I had never experienced pain like it. I leapt to my feet, hands to blazing cheeks, tears pricking my eyes. 'Owowow! Aah! No more, mum, please. I don't...think I can take it.''Nonsense. You're a strong lass. And it's not as if this is the first time, is it? Down you go. Only three more to go, as long as you don't get up again.'I had no choice. I promised myself that I would stay down no matter what. I bent over again and gripped the table edge. As I stretched, my punished skin felt impossibly. Mom lit a votive candle. Dad was straightening stuff in the living room, as if preparing for visitors.“Someone coming over, Pop?” I asked.“No, but your Mother lives in constant hope that someone may just drop in on us during the holidays, tell me more about these two leads you’ve got?” he said, changing the topic.Both Sari and I went through the details of our day, including our visit to John Scott Realty. He always thought that they were being curt with people, but never had the nerve to go. How is that dear daughter of yours?”“She has a dilemma. That's why I rang you.”“Oh?”“You're the culprit, you old dog. Diane is in love.”“Father!” Diane whispered urgently.He waved her away. “Your old paperboy has stolen my daughter's heart. Her face lights up every time she gets a letter from him. She perfumes her stationery. I believe this is serious,” he chuckled.Baxter said, “Tommy is a fine young man. If Diane were my daughter, I would be pleased for her to have him as a suitor. . "I am not used to animals knowing what I am thinking before I say what I have to say, so please stop doing that and let me talk."Gnusyl lowered his head to Myka's level, his large eyes glowing eerily. "As you wish." Now, Jonar needs to pick himself up and get out of this mood he is in. We are quickly coming up on the Imperial border and he needs to be himself. Can you help me with that?" No."Myka waited, not expecting such a simple answer. When more was not forthcoming, she growled with.