’ ‘Bye.’ They hung up their phones, and Brody wished tomorrow would hurry its ass up and get here already. ____________________________________..._________________ Monday came around, and Brody spent most of the day waiting for the clock to get to 5:30 so he could go over to Michelle’s and pick her up. He hadn’t felt this way about someone in such a long time, and it was absolutely exhilarating. What can you say? The boy was completely smitten. When at last 5:30 came, he jumped into his car and. I hope to announce my candidacy on Friday.”I stood and gave her a big hug. Amy added her congratulations.Brittany continued, “Here are the two issues we need to discuss. First, this campaign will consume me for the next nine months. I know we had just started to get to know each other, but I am afraid that will have to wait a few months. I hope you understand.”I was caught totally off-guard. She had never mentioned to me any political aspirations. But I also realized she would be a great. Stan smiled back at his son and after saying goodbye to everyone left for a mini get away to the mountains."God," Stan said after three or four hours climbing up the mountain trail, "I'd forgotten how heavy camping equipment could be." You know Stan you don't have to carry everything alone," Laura said, "I should be helping." No, no, everything packs fantastically in this giant pack on my back and to start separating the stuff couldn't help any." Maybe we should rest a while then," Laura said. " Yes Geoff, it's me," I said, putting him out of his misery.He stared at me in silence, his mouth opening and closing.At length he stuttered, "Allan? In God's name where have you been? And what's happened to you?" Shall we sit down?" suggested David.Geoff started and gestured to the easy chairs at the side, sitting in one himself. We did the same."Tell him, Allan," said David.I told him. I was getting good at telling this tale. Constant repetition cements memories. I told it straight leaving.