“It’s a gift,” I said.“From?”“Some tech company,” I lied glibly. “They’re beta testing a new product, and I got chosen. Cool, huh?�... I smiled at him.“Yeah, sure,” he said, handing over the box.I took it, the cardboard rough beneath my fingers. “Have a good night, Dad! Don’t tire yourself out. I hope you’ll be here this weekend. We miss seeing you.”He flicked his eyes up the stairs. “I probably have to work. I’ll be home tomorrow morning.” “Okay,” I said, sorry he had to work so hard. Maybe I. My feet were killing me as we finally made it back to our car 3 hoursafter we arrived. We stopped for supper on the way home. I got astrange stare from the waitress and thought that she made me as a male.But nothing was said and we made it home without incident."Take all your bags up to your room and hang up your dresses. Then comeinto my room." I emptied the lingerie into my dresser and hung up thedresses in the closet. Then went into our bedroom. Linda was gettingundressed. "Unzip me please. What are you going to make me do?”Natalie said, “I understand exactly what you are saying and not saying. You have been hurt so many times and think we will betray you too. Then Natalie said, “Traci, you must trust me. I will never betray you or hurt you in any way.” Smiling Traci continued, “Unless you make me get your attention or discipline you.”Traci answered, “I do trust you, but I am still scared.”Natalie walked to the dresser and took out a dog collar and leash. She walked back to Traci,. "Hey Terry look!"I went into the living room and she was sat there transfixed in front of the television set,"Satellite!" she yelled and clapped her hands, "We've got satellite" What are we going to watch mum?" Anything, I don't care, we've got satellite!"I'd been glancing through the terms of our employment when she'd called out and wondered how she would take what I'd just discovered,"Mum?" Yes darling?" Can you just forget the television for a second and listen to me?"She turned to face me.