Jan was surprised when the doorbell rang. An attractive dark-haired girl was standing on the doorstep when she opened the door. "Mrs. Stewart? I'm Ani...ta Collins, society editor of The Deerfield Times, the local weekly here in town. May I come in?"Jan smiled warmly and stepped back from the door. "Of course, Miss Collins, but I'm scarcely dressed to receive company. I hope you aren't offended."The girl came in and was seated in the living room while Jan went for coffee. In the kitchen she. The meal and the movie go well, but soon they are tired, and all excuse themselves to go to bed before you can spend any time talking with them.You wonder what changes have occurred with your children in the last year, what new friends they have made, what new things they have learned, what fun things they have done, but all that will have to wait for later. There is one thing itching at the back of your brain - and that's what your children look like grown up. You remember when you first moved. We sat in her kitchen. She made tea again.“What about the Mayoral Ball?”“There are more important things to deal with. Like looking after you.” We sat and talked about anything, everything except Clemency. We talked about the library, her job as a councillor, her family, my family, the weather. We rambled until later, she took me to bed.“Don’t be afraid to go to sleep. I’m here and I won't leave you.” We lay on our sides, facing each other, our mouths close. “Maybe it’s just nightmares.”“But. .. just whatyou need in my personal bathroom."I quickly complied. I took off my pajamas and put on the clothes she hadgiven me - a white t-shirt, a plain white sports bra, a pair of whitepanties and a pair of blue jeans, woman's cut, but didn't look likegirl's jeans. This was a relief. I thought she would try to put me insome over exaggerated excuse for a dress and bloody heels. Bloody. Damn!"Help?" I called out, and she quickly entered."Oh. You don't know how to use one." I nodded. "It's as.