’ ‘Julie, I’ve been trying to work up the courage to ask you out since the first night I met you.’ he said wistfully. ‘Robbie, that’s nice... I think we’ll have a great time tomorrow, don’t you.’ she stated. He looked at her with his chin in his hands. ‘It’ll be the greatest.’ he said simply. They chatted about Jason McBride and outdoor concerts and many other things as Julie continued serving counter customers and taking charge of the till. She looked up at one point and noticed that it was ten. John glanced back briefly as he headed for the doorway himself. The half-orc was noticeably slower than he was, so if John could get into the Ziggurat, he figured he could affect an ambush. With that in mind, his legs churned as he poured on the speed. The pole ax blade sparked as it bounced across the rocky ground behind him.He burst through the opening, and everything went black.There was a brief, disorienting pause before he stumbled to a halt. The floor he now stood on was the same dark. Have a safe trip home," said Helen."Goodbye bro, my only brother," said Sally.As John and his family got into the car and made their way back to themotel, Helen and Sally stood on the doorstep, waving them goodbye untilthey were out of site."Pity they live so far away," said Helen."Yes," said Sally. "Apart from you, they are the only family I've got." Have you ever thought of finding someone?" asked Helen."I don't know. I've only had one serious relationship. I just don't knowif I'll find. I know you have a dog, for I heard him barking in the background the last time we spoke on the phone. I know you're close to your mother, and your father passed away 6 years ago.We have had only 3 phone calls after talking almost constantly over the internet for the past 6 months. It has given my brain time to memorize the tones and cadences of your voice: A medium-deep baritone that makes me quiver in pleasure every time I hear it, makes my body anticipate all the things we have talked about.