.although it wouldbe invalidating to be disqualified solely on that basis regardless,another stinging little slap from the world in which nobody under...tandsor shares your paradigm, another reminder of your one guaranteed pieceof inexorable solitude.Knowing her, though, you'd never know for certain, and that wouldprobably be the worst of it. For that matter--oh no--never knowingexactly how she feels, about your narrative, your impossibleidentity--no, your double deviancy--could prove poisonous. Gwen said, “George? Do you mind if Wendy shows me the boiling shed? You all go inside. We won’t be long.” “Hmmph! Well, if you insist. Wendy, don’t be too long, girl.” Father, mother and Nelson went back inside for more coffee. Gwen led her niece to the shed. “Aunt Gwen? There really isn’t much in there right now. And it’s a bit dusty…” Wendy opened the heavy door and led the older woman inside, then pushed the door closed. It was dim inside but adequately lit by two skylights. Wendy was about. ”“Good night, Gerald.”I left after a few more kisses. In the morning, my mother asked, “Is having Rachel stay overnight in our guest room okay with you, Gerald?”“Yes, Ma’am.” I then did a double take. “Have the sheets been changed?” I looked horrified.My mother grinned. “Yes, son. I always change sheets and clean the room after it is used. You may rest easy on that score.”“Thanks, Mom. I would appreciate that and wouldn’t want to advertise to Rachel that Beth had stayed there before. It’s bad. . until the summer." She just made people live their desires, honey, and..." You're not listening to me! It wasn't mine! What Nyssa found had been planted there, it had to be!" You weren't hurt by any of this, Heather. You were safe while you were..." Safe?!" Melinda piped. "How can you say that?! I-I couldn't have a single thought in my head that didn't have something to do with pleasing the bubblehead here. I couldn't even think about my boyfriend unless she allowed it! You got a weird idea.