" Her voice had almost a musical quality about. Her words were, for want of a better term, poetic. The only thing missing was a rhyme.The attended too... care of that deficit with her very next words." . . . and nary a better shoppe ere was born."Jack squinted as he gazed at the girl's name tag. It said, "Erato." It certainly sounded like a European name, but there was something more. He should know that name from . . . somewhere. He just couldn't think of it at this very second.Instead, he asked. He pushed the door open and was met by a wave of heat and light. The noises of a happy family washed over him."Look who's here," Ed cried.The living room was packed with various Mendoza cousins, many Scott didn't know.Ed gave him a hug and pounded him on the back.Scott got a strong whiff of alcohol coming from his friend. "How much eggnog have you had?" he asked in a low voice."I brought a little bottle of Christmas cheer." You might want to ease up." Man," Ed slapped him on the arm. "It's good. "Not yet," I said.Lisa nodded as she carefully untied the bow underneath my chin and, withboth hands, removed my hat."I don't want to take off my gloves," I told her quietly."Why not, sweetie?" Lisa looked sympathetic, but said, "You can't wearthem to eat."I sighed, pulled one of them off, and stared at my hand, at my drab,unpolished nails. "My hands just aren't as pretty without the gloves." Well, but aren't you glad I took the time to shave your arms?"I was, although I had no idea if anybody. Dave had felt unsettled and frightened since he woke up; he had been trying to seem brave for his family but with Jennifer back in his arms he now knew everything was going to be truly okay. He whispered, "I am so glad to have you in my arms again. I love you and have missed you so much." The two best friends and re-united lovers breathed in each other tenderly as both cried into each other's shoulders.Dave heard the door open again and he soon saw the doctor walk into view. Dr. Clarke said, "I.