Everyone at the table was a sophomore or better. Misty and Kenny were sophomores so they were only a year older than I was. All of them were razing ea...h other about associating with a freshman. I recognized one of the girls as being in my advanced algebra class. She gave me kudos saying that I was a standout in her class. Kenny said I could help him study as he always struggled with math. When they found out I was carrying sixteen hours for the second semester in a row, they all said I was a. “I still don’t like it, mi Pablo. Too many things can happen when you’re traveling alone, especially in rough country. Please be very careful.”I nodded my head in agreement as we continued to hug each other for several more minutes. All that time I was trying to remember when the last time I’d traveled alone was. As we broke the hug, and Anna opened the door, I finally remembered that the last time I’d traveled alone was when the tall man shot me over three years ago. Since that time, I’d. She must hate me."Taking her by the hand, I smiled. "No, that's not true, she's just veryworried."Now face to face, Mandy's eyes opened wide in wonder. "You're a verypretty lady."I smiled. This was obviously not the time to discuss gender identityissues with an eight year old. Looking up I thanked the Green Man. With afriendly wave, Mandy and I left the glade.++++++++++++++++++++Deputy Sheriff Dan Summers took off his hat and wiped his head. Policework was difficult enough without the thought. "Sorry," she said. "Your back muscles are stubborn. Whenever I think I've got it whipped and I lighten up, it knots back up. I'll try to be easier, but I have to press as hard as I need to get it fixed."By the way, the knot is so big this morning I can actually see it."I asked if she was sure the muscle wasn't just swollen from where she had traumatized it yesterday, but she said she had traced the muscle down my back."It's the exact same spot as yesterday," she said. "You're not going to like.