"Grace looked at me real closely and asked me how I was feeling. I said, "Iam very sore and I think I am bleeding." I WAS VERY SORE! I could hardlyhid... it anymore. It hurt like hell and felt like I was being stuck with ahundred needles at the same time!Now that I was thinking about it I was more aware of the pain. I could nowfeel a throbbing sensation and with each beat of my pulse a new wave of painhit me. All three women helped me into the guest bedroom and they startedundressing me. I did. “I appreciate the offer. I have ... a semi-regular errand to run near here. I’m happy to get a good meal out of it.”“Oh. Then, if you’ll just let us know a day ahead, as I said before, you have an open invitation for dinner.”“Thanks, Sandy. I might take you up on that. It’s...” She shook her head rapidly, then said, “Nothing. Never mind. I do appreciate being here. I like your various ... daughters, I guess. We had a fun conversation in front of school this morning, one that involved Charlie.. I wasn’t used to speaking to pretty nurses that weren’t young enough to be granddaughters. I couldn’t fail to notice that Maureen wore a set of wedding and engagement rings, so she was clearly spoken for, not that I had any intentions in that direction, despite the increasing awareness of my loneliness. I certainly didn’t wish to complicate my life at this transitional point. Right now I was a stranger in a strange land. If I was going to stay here and work at my father’s business, I would have. Honestly Trish, talk about getting broody teased Caroline and Tricia didhave the good grace to blush before confessing that Katie had just calledher Mummy. The Ohhs and aahs from the girls was good natured and meant ina nice way until Caroline began to pout and sulk. Zoe as always picked upon it and had to ask the question why. With such a sad face and poutCaroline replied her sister had a new little girl to look after now andher time as favourite was now over. With perfect timing she asked.