" You poor thing," Fobie said in mock sympathy. "To sacrifice oneself for one's master is so noble. Of course you derive no pleasure from this vile de...flowering." Of course not!" Lavender responded trying to sound offended. "It is horrible! But duty is duty no matter how harsh." She was able to keep a straight face only until the other three started laughing and she had to join in until tears were streaming down her cheeks."Very well," she said when she could finally talk. "I admit it is not. Angela appreciated Pam's attempt to cheer her up, but was still skeptical. She turned to face her colleague asking, "Do you think I'm sexy? Do you find me attractive?" She looked Pam in the eyes with a seductive look and slowly sat up, putting her on the defensive as she gently stroked her modest cleavage, pulling slightly at her unbuttoned blouse. Now it was Pam that was the embarrassed one, as Angela kicked her pants off from around her ankles and stood up with her white blouse open,. I dreamedof being a fashionista like Mother that night and be nothing like myfather.When I awoke the next morning I found my mother sitting at her vanitywiping away a tear. I knew today was the anniversary of my father leavingher and that she would be feeling bad. I placed her tea on her vanity andgave her hug."Please don't cry Mommy," I said hoping to console her."I'll be fine honey. I am just feeling down because of the day," she saidin a sad and sullen voice."Is there anything I could do. It is dark, and the rain had stopped a while ago. I am shivering a little. The cobblestones are slippery, so I carefully step aside when I hear a one-horse carriage approaching from behind. I cannot see who is in the carriage. All I can see in the dim light of a street lamp is the back of the coachmen.I stop for a moment, holding my breath. Much to my relief, the carriage leaves the narrow main road after a few more yards and turns to the right. Now I can see it, not far away - a brightly.