" Glad to see you're up and at `em Dad. It looks like a promising day,maybe for a walk after breakfast. How does that sound?" After breakfast, I'll le... you know, Tom.He showed surprisingly good spirits this morning. It was a glimpse of hisold self and we all felt good about that."George," Nora interrupted, "How about you and me taking that walk thismorning? Tom's got plenty to do and we both need to get out and about." Sounds, good Nora."After breakfast, Dad and Mom got dressed and went for. " That's fine, honey. You have a nice time. Have Monique call if you get... delayed." I sure will. Oh, Mom? I just found the credit card in my wallet. Thanks. Thanks so much!" I think some of my original exuberance crept back into my voice."Well, you're certainly welcome. Let me know if the line of credit is too low. I had them set it at $7500 to start."For a moment, I was stunned. I pulled my bag to me protectively. Mom was going to get the nicest present I could find."Oh, I think that will be. I knew the duvet on my bed would be lovely and warm tonight, after I’d spent enough time in it to raise it’s temperature. But my Mother was adamant that I sleep with her.“Billy, we’ll share our warmth, you can wear your boxers to cover your self.” I finally, reluctantly agreed.My mother changed in her bathroom putting on her nighty as I went to my room and shucked off my jeans and tops. I quickly clambered under the covers and my mother joined me soon after. I was a little surprised at how. Iona briefly saw bitter jealousy cross the face of Astrid—who seemed to always pop up to witness any kind of humiliation thrown Iona’s way. In others she saw fear. She could feel the effort she had put into fitting in disappearing with every step.Once home, Long Sword swung her around so that she faced him.“What possessed you to wander off?” he asked her, his voice having changed considerably. “You wear no head covering and your shift is too thin.”“The day was warm and I finished my duties.