“I am sorry, Davik, I know you still cared about her, even after all she had done. I felt the same way about Ethal when she killed Gwen - you hate w...at they did, but you cannot shut off the feelings that come from the history you two shared. I will carry her out of here and, once we talk with Ruben, we will give her the burial that she asked for.”I nodded, trying not to tear up again, “Were you successful in locating any guards or enemies we had missed?”“There were three people who seemed to be. I went to slip into the tennis skirt but realised I needed a pair ofrather restrictive knickers or the skirt was never going to laystraight! If you get my meaning!! I would have said boxers but I sodidn't want them, need them or go for them. I left the bathroom,listening as I reached the top of the stairs for any signs of lifedownstairs,Silence!Excitedly I almost pranced into mum's room, straight to her knickersdrawer. I opened it and removed a pair of white embroidered cottonpanties before. Time without expectations, judgment, or disappointment. Time for the one male in her life who would never let her down, demand anything from her, but was always there for her. And everything got better at that moment.* * * *Maggie! Maggie’s home. They went through the ritual. It was always the same except for those truly bad times when Maggie came home different, sad. On those days, if she had long ears and a tail, they would be drooped low and the eyes would be sad still. Maggie looked tired. A good start to the day for her, I thought.It only took half a dozen kisses before her eyes were fully open, and she said, "Good morning, darl... , Mark." Good morning, darl, Donna." {Giggle}."I offered, "I had a good night's sleep. Maybe we can do this on other nights that Carol's at Julia's?" I was kind of hoping that. I like you being here." I'll check with Mom, Dad and Carol, but I think everyone's okay with it." I'm sure Carol won't object." I'm pretty sure of that too. I'll go to my room.