I gave him pleasure.I was just about to wiggle deeper into my crevasse when I spotted the bug crawling across the floor. A shiver ran through me. I ha...ed bugs, and since I was insect size, this one looked as big as a horse and... It wasn’t like any insect I had ever seen.It scuttled on small, hair-like limbs. Hundreds of them. The thing’s segmented body looked strangely ... melted. Like it was made of wax, heated so its exterior flowed and dribbled and then hardened into a new shape. It wasn’t. Jim likes his Troop Carrier better than mine. I think the real reason is he gets to drive. I still get to buy fuel ... and beer ... and snacks ... and lunch ... and a BOOK ... for boredom on the drive.“You’re going to miss some great scenery,” Jim said.“We’ve been taking this route for two years, I won’t miss it,” I replied.“It’s always different,” He said.“I’ll check it out between chapters.”“Western part of the state is on fire,” Jim said.“We’re not going west,” I said.“Yer a bit contrary,”. "Took a deposition this morning, something about salt and a steam." He smiled at her and then noted her worried look and a smudge on her cheek. "What's wrong?" We had a fire. House is safe; wind saved it I guess, but the outbuildings are gone, all of them, along with some of chickens and ducks, a lot of my tools, even my outhouse and the wagon. I rescued the horses and the goats." Lord, that's awful. Nobody hurt?" He stood quickly and reached for her."Moses scorched his hands. It's a big loss.. "Sure, Mandy. What is it?" she replied.I decided I might as well get it all out in the open. I detailed how I had been hiding myself at school and been found out. Then I went into the details of the attack by Stacy, the resulting lack of action by the school, and then the fight with Trisha. By the end of it I was a little teary. Going over the events brought back the fear and anger associated with them.Gwen came over and hugged me close. "Mrs Thomas warned me you might get bullied, but I had no.