But, that's another story. We received their gift and I have yet to regret it. It has saved my life more than once and been a blessing to me in my wor....The only drawback is that lately I have been yearning more and more to be free and return to my most basic nature, that of a predator in the wild. It is only my will and my sense of duty to my family that I remain. If they would follow, I would go today. But, to what?I reassured myself as I entered my home that I belonged here with these two. .gross." However, somehow the idea of someone other than "her" mother made the idea a little more acceptable. Like going to a freak show there was something titillating about it. Finally she said, "Well, if its done in a few days perhaps." She then brightened up considerably. "You think he'd mind if I watch?" "Silvia!" He said sternly and then shrugged, "Whatever." As he turned to leave she got this odd look of concern on her face. "I wonder what she's going to be like?" Some questions. “Hello? This is the Riles ... residence.” Linda’s voice was hoarse.“Hi Linda. It’s Susy Lannit.” Susy twirled the telephone cord around her finger.“Oh ... I’m so ... sorry, Susy,” Linda said. “I missed our ... coffee. Can ... we make it an afternoon date?”“Oh. Of course.” Susy eyed the broom. That meant more time to clean. “Is everything all right, you seem a little out of breath.”“Oh, yes. Just doing ... one of those television ... exercise programs ... you recommended.” Linda didn’t want to. In her fifteenth year, their trip back to visit relatives only served to cement Faleena's resolve to move to a better life in the city. They stopped to rest the mules, to have a meal at a real restaurant, and to spend the night before resuming their trip. With her mother's permission, she was allowed to walk the boardwalk and look into the shop windows.She had not gone far before a cowboy walking in the opposite direction had tipped his hat and said, "Howdy, ma'am."His face had a look of....