“I know, but...”Max said, “You did a good job. I’m proud of you.”“Thank you,” Robert said. He hadn’t been expecting that.Max opened hi...s can of beer. He gestured to the can in Robert’s hand. The young man opened his can and took a tentative sip from it. He had expected it to be a little sweet. The bitterness of it surprised him.“Is that your first?” Max asked.“Yes,” Robert answered.Max said, “It’s right for a boy’s first beer to be taken with his father.”“Did you have your first beer with. I've brought some friends. We want to take you to a new home." As Cathan spoke, both of them jumped into her arms. They were crying as they held her tightly. The commotion had awakened the other six women who looked on apprehensively on seeing strangers with the three caretakers. Those in Cathan's group pushed friendly and comforting thoughts toward them.After a few moments, Todd said, "Cathan, we need to get this moving." Enya and Máiréad, we need to leave here as soon as possible. Would you. I was visiting a friend who's sick. I startedwalking and thought I knew where I was headed and suddenly it all wentfrom bad to worse."William flashed his high beams at a vacant cab and pulled over rightbehind the yellow vehicle. "Are you sure you don't want to ride withme?"Dana smiled. "I'd rather ride myself home, but I'll send your jacketback to you." Uh, let me give you my address and all." William, I know who you are. Mister Sixty-Seven, all-state defense.I've watched you play for three. "What is your namedear?" My name is Bess," she answered very demurely. He turned to his rightand asked the same question of the beautiful brunette."Oh, my name is Liz," she said with a coy smile, eyes downcast. Thegentleman again inquired the name of the woman standing directly behindhim."My name is Elsie." She spoke with a throatiness that smoldered and asmile that blinded."And you?" He pointed to the redhead next to Liz."Beth," she responded breathlessly. Turning back the other way.