I knew what I needed, just not how to get it. So I took a gamble. I pulled my kukris and held them together. This time when I pushed my mana into them... I exerted my will on the metal itself. I went through the resistance I felt and watched the Mage Steel blades melt together and elongate, forming the katana I needed. I was left with a chunk of metal in my other hand that I developed into a sheath for the new blade. Hoping it retained its original ability, I pushed light mana into the new sword.. Quickly I put everything away, trying to erase the images from my mind, and put the plate into the microwave to heat. It was then that I heard a noise in the hallway. It was Ryder. He walked into the kitchen, now wearing just a pair of boxer shorts. He was all lean muscle, very similar in body type to Marc, but his hair was dark and messy, and he had a kind of swagger that was very different from Marc. He was certainly no college football hero. He gave me a half grin, not at all shy about what. She asked if he would get in the shower so she could see how much room was in it. He did and after having him move around she opened the door and stepped in with him. He was very nervous about this, so Anna broke the ice by saying said "how much room do you have?" as she raised both arms up and acted like she was washing her hair. His eyes migrated right to her breasts. She then bend over like picking up dropped soap and leaned forward just enough to fall into him. She reached out with her. For some reason the short interaction with the woman gives her the impetus, to stand to go and sit at the window and face the cheerfulness outside. Her thoughts leaping all over the place, memories and regrets jump back and forth try to drag her deeper into despair and then a thought will make her smile, such as the memory of the little man standing up to Mark in the pub on Saturday.There are no more knocks on the door, yet she does neither notice nor care. She sits and watches, hardly even.