Are you all right with that?” I asked.“So what’ve you two been up to?” Mother asked.I spun around with a smile on my face.“Oh, well after yo... left, we came inside and I’ve been practicing my massage techniques. A friend told me that working hard on a woman’s feet will expend my energy, and Chloe has been happy enough to be my volunteer.” I said.“Oh? Maybe I should talk you into doing mine.” Mother said.I grimaced. I hated the thought of attending to her, none the less trying to show her any. She had always been dead straight with him, but he could see she was really worked up."You know Ged," she said angrily, "you were always such a good friend to have, you always saw both sides of any situation. You had empathy – hell, you couldn't have written the stuff you have if you couldn't put yourself in other people's shoes."Where's it gone, Ged? You're totally self obsessed now. Can't you get into her shoes and see things the way she sees them? Can't you feel how she feels? God, Ged,. Under a thousand folks. Name's Ted Johnson." How do you do, Ted?" I put out my hand and a leather fist took it. I could feel a power. He was nearly two meters tall and about 100 kilos. "Did you write?" My name on the letter?" Want me to fetch it? Or would you just tell me a story?"Jem had brought two glasses and gone back for two more."About 80 years ago, the Protection Board loaded up some trucks and dumped about six dozen Abos in Bourke. Some of 'em turned up here weeks and months later.. It feltincredibly good.He opened the car door for me and I demurely sat and swung my legs intogether. As I waited for him to walk around the car my mind wasflying. It felt wonderful to be out with a man. I felt entirely femaleand allowed myself to luxuriate in the role.Gary entered the car and we began our drive to the restaurant."I hope you like basic food, Carolyn. I've picked a spot I used toenjoy but I haven't been there in a few years. It used to becomfortably predictable but I have.