Holding their stomachs the girls leaned into each other and suppressed their giggles. ‘Soooo….SOOOOOOO…….soooooo,’ Riley started her sentenc... by elongating the syllable and each word making a different pitch, ‘Tell me all about you. Where did you used to live? What does your mom do? What does your dad do? Why did they move here?’ If a heavyweight prize fighter were to punch you square in the gut it wouldn’t hurt as much as the heavy brick that now sat in Zoe’s. The questions she was just asked. "I already have the dip, don't I?" is your answer as you look at me. Then grin on your face not only tells me you're joking around, but makes me appreciate you even more."Yes, my dear, you have me," I confirm as I lean toward you and we kiss. I wink at you as I go back to tending the fire. You watch me as I set up a post and arm assembly, then pour the pasta into the pan and hang it on the hook, swinging it over the fire to heat. You recall I had mentioned I loved to cook, but you didn't ever. She must have done her nails earlier; I can tell that's a new color. Every detail in the photograph was sharp and clear, so clear. The Sunday spot in the pill wheel was empty. SUNDAY NIGHT John was still admiring Mary, looking at details on the photograph when the phone beside his bed rang. “Hi sweetie, I was just looking at the picture you sent. You had a great idea this time. I love you.” “I love you too, Honey, I really do love being married to you. The picture came through okay? I'm glad. I do that sometimes to comfort myself. “Carol, are you okay? I hear you crying. I’m coming in. Why are you so upset? Tell me what is wrong.” “I just feel really sad. I feel all alone. My mother just does not care for me. I don’t know what is going to happen. You and your family are so kind to me. I don't know how I will go to college next year. My future is just so unclear." “I’m going to run you a bubble bath. You’ll feel so much better after that. Come with me into the bathroom.” I took.