Wake up, life is passing you by.’ Irene paused, pity and sorrow for her dear friend apparent in her gaze, her voice now soft and pleading. ‘John,...it’s been a year since the divorce. You’ve got to get on with living. You can’t keep shutting yourself away forever. Please, John. Try to understand what I’m telling you.’ The first flush of anger felt by John had passed. He turned wearily and sank into his easy chair. He motioned to another chair and smiled wryly as Irene sat, cautious now,. “Ah, yes,” the man says gruffly. “Your friend. You’re afraid to tell her about your little addiction, yes?”The young alien shrugs. “Maybe a little. We haven’t talked about that first day.” Then she grins. “And it’s not an addiction.”The big man throws up his hands in defense and says, “Hey, I only call it like I see it.” He adds a chuckle at the end to lighten the mood.Serori blushes again and adds her laughter to his. “I guess you’re right,” she eventually says.“Your usual room is being used,. ."Master?" What squire?" Eric asked grouchily."I can see the castle. What do the black flags mean?" Black flags?" Eric said, jolting his eyes open, spotting the black flags James was talking about, then took the reins from James's hands and commanded, "Get behind me! MOVE!"James had barely gotten his leg over the horse behind Eric when Eric brought the horse to a gallop. As the horse increased its speed and cut into the forest, James had to wrap his arms around Eric to keep from falling. After four college geology classes or rock labs, I developed a never ending desire to go "rock hounding." It was just a hobby that made some beer money. Reality television had peaked my wife, Dana's interest in my hobby. I told her that I never had found any gold or silver. I had found turquoise, onyx, hematite, topaz and other mineral specimens. I told Dana that I was going "rock hounding" this weekend and she could come with me. I mentioned to Dana that she had to dress appropriately; work.