I like it very much."After several minutes of crying and hugging, she gave me more details abouther move.Maeve had been keeping in touch with the trans woman, Samantha, that shehad met. She teaches at this junior college (that fully supported hertransition) and had told Maeve about an opening in the art department. Sheapplied and was. About an hour later, after a slow dance with one of the single men who appeared to be in his late 30s, Cindy signaled from across the room to John back at the table. She pointed to a back exit and strolled from the room with a tall, dark, handsome man who John did not know but who had captured Cindy’s attention throughout the night. John looked around, then got up and made his way through the crowd and out the door. There was a small storage room down a short dark hallway where he heard voices..