In fact, today is the last day,’ said Joseph. ‘Kathy and I are flying out tonight. But Jake’s staying on for a few days, until he has to go back...to school.’ ‘Then we’ll have to hang out while you’re here,’ said Adele, looking at Jake. ‘What day do you fly out?’ ‘Sunday around noon.’ ‘Sweet. We should be on the same flight, especially since only one airline comes out here to the middle of nowhere.’ Adele smiled warmly. ‘This’ll be great. I have three days to show you all the best stuff around. Tabatha nodded heragreement."It feels less like a prison. The surroundings and the attitudes ofpeople. Only of course it isn't really is it? There is no freedomhere. Not for me. No real freedom." We trespass into philosophy. Real freedom is like infinity ordemocracy. A concept rarely achieved in this world. Or in anyother." You know what I mean." Do I?" The silver pencil described an inquisitive parabola."Of course you do. Freedom may never be absolute but there aregenerally accepted norms.. He probably would have fallen asleep but an insistent headbutt hitting his side prevented such a political faux pas. A short growl and the Patran lay down at his side, rolled over on her back and presented her belly, already purring in anticipation. He had offered and rubbing the cat’s belly was no hardship at all. The fur on her belly was a lighter shade of grey than the rest of her pelt and Roban enjoyed the warmth and its soft fluffy feel in his hand. Lulled by the sound of the cat’s deep,. I looked at the clock and most of the morning had disappeared. Luci chose that moment to stick her head in."We need some time," she said simply."I know. I owe you about a week and you won't get it anytime soon. Let me finish this," I said, waving my hand at the screen, "and then we will get some lunch. You can bring me up to speed and maybe this afternoon we can plot out a course." I got a nod from both ladies and they went back to work and I focused in on finishing up my prose. About 10.