This visit was far more productive, and I told her I felt the issues were pretty much all related to my mom. Yes, I was upset that Jennifer was leavin..., but we had managed a year apart already and we’d find a way to manage another one.We talked at length about the issues with my mom and how well I had done living in Sweden and having much more freedom than most teenagers in the US had. Doctor Mercer was sympathetic, but pointed out that I was living in my parents’ house and needed to follow. "Reward good behavior, punish bad, and always let your pup know that you love them." It was good pet advice, and good husband advice as well she thought somewhat cynically. There would be time to hone her pet's domestic skills in the future, and Carmen realized this was a form of the teach a man to fish parable, and the thought seemed profound to me. "Clean your apartment yourself and it will be clean for a day, teach your pet man to do it for you and you will never have to touch the vacuum. “Oh, my son!” exclaimed the father, “It is very simple. This is a “djbellah”. As I have told you, in the desert, it is not only very hot, but the sand is always blowing. My djbellah protects the entire body.”The son then asked: “But father, what about those ugly shoes you have on your feet?”“These are “babouches” my son,” the father replied “You must understand that although the desert sands are very beautiful, they are also extremely hot. These babouches keep us from burning our feet.”“So tell. A token of my esteem.”I stroked the garnets. “You've had a mage enchant it?”“I have. It will let you keep informed of her progress.”“Wise,” I said, inclining my head to Lady Delilah A pleased smile crossed her lips before she rose. “I must depart.”“Must you?” my wife moaned, seizing the knight's hand. “I have tasks to attend to, Queen Lavinia, else I would stay and enjoy the succulent bounty of your ripe flesh.”My wife shuddered. “Then go and be about your tasks.”“Your Majesty.” Lady Delilah.