The furnace hasn't come on yet and she's using it to help keep warm. Worried the device might break, she sets it on the desk with equally unsteady han...s. It's too soon for this to happen. Too soon, after having shared the secret cries and naked words. Too hard to watch him spill those outpourings with the carelessness of a barfly chugging on-the-house rounds. A numeral spears the envelope icon, a miniature of the ugly, stabbing narrative. It's his uncharacteristically cheerful greeting, false. "I know you want to escape." My heart stopped. Had she beenwatching the monitor this morning and somehow guessed what I was up to?Could she really read my mind or was she bluffing? Either way, myguilty reaction gave me away. She removed the crop and stood back. Herexpression softened. "Do not be frightened, my beautiful Sissy BabyAriel. You will not be punished. Your thoughts are you own. I do notwant to control your mind. I want to win your heart." I breathed a sighof relief. "We will work. His voice brushing against her ear and stilled every tremor inside and for a dreadful minute she forgot to breath. Her fingers bunched into the smooth expensive material of his shirt and crushed it in her fists. Slowly leaning back she blinked wide eyes up at him, clearly stunned by the news. ‘What?’ Her question fell on deaf ears. The music was too loud, the crowds closing in and then she was being dragged away after Michael briefly leaned in to speak to Susan who’s own eyes widened. She. Suddenly, she stops her touches. You look at her quizzically wanting more. The girls leave your side and you find yourself alone, surrounded by 24-cloaked figures. What is to happen to you?The pace of the drum quickens as the cloaked figures come closer to the altar. You think you could cut the tension with a knife, but then remember the horror of having your clothes removed at knifepoint. You do not want to think about knives any further.Suddenly, the drumbeat stops, replaced by a deafening.