” He looked at Abella and Tink. “For now, I guess we need to get cleaned up and maybe patch this hole. I don’t want the rats following us down h...re. Then I’m going to see what Naia knows.”“Stupid fucking rats.” Tink stormed off, likely headed to the garage where her toolbench was. Mike and Abella followed her, the floor creaking eerily under her heavy footsteps. Sofia and Beth watched the hole above, but there was no further movement. After a few minutes, Beth picked up the dead rat.“What are. It brought him feelings of hope, anticipation and belonging in a life otherwise devoid of positive emotion. Complementing the heavy dark oak cabinetry of the clock was a very old, poorly restored Steinway piano that stood alongside. It had not been played since Michael’s lessons stopped more than two years before. **** Michael had no real school friends until his second semester in Grade 7 when a new boy joined the class. Kai was an only child and of Scandinavian lineage, his parents had. I don't want to put any more pressure on you than you already have." No, it's fine, honey. I love you, too." Bye." Bye." Oh, what a day," Dawn sighed as we turned the last corner to the apartment she shared with Ryan. "I cannot WAIT to just flop face-down in bed and get Ryan to give me a massage." C'mon," I chided, sliding myself back and falling into step right behind Dawn as we walked along. I moved my hands up to her shoulders and started kneading. "No need to wait when you've got Ben. How content would he be if she broke a rule? Broke the shit out a rule. Maybe she could manipulate circumstances so he would go to the dark side. Kevin hated-hated-hated the sound of the vacuum. And there was a rule about not doing housework on Lazy Sunday. Perfect. -- Alex abruptly arose from the lounger to walk out. Kevin admired her receding form. God bless the inventor of yoga pants. Today she had on a black pair combined with a bright orange cropped top that left her midriff exposed. He.