The contract was very much in our favor right now. ‘You know, the lawyers need to sign off on everything here. It will probably take Karen two or th...ee weeks.’ ‘A woman! Jackpot!’ I thought. ‘Karen? Why don’t we go see Karen now and see if we can accelerate the process?’ We dressed quickly and headed up a few flights to executive territory and the legal department. The floor was deserted except for Karen and her assistant, who was just leaving for the day. I had once again cranked the. Jon said I would shortly be toldeverything. We finished eating then traveled down another hallway toanother room. There was a stern looking man sitting behind a desk. Atleast he looked male, but I wasn't sure. I can't tell anything aboutthese people here, but then look at how I've changed in one single day.The grumpy 'man' introduced himself as Mr. Oswald and called me MissAmanda. He said he was there to explain past events and futurerequirements for me. He said I must comply or will be. I frowned inwardly at that stray thought, as if to chastise it and drive it away. Finally, after sipping her way through half her mug of cocoa, she began. “Something happened tonight,” she said in a low voice. “So I gathered.” I reached over and squeezed her hand briefly, eliciting a fleeting smile. I said nothing else, waiting for her to continue, giving her the time to do so. “You know I’ve been dating this guy,” she said. I did know; being the most attractive girl in the senior class at her. “«С днем рождения!»” Lara and Elizaveta proclaimed in unison when they finished.“Thank you all!” I replied, then blew out the candles with one long breath.“Many years, husband!” Elizaveta said softly, then kissed my cheek.“Mom and I have a special song we’d like to sing for you,” Milena announced. “Have you heard of the cartoon «Чебурашка»?”“No,” I replied.“It’s from the early 70s, and this is Gena the Crocodile’s Song. The premise is that it’s his birthday, and he’s alone, so he sings himself.