Marie said. "You absorbed a couple of violent hits tonight, so if you don't feel up to it at any time let me know and we'll conclude for tonight. You ...an say no now or during the questioning." I'd rather get it over with," I told him. "Did my dad offer to pay you?" Don't worry about that for now," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "You stopped thieves coming into our neighborhood. What would have happened if they broke into my house? If your father feels obligated, we can do something, but. So far, being the boss has worked for my people. They accept me of their own free will. They also know that if they disagree with me, they can walk. You won’t be a prisoner while you’re living in my community, but you will be expected to live by the rules.”Carmen told me she could, and that she wanted to go with me when it was time to go. I told her we’d be leaving in an hour.I’d sent Durt off to work with Burton, Bogdi, and Tonko to build travois. We’d need them to carry all the extra kit that. She said, ‘These are really nice. Thank you, Marvin.’ And she kissed me on the cheek. ‘You are a sweet man.’ When the steel door closed behind me, I stood for a moment on the platform enjoying the cool night breeze. There had been no further conversation. Emily returned to the mattress and snuggled in with Angie. I gathered my clothes and left. When I got home, I modified my POF profile like this: I am Marvin. I am well read and cultured. Not an ounce of body fat. I have been called both. I'm a big girl now and I'll be going to nursery school. It's exciting! I'm sitting on the horse; I love my horse; I'm rocking, riding, imagining. Daddy is coming into my room. He calls me to him and I get off my horse and run to him; he picks me up and I fling my arms around his neck and we hug. He calls me 'Princess' and takes me downstairs to my mother — she's in the living room with Granny. Granny has a present for me. I say thank you and unwrap it —it's a pink princess outfit. I love it! I.