'm not sure why, but when it was just Allison and I, I don't remember dreaming at all. Maybe it had something to do with the parents coming home, or b...ing back in my bed. Whatever the reason, it seemed like as soon as I hit my pillow I found myself in the hallway outside, of all places, Shannon's room. I had been trying to think of how to talk to her but hadn't come to any real conclusions. I guess somewhere in my head a part of me thought I was ready. Taking a leave of absence from the service was not possible as she knew she would be staying in Spencer because someone needed to take care of her father and her younger brother who had Downs-syndrome.Joe kept in touch with Carla initially fairly often but over the years the contacts with her were reduced to a once a year Christmas card which contained short notes bringing the other up to date on the happenings in their lives. One of Carla's cards informed Joe of her marriage and the Davis name. You knew where'd I'd be tonight, and I can't focus on anything else apart from how you'd know where to find me. Shaking my head slightly, I follow the crowd into the bar, pushing you into the back of my mind.Little did I know that your flight had been delayed, and that it was touch and go whether you would even make it. Luckily, you had managed to touch down late afternoon. You had gone straight to your hotel and checked in, and to have a rest after your long day. At around 10pm you decided to. "No. Not really. I'm sorry I wasted your time, boys." But as sheturned to walk away, she suddenly turned back to them again. "Youknow, I was just thinking - it's a real shame that he's a boy. I knowa great many people, who would love getting their hands on a _girl_about the same age as him. And being that girls are in so much moredemand right now, you could get maybe up to ten times the price you'reasking for this boy." She then turned around and walked off into thecrowd."Ten times???" Merk's.