It matched the red V-neck sweater and plaid woollen skirt she wore over a black turtleneck and tights. She looked at me enquiringly as I reached under... the tree and pulled out a mid-sized box.“I can’t be with you for our first Christmas together, so I wanted to give this to you before we left,” I said, handing it to Nao.“What is it?” she asked.“It’s an old laundry detergent box filled with torn up newspaper,” I said, sitting next to her.“No, seriously.”“Seriously. Open it.”Delicately she pulled. He was about to make his way in when one of the large oak doors whipped open and slammed him to the ground. John held his head and looked up to see Natalia, his “girlfriend,” looking down at him.“Oh, John I’m so sorry,” she said. She extended her hand and helped John back to his feet.“What was that for?” he said, as he rubbed his head.“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you would be there.”“Well why are you leaving the church?”“Well,” she started, “it was getting really boring and I just up and walked. It was simply perfect, and it was only the first day."I need to cool down in the water. Do you mind spreading the sunblock on my back?" I asked him, feeling the warmth of the day rising up."Sure,” he answered, smiling."You look eager to do this, am I wrong?” I asked, looking from my shoulder at his face."No, you're right. It's been a long time since the last time I spread lotion. I miss this and many other simple gestures that create the intimacy of a relationship,” he answered, while. After all, the little lady would be going home to her husband that evening and Max found himself wondering sardonically if the forgetful punk would even know what to do if his choice little wife suddenly began to behave like a sex-crazed slut. It would be interesting to observe some other time, he thought, but for now he would have to watch his step until he had her completely under his influence, which, if he had his way, would not take very long to accomplish."So then, tell me about your.