As it was an uncharacteristically warm and sticky spring night with temperatures still in the early eighties after sunset, I needed a shower before he...ding home to a promised romantic meal prepared by my partner.The hot water pelting my shoulders, I fantasized about what awaited me at home, probably chilled wine, a rich lasagna, and a crisp green salad, served with lots of love. It was quiet in the girls’ locker room. Everyone had gone home already. Or, so I thought, anyway. Leaning back. The Counts Barsotti, (specifically Lord Marcus Cesario Familious Barsotti II, great-grandfather of the current count,) had angered one of the old gods somehow and been cursed for their indiscretion. Upon reaching the age of 33 they turned into hideous monsters that had to be locked up in the dungeons beneath Castellari Barsotti: demons, so it was said, and could never again see the light of day. Year by year the curse grew more severe, monster attacks were on the rise throughout their realm,. "Yes but only with the monster's blood," his host said as the white room reappeared. "But it helps me to explain something. As I have said before, you can be killed here in my world but you are still safe in yours. You felt yourself being hit, yes of course you did, it wasn't painful, but you knew you had been hit." Yes I see," said Bill."Would you like your ex-wife in here now?" she asked."Yes," said Bill, "and can I do anything I like to her." Yes of course," his host said."What about you?". At last the phone rang. It was the call she had expected. The doctor told her he did not want to discuss the results over the phone. Gwen told him she, Robert and Daniel could be there first thing in the morning. The doctor agreed and they hung up, Gwen filled with dread. She knew if it were good news the doctor would not have hesitated to tell her over the phone.The hours dragged by until she could share with husband and son the appointment time.Gwen spent a sleepless night.Dr. Barlow was a.