I tossed the book on the kitchen counter and it flipped over due to the fanned out pages from being read, displaying a photo of the author on the back...cover. After a quick glance, ‘Cute’, I thought, then I did a double take. Son of a Bitch, it was Calleigh. Or maybe I just wanted it to be Calleigh. She appeared to be someone no older than Calleigh although much more sophisticated looking than I remembered; but by now, I convinced myself it was she. I quietly said to myself, “Maybe I could be. The paralysis that had been holding her broke. With a trembling voice she whispered, “Pumpkin?” The cat walked to her, gave her leg a head bump and another “merrrow.” Looking up at her as if to say, “Yes. Who did you expect?” it sat down and began grooming its paw.She knelt to the ground, gentle laying her bundle to her side, and pulled the cat into her arms. “Punky ... how can you be here? You went away. But you are here. What. How...” Her voice tapered off to silence. She buried her face into. I know it will bea difficult one, but if what I sensed within the two of you is anyindication, you will not only endure, you will prosper beyond yourwildest expectations, but the final decision is yours James."Melinda had started to cry. "I don't want to loose you Jim, but even ifit means my death, don't do this because of me. I love you, no matterwhat you decide, I will always be there and support your decision." I looked at Melinda, her glow getting brighter then before. "I love youto. The rest of the week passed in a blur, I didn't even look for her on Thursday, and I did do my best to do a better and more patient job with my students.Pink was waiting for me in the classroom today; she was sitting there like she was on a throne. Her arms spread to the backs of the chairs on either side of her, her legs crossed, she was focused on me while I fussed getting my stuff all set up. I felt like a sixteen-year-old girl with a crush. The rest of the class came in and spread out like.