I had breakfast with your father before he left for work.”Quickly finishing my food, then helping mum clean up the table before we left.We entered S.... Mary’s church, both of us lighted a candle, made the sign of a cross then kissed the icons. Mum went and sat down on one of the stalls then put her head down to pray.That is when I felt a hand on my shoulder. The voice was familiar. “Your mother would come every day when you was gone, she would sit in that same spot to pray for your safe return.”. She was going to get a lashing for that. “You need to get out of my house now,” I said. “Tell Judy that rachel will be fine. Tell her I’ve generously paid for two years of boarding school in Europe.” “Judy will want to know why, J.” I couldn’t stand his tears, but more than that, I couldn’t stand the wailing from below. I needed to tend to my charge, and he was in my way. I slapped him as hard as I’ve ever slapped a slave and pushed him towards the door. “TELL HER MY DAUGHTER DIED WHEN SHE WAS. Well let me go get the ladies and get this session started and we will have you tested to see how smart you really are. There is no shame in being smart. There are to many ways to get your education these day all the while attending high school like any other student. As I head for the door I let Michael know that if my wife and receptionist come out to play, just know I am ok with that. With that Michael nods and takes another drink of water.I open the door and invite Carol and Elizabeth. But Robyn’s actions hit her deep down in that same core of intimacy. She feels loved, in every sense of the word. Robyn pets her hair. Every touch and caress seems only to intensify the feeling of rightness Susannah feels. It’s like she’s fitting perfectly into every space Robyn leaves for her, joining with her in rapturous communion. ‘You love being in this safe space, pretty girl. You love to let go, you love to let the oxytocin do its work and make you feel all warm and peaceful and happy in.