The bed I’m on has pink sheets and pink fluffy pillows. Finally gaining the strength I slide myself off the bed, my toes tickled slightly by the sha... carpet. I wobble a little before finally being able to stand up but oddly only able to stand on my toes. I slowly walk to the mirror, my head still throbbing and my body aching for some reason.As I look in the mirror sudden shock hits my brain. Staring back at me is a strange woman I have never seen before. Then it starts to click in my brain that. I wanted to just hold on and never let her go. Her breasts were pressing into my chest and I could feel her heart beat. I was too overcome to even say anything. I felt my usual pang of love and guilt. I just wanted her, nothing else, just her.Sanjana grabbed my hand and pulled me into the kitchen. She was bubbling over with enthusiasm. As she used the corkscrew to open the wine, she looked at me and said, “I couldn’t let you spend your birthday alone. You need to spend your special days with. . "Truth is, Gabriella, I'm having such a hard time trying to contend witheverything that's happened to me that I just haven't given any thought to poorKaren or her problems. "I mean, I know that I probably should be concerned about her. And, Iprobably should have gone out and tried to locate her. But, the truth is, Ijust haven't had the time or, for that matter, the inclination. Frankly, I'vebeen too self-absorbed trying to contend with my own problems right now to giveany thought to her and. There is a teacher in service day. Whatever the hell that is? Hmm maybe she went some place with the kids; I never did check and see if her car was in the garage.I left my bowling ball in the Expedition figuring that I would get it in the morning. First things first, get some deep heat and put it on my arm. I walked up the stairs still humming 2+2 is on my mind. I stopped as I heard some noise coming from our bedroom. I slowly walked to our bedroom door, and pushed it softly opened.There is Ivy.