When the danger of being squeezed to death passed, Charles leaned back and asked, “What’s going on? Where is the usual lunch crowd? Don’t tell m... Mom has forgotten how to cook!”“I expect Arthur and Hoss just about any time now. Robert and Mavis are usually a little later but your arrival will speed that up,” Hans answered. “They have become a pair since you left. And, no, your mother hasn’t forgotten how to cook.”He smiled wryly and continued, “Things have changed - they aren’t good - but why. And the background for this story is when I had to spend a week at my aunt Romila’s place, ( Romi, I used to call her). I had a habit of keeping a diary and maintaining it every night before I could go to sleep. Seven days, Seven long days I was with Romi, the age of 18 is the most delicate age, In a guys life, because it is that time when he starts realizing what is stirring between his legs. And frankly speaking, for me it was even worse.My parents dropped me off at Romi’s Place on Sunday. I'm being let go as well.” She turns to me, her eyes full of fresh new tears, trying to hold them back. I step forward, without even knowing her that well, we hug. I let her sob into me, as I stroke her hair. I try to sooth her, she just seems so innocent. I don't really know this girl, but something about her makes me want to make sure she is okay. After a little while when I know her tears are dry, I offer to take her out for a drink. The boss was smart and didn't let us know about what was. It was hung over a stall rail. Shelly grabbed it. Just outside the door she snapped it shaking off the dust. She folded it a couple times and tucked it under her arm. I carried the poles, bait and a metal bucket and we headed off. Shelly led the way to the pond. She was barefoot which was her usual. She was wearing a red and white plaid sleeveless blouse. Somehow she had gotten out of the house wearing her favorite jean cut-offs. Mom scowled each time she tried to wear them. .