‘I’m very happy with you, John. I want you to just rest for a moment, feeling that warm pleasure of the afterglow for a little while. In a moment,...I’m going to count to five, and you’re going to wake up, but for now, let’s just stay here a little while longer.’ John murmured a sleepy assent, and it seemed like he drifted for a long timeless moment before he heard Deanna say, ‘One, feeling yourself beginning to wake. Two, starting to come up now, becoming more aware of yourself. Three, feeling. Immediately, Mary hugged her, and the lady hugged her back.“Why? Why didn’t you inform me?” Mary said as she wept.The lady said nothing but caressed her head and stroked her hair. Mary continued pouring out while her mom continued caressing her silently. After five long minutes, they broke their hug and sat on the sofa.“How are you, sweetheart,” Mary’s mom said.“I am good, mom,” Mary replied with shuddering sobs.“She wanted to you to be happy, always. I know you're angry with us for not. The Thursday gig was a little down on numbers but Friday and Saturday made up for that. Saturday evening went really well and I sang my heart out. It could have been because Jack was in the audience, I don't know, but I really gave it everything. The audience responded; their clapping and shouting for more went on for a long time. I came off stage, happy, wet with perspiration and quivering with the excitement of the gig. It was almost like the old days. I took a much-needed shower and dressed. Smells good, Sir,” the Sergeant responded as they made their way into the General’s office.“We had supper with your distant cousin last night. The fortress boring is finished and he will be leaving soon. Did you ever have time to talk to him while he was here?”“Well, we chatted a few minutes once, but we really never knew each other, other than as a distant relative, so we didn’t really click.”“Too bad. He seems like a nice guy.”“Yes, Sir, that’s my impression, too.”Jeff put out the food as.