I was just a spare wallet to her.I shoved 10¥ into the ticket machine and snatched up the card, running through the security check, smacking the cars...againdt the gate and heading down the stairs to the metro. "Please make it on time!" I prayed. I had no way home otherwise. It would cost at least 150¥ to take a cab home and I couldn't afford that. Not with my meagre salary.At last, out of breath, I stood in front of the sliding glass doors that would open to the train. I glanced up at the. I looked up, and although there werewhat looked like three stories to the house, with a large balcony on thesecond floor that actually went halfway around the house.I knocked, and the door came open, and I peered inside, calling out"Hello?" as I did so.With no answer, I decided to do a recon inside, and went in.If this house had been on our earth, it would definitely be owned by awoman who bought into every feminine stereotype ever invented.Every possible surface was pink, and usually covered. You've been keeping secrets from me. Howlong has this been going on?" Only since I got laid off from my job. I was never home alone before andit was just so tempting. It brightens up my day. You know I've beendepressed since I lost my job." You're supposed to be working on your job skills training not spendingyour time like this. What if the neighbors found out? I'd be ashamed toshow my face at the Ladies Guild." I swear I've been very discreet. The windows are shut and the drapesdrawn. No-one. Thanks, Mom, you are the greatest,” Jake said, as he bound up the stairs.Jake put on a nice shirt and pair of pants and called Cindy’s house. Teresa Sorenson answered the phone and said yes when Jake asked if he could bring Cindy’s gift over. Jake rode his bike over to the Sorensons’ house. Cindy met him at the door. They were sitting on the porch swing when he produced her gift. She tore off the wrapping paper and opened the long slender velveteen box. Cindy gasped at the gold and ruby cross.