"A cook and her daughter and a very old man. I do not need two cooks. Nor two maids or kitchen helpers. What shall we do?" I'd like to stay and be you... maid," said Miranda. "Your momma had her own maid, didn't she?"Anne nodded. "She did, but things were different then, trade was good, and I do not think I can afford it now. Is there anyone in the area you'd like to work for, either of you?"The older woman nodded and smiled. "There's a blacksmith on the Riley farm, good fellow, he and I, well,. I want to be with you till you leave. I just want us to be honest to ourselves at least till you leave Anita…”“I don’t know Rahul… I… I have to go now. I have to think. I will call you.” she hurriedly got up from the table. I kept looking at her like a wounded animal. As she walked away, she kept looking back and I knew that with each look, she was breaking down.I waited. Two days. It took two days for her to make up her mind. She called me and asked me to meet her in her apartment. Said she. Within all of the chaos, a single black cat, jumped over the back of the bench over your right shoulder and rushing forward toward the creature."Stop fiend!" The cat yelled out to it, causing the beast to stop, changing it's focus onto the cat. Shocked silent and still you could do nothing but watch as these strange events unfolded before you. "I'll distract him, at least." The cat spoke again, shaking you from your stunned stupor."The cat can talk." You spoke out loud, only the softest murmur. " Yes," she said. "I told Grandma last night that if you were okay, I'd ask YOU." You planned to ask ME?" I, well she DID tell me she loved me. But marriage?"Yes. I planned. I mean, it's been a month ... some people wait years. And some people get married after meeting overnight in Vegas. And we're not even drunk."I took a long sip of my drink. She sucked on her own straw and looked at me, eyes twinkling."You've talked to your grandma? About me?" Yes. About you. She and I talk about stuff, Dan..