In that shower, finding a calm way to let the memories and experiences percolate in my mind, while attempting to evaluate the highs against the fears,...I made my decision. I pledged myself to meeting you on Sunday with my collar on, with the key's envelope still sealed shut.I knew myself, of course, and my own history of letting my fears stand between myself and my desires. As I dried myself off, I set my self on a plan of one step at a time. Sure, I was using this cliché to give in to a high,. Ben did his best to support his mother by working for her at the salon to keep an eye on the business. Two years after the passing of his father, his mother also expectedly died.As a male in New America, he had no rights to buy, sell or own property so the business was confiscated by the government and ownership was later redistributed to one of the young female stylists still working there. Kiera Hamilton was just twenty-one when she was awarded ownership of the salon. Females no longer work. Scoobadex heard more rumors outside and faces showed up before the glassless windows. The one holding the torch climbed on the bus, lightening the whole interior of the bus.Our hero felt like his feet were weighing a ton. True, they wouldn't have the time anymore to cook him in boiling oil, but at this point that didn't matter that much, if he jumped out of a window they'd still cut him to pieces. Master Ogreon was now pointing the tip of his blade into Scoobadex' direction. The beardog felt. So which one of you will challenge me?” I asked.There was another long drawn out silence. I used the time to check with Kip again, and this time received the ‘all clear’. I let out a sigh of relief and looked to the old men again.It was Kalani’s father who stood. For a moment, I thought HE was going to challenge me. But he simply nodded to a young man who came and stood at the foot of the reviewing stand, near the old men.Then Kalani’s father pulled himself up as erect as he could, removed his.