The caterers were due any minute. Mitch and Melody drove up first and we greeted them at the door welcoming them to our home. The caterers drove up be...ind them. Lisa showed them where to set up and serve. She then joined us saying that supper would be ready in about fifteen minutes.I said, “We almost were going to take you out. Things run long on some days at work. At least, we’re wearing clothes!”Melody blushed lightly. She said, “You two go around the house in the nude!”Lisa said, “We’re out. It's ... time. But I waspermitted to do this one last service before I go."I bowed my head and wept.She came over and held me tight, and said, "Live well, my daughter."I simply let her hold me until the dream faded.In the morning, I woke and dressed in another simple jean-and-t-shirtcombo, and packed my suitcase, as we were supposed to go home today.I had just finished when I heard a soft knock at the door."You ready?" Sure, Dad," I said, and opened the door.He came into the room rather shyly,. It's not funny. I'm hurt. I'm bleeding." Oh, stop your whining. It's just a little tear. A little salve, andyou'll be fine in the morning. Blame me. I should have pegged you to getyou stretched out more. Next time, you'll like it better." Next time?" Maybe the time after that. Face it, sissy. Your ass is open forbusiness."* * *The thing Jo-Jo had learned was that being a sissy is a one-way trip.Did you ever meet someone who used to be a sissy? Someone who had goneto rehab meetings and returned. She talked to me and to others, occasionally catching my eye and smiling at me. The last tiny ray of the sun caught her hair and her eyes. God, those eyes. We moved into the house, large and warm and I suddenly realised how cool it had become outside. I sipped slowly, reluctant to drink too much more but so enjoying the conviviality, the warmth and the sheer pleasure. I sank into a deep cushioned sofa and leant back into its embrace. Later, much later, the party dissolved. People moved singly,.