That day we were reloading every machine from an image on the network and then checking every machine for any glitches. I was the last hold out wanti...g to be done rather than coming back the next day, so I offered to lock up as they all bailed. Another half hour or so, and I was on the way out the door. The exit that was closest to my locker ran right by the gym. The gym doors were usually open, and it was the rule that day as well. I happened to look in as matter of idle curiosity and saw. He told me he had borrowed the props from his uncle who owned a shoe store at the mall, explaining that it was for a play that he was rehearsing with some college buddies. I listened intently as he laid out the plan, becoming more and more intrigued by the details. Essentially I was to be a shoe store clerk and the ladies were to come and try on various pairs of footwear. The rest would take care of itself, as Shane put it. As we were finishing our beers the doorbell rang. Shane went upstairs. More than OK. The love of my life. Got caught in a mineshaft collapse over in West Virginia. You might have heard about it. Around Christmas the year before last.’ ‘Aw, sorry to hear that, hon. Still, if I was you, I’d keep lookin’ for other work even while your tryin’ to do the job here. These men will eat you right up. It might be better if and when they got a supervisor in here for this shift, but . . .’ ‘Thanks, but I’ll manage,’ she said as the buzzer to end the lunch break sounded. ‘I’ll. Whatever happened is because of them."They resumed walking as Aaron continued to rub his shoulder."I pray every day they'll get back together." Just keep praying. And don't tell Mom I punched you. She'll want to know why and she'll get all sad again and cry when you tell her." I won't tell, but don't punch me anymore." Don't listen to Tommy Evers and I won't punch you." OK. Was Mrs. Milligan this tough when you had her?" She's tough, alright, but she just wants you to push yourself. She hates.