I had a twelve-year-old son and a daughter of only ten, so falling into a morass of self-pity was not an option. I had some help from Vicky’s sister... Madeleine, who was with us at the end and stayed for another two weeks. After that my mother did her best, but mum was torn between me and dad, who was himself not well. No matter how long you live with someone, there are always some surprises when they die. Mine came in the form of a savings account she told me about once when the end was near.. ”“Ah, so the Inn people are allowing us to stay in their home?”Angela smiled and Sophia giggled. “No, Xera. We'll rent a room. Inns are places that provide lodging for travelers.”“Rent? That means...to pay?”“It's not like your world,” Angela shrugged. “Things cost money out here. Nothing's free.”I found that very sad. I could walk to any village or city in the forest and find a welcome bed and wonderful food. No one had to buy anything. Everything we needed was found in the woods around us. It. I swallowed most of it but left a little on my cheek and chin for dramatic effect. I looked up at Rich wiped my mouth and said, “I hope that wasn’t my entire Christmas bonus.” Rich through his heavy breathing said, “No way honey. I got more tonight and if you keep this up there’s going to be lots more in your paycheck.” The comment made me feel somewhat like a prostitute, which actually made me even hotter. My pussy was on fire with Tim pounding away. I could hear Greg behind me yelling,. Dan gave a fifteen minute business PowerPoint talk that justified the dollars they were asking guests to contribute. Four such cocktail hour affairs over a month’s duration and Mrs. Patron had pledges almost double the amount she first proposed on hearing Dan’s projection. “Never again will I doubt or question your ability to cause miracles.” Dan kissed his mentor when the three key players met to review the success of the fund raising drive. “Never doubt just how much an old woman can.