“Okay, I understand. No more people in on the secret.”The group sat around the fire pit in the middle of the patio, enjoying a few more beers and ...watching the sunset over the artificial lake in Uncle Justin’s backyard.“I’m starting to get upset with myself. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before,” Sergeant Thomas exclaimed as he pushed his ‘to go’ order of breakfast tacos off the table and into the trash can. “I can’t believe we didn’t recognize the two girls as the two who run their favorite. "Oh, Mandy, I'm so sorry!" I cried out. I felt her arms wrap aroundme. "I'm so sorry! Why did you do that to yourself?!" I slid my armsaround her before I fell to my knees at her feet. I hugged myself toher knees and cried. I felt her knees bend as she knelt down in frontof me."Oh, my sweet Joanne!" she said. "Don't be sorry! It's what I wantedto do, for myself, and for us." She held me in her arms as I let theguilt dribble out through my tears. "Shhh, sweetie, don't cry. . Yousima.”“Good, here take this. Shoot her if she moves. I’m going to get my wrist fixed.”Joshua meekly replied, “Yes sir.”Andena was shocked knowing that Joshua had the gun. She knew that the only way to survive was to remain perfectly still. She asked her core, “I assume you can help me to keep my body as still as possible?”“I can fixate all you muscles, but you need to breathe.”It was the first time she became aware that her core wasn’t as smart as she had presumed it to be, and replied. Shocked silent and still you could do nothing but watch as these strange events unfolded before you. "I'll distract him, at least." The cat spoke again, shaking you from your stunned stupor."The cat can talk." You spoke out loud, only the softest murmur against the harsh winds and the screams of those around you. But it was enough for the cat to hear. His little ears twitched and the cat turned to face you."Girl!" It's eyes twinkled like star light, shimmering in it's head, drawing your.