" Ms.Koopman winced slightly, realizing Kimberly's use of female pronouns forher doll-uncle had rubbed off on her. While she listened to Ariannatalk...about the big conch shell she'd found at the beach last summer, shestarted writing a note to Kimberly's mother, telling her that Kimberlyhad brought her uncle to school and recommending that she not let hertake him out of the house again. She'd hate to have him get lost.Being a doll for a year would be bad enough even with a loving niece toplay. I wasn't about to pry into Alice's past personal life prematurely.So we talked about the little league kids, and my work with the inner city kids, and the Orioles, and the hospital, and all the little things people talk about. She was fascinated by the traveling life of a professional athlete, and had lots of questions about life on the road. I explained that it was, indeed, a grind, but at the big-league level, the clubs did all they could to make us comfortable. Some of the ballplayers with. I am dying of curiosity to see more of what is left of my civilization.I don't like the woods, Alys whimpers and sides up to me. Can't we stay out in the light? she turns her big dark eyes on Diana.We'll stay to the edge, Diana folds. Catherine grunts her agreement from the back of the line.I nod in agreement as well.After that, the day is much the same as the first. Diana walks up front. The girls and I talking and Catherine in the rear. A brief stop for lunch and some planning. And then more. "Good morning." I smiled up at my husband, snuggling deeper into the warmth of our bed."I'm sorry about last night. I'm going to have a talk with John today about hiring another associate. The work load is getting ridiculous." Jake sat on the bed. "I also think we need a vacation. We haven't had one of those in a while." That's a great idea," I said, reaching out to button his cuffs."Good. I'll have Deb work something up with the travel agent." Deb?" I asked, feeling that familiar tug of.