Then Camilla was running upscreaming at the top of her lungs, and one of themhad to fend her off and I wrapped myself around theother guy’s leg ...nd I bit him right through thepants. He screamed out in pain. That’s when the knifecame out. Were it not for my heavy winter coat, Iwould have been cut badly, maybe even killed. But hisfirst slash caught in the epaulet on my rightshoulder, and losing his balance, I took him down. Ifought like a madman. I kept the guy in the dirt andkept him. Your parents were really dissapointed. Being teachers themselves they were angry at how their son had so obviously failed, they had noticed how much you were going out, your broke bank statements coming in. They made an emotional appeal to you to please try, you weren't a kid anymore so they couldnt make you put more work in but they were begging you to make the most of a degree which could help define your future. Seeing your mum crying as she asked you to please think about your future was. I come from amazing parents. Please, Seth, let them get to know you. I know how they are. They’re very genuine, loving people. They always wanted a son, but Mom couldn’t have any more children after me. Having a young man around is a big thrill for both of them, I can tell.’ We went back into the great room and sat on a sofa. Since we were pretty much on public display to anyone who may have happened by, we resisted our impulses and simply sat there, talking and holding hands. Tara paged. “So you do alright.” Jules said. I could hear the clicking and ticking of cutlery and crockery as they talked.“I do ok.” Mom confirmed, “Lost a lot in the stock crash, fucking financial adviser!”“Did you fuck him?” Jules asked.“Not like he fucked me.” Mom said darkly. “Anyway, I need to get away from here.”“Why? What’s wrong?” Jules asked.“Too many weirdoes.” Mom said, “I have a stalker, at least one neighbor knows what I do, and I can’t work at home here. I just don’t know what to do about.