Were they still asleep? I compelled myself to fight off the pain and lifted the tent flap.Everything was gone! No tents, no frames, no equipment, no b...oys, and best of all, no Phillip! There was a coffee pot placed on rocks on the embers in the fire pit and beside the pit was my backpack with a couple of things on top. Slowly and painfully I got to my feet and limped to the pit. As I got closer I saw a metal cup, a bottle of aloe skin lotion, and a piece of paper. I could smell the coffee so I. "I had a hard time accepting it." I want to kiss you." Okay."Rod stood and pulled her up with him. She closed her eyes and he kissedher lightly on the lips. She didn't resist. He kissed her again, moreardently this time. She hung limply against him, passive and vulnerable."I really like you, Lynn. You know that, don't you?" he said.She nodded, still with her eyes closed. She was enjoying the intimacy.Unconsciously, she licked her lips. Rod took that as a good sign. Hekissed her again, and this. The new events and expectations of my lovers had me in a very good mood. Once upon a time I would have felt nervous and fidgety when faced with the prospect of facing my wife after such a strange round of love-making. This time, while I felt eager to discuss the matter with Derwen, my heart felt free of concern. I even whistled as I made my way down the stairs, thinking, "When was the last time I'd whistled?" A memory arrived as if it was summoned from darkest recesses. The image caused me to. Someone is going to hurt ... probably badly. Maybe it will only be Carrie, but maybe they'll take a few fed's down with them ... or even worse, maybe a few of us get hurt in the process That's attention the Elders should never want to risk having under any circumstances."Rollie muttered a few platitudes and suggested that "things would probably work out ... they usually do." I just shook my head and turned for the door, but offered him one last piece of useful advice to either take or.