When she went upstairs, Colleen Callahan accompanied her. After taking off her wedding dress Colleen asked, "Vangie, could I look at you? Please?"Vang...e looked at her friend, shrugged and grinned. "Of course, darling Colleen. Heaven knows I examined you often enough ... as if you were a human cow!" She stood up straight while Colly looked her over carefully. Then she gently ran her fingertips lightly over Vangie's smooth skin."Vangie, you're utterly exquisite! I really don't know how you did. By the time she stopped, Jeffries was feeling lightheaded and realized he had almost passed out.Then Susan said softly, "General ... Granddad, I can't tell you how happy you have just made me. I know it will be years before Mike and I can get married, but would you mind if I think of you as my grandfather, now, anyway? You see, sir, both of my parents are orphans. I have never had any grandparents. It ... It would be so wonderful if you would allow—" Allow?" he exclaimed. Then, as his wife. Tears welled up in my eyes and I sniffed."Are you OK?" she asked. "You're not catching a spring cold are you?" No, Mom. Really, I'm fine. I'm just really happy right now. I love you." I love you too, honey. You have fun and let me know if you will be late." I will. Bye now." Bye."Not 'get yourself home this instant'. Not 'be home by 5pm or else'. Not even 'who is the friend you are with'. Just 'have fun and let me know'. Freedom is truly a precious thing, and trust is worth all the gold cards. Why weren’t the scans working?Lucian woke up disoriented, little dim light at the foot of the bed told him nothing; where he was or how he got there, but a thigh that suddenly draped over his stomach triggered unusual wave of emotions as he remembered past events. Sudden wave of sadness and despair made his eyes water as he saw dead faces of his parents. Thinking that it was all a bad dream; sore throat made him realize that it was no dream. They were really, truly dead.Turning toward the body.