”I crossed my arms in front of my chest and didn’t move.“Suit yourself then”, he said, indifferent. Then he turned his attention to Julie once...more. “She’s been like this all day, but I just haven’t had time to deal with her. She also wet her bed last night and I’ve yet to change the sheets”.She smiled sweetly at him. “No worries! I know how to deal with bratty, mouthy children.”“Thank you again, Julie. I really appreciate it”. Then he turned his eyes on me once more as he was halfway out the. She, after a 10 minutes conversation, thanked me for listening to her worries.I do not know what came over me,but I extended my hand placed it on her palms and stroked it as a sign of sympathy.Her hands were very smooth to touch.But she didn’t get startled,unlike what I thought.The rain had increased in intensity outside.I must be stupid,but all of a sudden I sensed this was the moment of truth and I could use her vulnerability as an opportunity.In a bold move asked her how she satisfied her. He chuckled in an evil drunken way. ‘But I’m staying here.’ Of course, since I was under eighteen, I wasn’t given that choice. Taken out of the cell in handcuffs, by the officer, and then placed in my father’s car with a suitably dire warning about ‘Next time, young man.’ So, of course, I ran away again two days later. ** ** My bag was right where I had left it three weeks back. The crypt, however, was not as empty as I remember it being. But then I had been in a rush that night and not I. She smiled indulgently at the red faced snivelling ruth.Turning to me She handed me the collar and said, "I feel itwould be more appropriate if you put this on my dear".Without even thinking I turned the collar over in my hands. Itwas dog eared and smelly, not even new. Clearly it had been usedfor its intended purpose at one point. I remember it wasdifficult to hold at first. I was not used to the shiny smoothpink pvc of my gloves, my fingers felt heavy and sticky.I reached up and pulled back.