I could tell she was preoccupied and didn't press, but it was time she knew my name. I wanted to see what it sounded like coming from her mouth."I'm B...ee," I said."Hello, Bree. I'm Ashlee Alexander. Two e's, from Ames, Iowa," she said."You look like a healthy girl. Were you raised on a farm?" I asked."Nope, in town, but close enough to smell the corn!" she giggled."Where do you work?" I asked."I don't right now; that's one of the reasons I may have to go back soon," she said.In answer to my. It was only a moment when Babs came out the door with a tray holding a pot of coffee, a carafe of juice and some sweet rolls.“Good morning Mark, How about a cup of coffee before you start.”“Thank you, Babs. I appreciate that.”They had their coffee and chatted for a short time until it was time for Babs to leave for work. “Trish will be here all day, so if there is anything you need, just ask her. She will do whatever necessary to help. She will also fix lunch for you whenever you are ready.. Three years ago we did the funeral for his wife, she died of cancer. Alan is one of the kindest men I have ever met. He lives in his parents old farm house about twenty miles outside the city. Only his mother lives with him in that house. She can’t get out much because she has bad arthritis and her eyes are not very good. She can’t even cook or clean anymore. Alan has been doing all the cooking and cleaning for her since his wife died. When Alan has had to go out of town, Julie has gone out to. Maybe you should think again about that idea I had before, you know ... that one. I know you're not happy about it, but it would only be for after I'm done-in. You could use it to go a little longer. It wouldn't be as good, but it would be something extra for you."I waited for the explosion, but it never came. She said no, but it wasn't a 'hell no' like the first time, and my head was still firmly attached to my neck. Maybe she's coming around, I thought, and I can get some relief from her.