Callahan took a drink of the lukewarm water from his reservoir — a very small drink. The reservoir was down to twenty-eight percent and there was no... enough spare water to go around. The same was true of food paste, waste packs, and even air bottles. Nor was this the only shortage they were dealing with. Ammunition was being severely rationed, with orders given to no longer utilize suppressing fire when advancing, to no longer engage a target unless there was reasonable chance of hitting it. It. I want to hear all about your first day."I wiped my eyes and said, "Damn it! You are going to make me cry again!"Laura smiled and turned me towards the door. She lifted the back of my dress and swatted my butt and pushed me toward the door. As I opened the door she said, "I love you, Miki. Have fun today. Life is too short not to."I turned back and blew her a last kiss and then I strolled calmly back up the street. I got my car out of the garage. Two minutes with Laura had calmed me right. She putthe clothing inthe laundry hamper, the bra and hose in their separatelittle netenvelopes. She left the bathroom and went to her makeuptable to quicklyfreshen her perfume and makeup. Then my nakedmother preparedthe bed by pulling the covers down and placing adouble foldedtowel on the bottom sheet. She lay down on the bed, herbutt on thetowel, legs slightly spread. He wanted her to spread themmore, but thiswas as far as she could bring her self to spread them.With the lightfully on and. Satisfied that our little talk had achieved the desired result, I didn't press her with what was really nagging at me. I wondered what could be so compelling at her office that would keep her there until after the boy's bedtime.A week passed with Karen getting home in time to have dinner with us, but then working at her desk until it was time to put the boys to bed. After a short workout she would shower and resume working at her desk. At least she was coming home from work at a decent hour..