” “That’s what shrinks are for,” Kat said, behind a toothy smile barely concealed by her coffee mug. “Jeff you have a half mug of coffee in... front of you. I am going to tell you something and I do not want you to speak until you have finished that coffee. Oh, and no gulping. Ready?” “Uh, yes, nervous but ready. What is your verdict? Shall I throw myself on the mercy of the court?” “You threw yourself upon me this morning Jeff, and quite nicely I might add. But let’s get serious. “ “Jeff,. ”“I’ll make sure to get it to Marie and she can get it to the authorities. OK?”“Yup. Thanks again.”We stopped at the desk and set Kendi’s next appointment, then we walked out of the office hand in hand and down the hallway to the elevator. Kendi was quiet and was squeezing my hand hard until we walked outside. We stopped and hugged and then Kendi broke down and cried. She held me tight and sobbed loudly. I felt so helpless.“Mick call Marie and tell her the news.”I pulled out my phone and pushed. We rested for a few minutes. Then we waded out into the cool water of the lake and rinsed off. We stayed in the water until we spotted a canoe coming our way. We didn’t want to take a chance on offending anyone so we climbed back out of the water and lay on our towels to dry off in the sun.We watched the canoe approach slowly. The couple in it must have seen us skinny dipping. They stopped paddling when they reached the opening to our clearing. They’re in their late twenties or early thirties.. I sat up in the bed and remembered where I was and why I was here before I blew it all and reached for her. My mind remembered that she wouldn't be here, but my body and my heart missed her just the same.EGBDF, I told myself and I steeled myself for what I had to do. I had many things to do before I could allow myself to sink into the depression that I knew was coming. I debated calling in today and just staying here to be miserable. Eventually though, I'd have to go out and today was as good a.