Rummaging through some of my still packed things, I find the directory and flip it open. Looking for a good Chinese restaurant, I pick a winner and di...l from my cellular. I give my order and hang up the phone, my stomach rumbling in thanks. I decide to at least get some work done while I wait for my food to arrive. When I say work I mean unpacking, of course. If you’re wondering what I do for a living though, I’m a writer. I don’t consider that work because to me, it’s much more than that. If I. I had played in the defensive backfield in college and although not Infantry, I had been airborne qualified in the army. I had even thought of staying in the army after I returned from Vietnam, but Connie had immediately rejected that thought. Regardless, because of football and my army experience, I had established and maintained a sound physical fitness program. In doing so, I alternated five-mile runs one day with working out in the weight room the next. Our daughter was not around very much. I kept my eyes closed, pretending sleep and listened intently for sounds that might give me a clue to where I was. It was then that I heard the voice again, very softly saying, “Hello?” I tried not to give myself away, but the voice continued, “I am conscience that you are awake. You are safe and will not be harmed. Please do not make loud protests again.” I opened my eyes and tried to peer into the darkness. The voice sounded vaguely feminine with a peculiar accent that I could not place.. Uttejonar boshe she ekta kagoj e shei kotha gulo likhe chilo….ishshhsss….birat vul hoye geche. Sthobir hoye akash-patal vabte thaklo tomal. Ki korbe o ekhon. Maa er shamne o ar konodin shavabik hote parbena. Ki korbe….ki korbe….ki korbe….. Hothat tomal er mone ekta chinta jhilik diye gelo. Tomal khub valo kore e jane j tomal er maa er tomal chara ar keu nei. Tomal e tar ekmatro obolombon o vorosha. Karon ei tomal k akre dhore e tar baki jibonta katate hobe. Ei tomal e take briddho boyosh e tar.