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{\info{\title Equal Shares}{\author steveh11}{\creatim\yr2008\mo9\dy10\hr22\min52}{\revtim\yr0\mo0\dy0\hr0\min0}{\printim\yr0\mo0\dy0\hr0\min0}{\comment StarWriter}{\vern6800}}\deftab720
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\pard\plain \sb240\sa60\keepn\cf7\f3\fs32\b\f0\fs32\b\f3\fs32\lang1025\b \ltrpar\s7\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa60\keepn\ql\rtlch\af3\afs32\lang1025\ab\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f3\fs32\lang2057\b\loch\f3\fs32\lang2057\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f3\fs32\lang2057\i0\b Chapter 15}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Gradually, Simon became aware of his surroundings. He was in a narrow bed with crisp sheets; the ceiling was high and the walls pale green and cream. Where\'85 oh. Hospital.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He forced his head to roll first to the left, then the right. There was a curtain between him and anything to his left, on the other side he met the eyes of his mother.}
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\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh, thank }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i God}{\cf7 , you\'92re awake. I\'92ll go tell the nurse!\'94 she told him, standing quickly and giving him a peck on the cheek as mothers do.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 A nurse entered, pulled the curtains around him and took his pulse and temperature. She noted them on the chart that she re-hung at the bottom of his bed, all busy efficiency.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon asked her, \'93Can you tell me what\'92s happened?\'94 but she only replied, \'93You\'92ll have to wait for the doctor, I\'92m afraid. He shouldn\'92t be long. Do you need anything? How\'92s the pain?\'94}
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\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Okay, but I feel really woozy,\'94 he told her.}}
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\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 That\'92ll be the medication. Don\'92t worry, you\'92re going to be fine.\'94 She flashed a brief smile at him before whisking the curtains back with the ease of obvious practice, then she walked quickly back to her station at the end of the ward. Simon watched with 
detached enjoyment. He thought he ought to be enjoying the sight more, but couldn\'92t make himself care enough.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 His mother came back, his father with her. Both looked relieved. }
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 How are you feeling, son?\'94 his mother asked.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I\'92m fine,\'94 he replied.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He lied,\'94 interjected his father, dryly. \'93You got us worried, son. I\'92m glad to see you\'92re awake now, though.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Leave him alone,\'94 his mother chided, \'93he\'92s just woken up.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 His parents sat with him for a while. Gradually, Simon became more awake, though the pain in his leg was getting worse. He started, remembering.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Marianne. She was there!\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Jackie leaned over to lay a hand on his. \'93Hush.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Mum, it was }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i Marianne}{\cf7 , and she was there, with those kids. Oh, Christ, there were a couple of kids\'85\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I\'92m sure they\'92re all okay,\'94 he heard his mother say, but he was watching her face. No, they weren\'92t.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Truth, Mum.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 His father answered after a moment, his mother remaining silent.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Marianne\'92s okay, she\'92s here in the hospital too, some burns but she\'92ll be fine. I\'92m really sorry son, but they couldn\'92t reach the kids. John told us about it, how you tried to get back in to them.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 You could have got yourself }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i killed!}{\cf7 \'94 his mother hissed.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Shhh, Jackie. Simon was trying to do his job. And being a bit of a hero with it.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 But Simon\'92s head had fallen back onto his pillow. He closed his eyes and once more saw the flames, saw the frightened faces of those two children, kids he\'92d }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i left behind}{\cf7 .}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93\'92}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 m no hero,\'94 he mumbled. \'93Failed. Those kids\'85\'94 Tears began to gather in the corners of his eyes.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 This time his father reached over and grabbed his hand. He }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i squeezed}{\cf7 . Simon opened his eyes again and looked at his normally taciturn, gruff, father in surprise.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon, according to John you got Marianne out, you helped him with another little boy and you, personally, saved the life of one little girl by shielding her with your own body, injuring yourself in the process. Then you tried to get back inside, when the
 building collapsed, partially on you. No shame, Simon, none. You did well and I\'92m \'96 }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i we\'92re}{\cf7  \'96 proud of you.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\cf7\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang2057\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 The next day, Simon had unexpected visitors. Tina came in to the ward, pushing Marianne in a wheelchair. Marianne\'92s eyes lit up when she saw him. Tina looked grateful.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon saw that Marianne\'92s left leg was in a cast, she had dressings on that arm and hand as well. Her hair was short, apparently cut in haste and she had a nasty bruise close to her temple. She looked tired, washed out, an impression made curiously worse b
y the hospital gown she was wearing, but she smiled anyway. They didn\'92t speak for a long moment, until Tina broke the ice.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I heard you\'92d got hurt, Simon. Marianne and I wanted to come over and see you to say, \'93Hi,\'94 and thank you.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Yes, and find out how you are, Simon. I hear your leg was injured, how bad is it?\'94 asked Marianne, concern evident in her voice.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon couldn\'92t hide a grimace. \'93The doctor saw me yesterday afternoon. The damage to my knee is quite bad, he\'92s sure I\'92ll be able to walk again, he thinks I\'92ll get back up to around 85% of my knee\'92s capability \'96 but I think that\'92ll be enough to take me out
 of the service. I don\'92t want a backroom job.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon looked away. \'93Besides, I\'92m not sure I want to stay in regardless. I\'92ve had enough, what with those poor kids\'85\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He felt a soft hand laid on his for a short time, then withdrawn. He looked up and saw Marianne. }
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 You and John saved my life, and that of several other kids. Don\'92t forget that, Simon.\'94 She held his gaze until eventually he nodded in acceptance.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 What about you?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 The leg\'92s broken and burnt a bit, it\'92s quite sore. These,\'94 indicating her arm and hand, \'93 are pretty superficial. I think the scars on my leg are going to be pretty obvious, though,\'94 she finished with a grimace.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh, God, I\'92m sorry to hear that,\'94 Simon said, his concern showing in his voice.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh, I think I\'92d had enough of primping myself for the modelling anyhow, Simon. Chris and I are getting married soon.\'94 Simon realised what it was that he\'92d noticed.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh! Er \'96 is the baby all right?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 Marianne smiled again and nodded. \'93Yes, it\'92s fine. Thanks. Also, yes, it\'92s Chris\'92s and yes, we\'92re happy about it. It\'92s coming earlier than we\'92d expected \'96 sorry, bad word! \'96 than we\'92d }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i intended}{\cf6 , but we\'92re both happy about it.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 But anyway, I was going to have to stop modelling for at least a while anyway, of course. In any case I think I\'92d had enough of the pettiness for a bit, and I don\'92t think I had quite the right stuff to go into the Page 3 side \'96 besides the earache I\'92d get
 from Mum if I said I wanted to do more of that!\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I\'92ve never said that!\'94 her mother interjected, but Marianne calmly looked at her, and Tina folded. \'93Yes, you\'92re right, I had reservations about it.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Well, Mum, Chris says he\'92ll still want to take photos of me, but not for publication. Just between us. Okay?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Tina and Marianne stayed for a while, chatting intermittently, the ladies just enjoying being in a different room, Simon enjoying their company. After about an hour they left.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 The day after that, Chris arrived to visit Simon.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Hi Simon,\'94 he said as he came up to the bed. \'93Marianne told me where to find you.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Nice of you to come, Chris,\'94 Simon replied.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 There was an awkward silence. Finally, Chris grinned wryly.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 It\'92s a little odd, this. I have to thank my fianc\'e9e\'92s ex for saving her life, while he\'92s still annoyed with me for stealing her.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon laughed, he flat-out laughed, for the first time since the fire. \'93Oh, God,\'94 he gasped, \'93that\'92s funny. Anyway, I forgave you ages back for Marianne, I think I realised that she wasn\'92t feeling the same way for me as I was for her. And saving her was si
mply part of the job.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I\'92m sure you know that it\'92s not as simple as that. Anyway, you saved more than just Marianne\'92s life.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon looked away. What could he possibly say to that?}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Anyhow, \'93Chris continued, \'93I just wanted to thank you. What about your own injuries?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh, just a broken leg. It\'92ll heal,\'94 Simon answered, trying to brush it all off. Chris persisted though.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 From what Marianne and Tina tell me it\'92s worse than that. Your knee?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon just shrugged.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I see,\'94 Chris said. He stood to go. \'93If there\'92s anything I can do to help? Just ask, Simon.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Okay, Chris.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Just as Chris was leaving, Simon said, \'93Thanks.\'94 Chris looked back over his shoulder, nodded, and left.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Two days later, he had another visitor to his bed from the Simmons family \'96 this time it was Caroline.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Hi,\'94 she said, a little shyly, around the edge of the curtain.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Hi,\'94 he answered. They looked at each other for a moment. Caroline fidgeted, so Simon beckoned her to come to him. She sat on the bedside chair, as close as she could, looking down at her hands which were clasped together in her lap.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I \'96 \'94 he began, just as Caroline also began, \'93I \'96 \'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 She smiled, and Simon waved to her to begin.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I just wanted to say \'91Thank you,\'92 for rescuing Marianne, and to see how you are,\'94 she said.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 No thanks needed, and I\'92m  - well, not fine, but I\'92ll be okay,\'94 he told her. \'93I need to start physio on this knee soon, which is going to be a pain in the arse, but Doc reckons I\'92ll get most of the mobility back.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Is that the best they can do?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93\'92}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Fraid so. Apparently I shouldn\'92t have tried to walk on it and then have a wall fall on it after doing the initial damage. Who knew?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He faked a casual grin, or tried to. Caroline evidently saw through him though, she leaned over, softly said, \'93I\'92m really sorry, Simon,\'94 and kissed his forehead briefly, lightly.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 It\'92s okay, Caroline. Really. I\'92ll be able to walk and all that, but it seems my dreams of playing for West Ham are over,\'94 he tried to joke.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Not just for that, Simon. I\'92m }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i sorry}{\cf6 .\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Yes, \'91Oh\'92 indeed. I\'92m really sorry, Simon. I\'92ve been thinking about you a }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i lot}{\cf6 . Have you thought of me?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 Simon }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i had}{\cf6 , but not constantly, and not really in a flattering way. \'93Sometimes,\'94 he temporised. She saw the lie instantly again.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 No, you haven\'92t,\'94 she told him, \'93but that\'92s okay. I just needed to tell you.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Sorry,\'94 he apologised, going pink. \'93Er \'96 how have you been?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 Caroline laughed, patted his hand, and said through a grin, \'93I\'92ve been okay. Well, at }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i first}{\cf6  when we parted, I pined a lot. In the end Mum and Mari sat me down and read me the riot act, then they fussed over me until I started eating properly again and gett
ing on with things.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 My turn to say \'91Sorry\'92, Caroline.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 No, no. We were silly to part the way we did. }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i I}{\cf6  was silly and stupid to say what I did. But we were equally silly to try,\'94 her voice caught for a moment, but she recovered, \'93to try for each other when you weren\'92t over Mari. Too soon, too fresh, and every 
time you looked at me you must\'92ve thought of her.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Not really, Cari. Oh, I can't deny that I did think of Marianne sometimes, but not every time!\'94 he grinned.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 She stuck out her tongue. \'93You!\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 His face became serious. \'93No, you were \'96 are I guess \'96 amazing. I loved when I was with you. I just\'85 I guess I just got cold feet.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He hesitated, but before Caroline could leap into the gap he continued, staring into the space beyond the far wall, \'93Since then I've met another girl. She's gone back to university now, in Liverpool, and we were never meant for anything permanent, but Mich
elle helped me heal\'85 in a way that I needed. My Mum & Dad, and John & Patty, they tried to make me get my head up from my arse, but it took Mi.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline said nothing, but her face fell.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I\'85 I guess I'll say goodbye, then, Simon,\'94 she said, finishing in a rush. She stood up quickly and, before Simon could stop her, left.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Wait! Caroline, please, wait.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon pulled himself up in his bed and looked beyond his bed at his former girlfriend. \'93Caroline, will you come and see me again? I'd really like that.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 You would?\'94 she asked, doubtfully.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Yes, Cari. I would, honestly.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Hmmm. We'll see, Mr. Cook.\'94 But she said it with a hint of a smile instead of the determined, firm demeanour she'd shown a moment earlier.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 We'll see.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 John and Patty visited, as did Phil in his capacity with the Fire Brigades Union, and his boss, Station Officer Billings.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Time in hospital meant time with little to do but think. Always introspective, Simon sat, or lay, and did just that. He thought about what he would do after getting out of hospital. He thought, and worried, and feared a little, about the rehabilitation he\'92
d soon be undergoing. While he trusted his doctors, recognising professionalism and competence, still he worried about walking again.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 He also thought about girls, of course. Well, at first, it was simply about }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i sex}{\cf6 , but that didn\'92t get him very far \'96 privacy wasn\'92t }{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i that}{\cf6  easy to come by. It wasn\'92t as if he could simply stroll to the bathroom! His thoughts moved on to girls, and then he fou
nd himself thinking about the girls he\'92d known. After a while, he found that his thoughts were mostly of one particular girl\'85}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 So there was one visitor he found himself anxiously awaiting.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Time passed. His surgeon cut open his knee, checked around, and confirmed the diagnosis. He was very correct, his voice assured and somewhat condescending, but he made Simon feel that he knew what he was doing.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 It's Lateral Collateral Ligament damage, combined, as they often are in such cases I'm afraid, with damage to both Anterior and Posterior ligaments. We've patched them up, but you're in for a long, hard and, I'm very sorry, }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i painful}{\cf6  rehabilitation. Frankly
, the damage was quite severe, and in conjunction with the other damage to your leg, well, you'll notice it no matter what we do. But I can honestly tell you that you }{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i will}{\cf6  walk again without a stick; you'll be able to run, jump and all that. Just don't exp
ect me to recommend booking a place in Moscow for the next Olympics.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon was able to smile. \'93That's about what I'd expected, Doc. Without the medical terms, anyway.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 He got a }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i Look}{\cf6 . \'93Let\'92s see you smile once you get into the physiotherapy, young man. It\'92s going to }{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i hurt}{\cf6 .\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I know. But the reward \'96 walking and all the rest \'96 will make it worth it.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Now the Doctor\'92s own smile had shark-like qualities. \'93We\'92ll see if you still think that when it\'92s happening, Mr. Cook.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Hello, Simon.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Both he and the doctor were surprised by the small, feminine voice. Simon\'92s heart lurched when he recognised that it was Caroline, her head partly obscured by the curtain.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Yes, well. I think we\'92re finished here, Mr. Cook?\'94 the doctor said, standing to go. His demeanour softened quite a bit when he looked at Caroline. \'93Pleased to meet you, young lady.\'94 Then he strode off, every step reeking of dignified arrogance.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Wow,\'94 Simon said.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Is that directed at him, or at me?\'94 teased Caroline.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Him. But, yeah, wow!\'94 Simon answered her, looking the young girl \'96 no, }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i lady}{\cf6  \'96 over from head to toe. Her brunette locks were a mass of tight curls close to her head, she was wearing a close-fitting denim jacket and tight \'96 }{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i tight\-}{\cf6  \'96 jeans, finished off wit
h a pair of white shoes. The outfit was designed to show off her curves, and did so very well indeed.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 A bit stuck up, wasn\'92t he?\'94 Caroline remarked, sitting down close to Simon.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Yeah, but a really good surgeon,\'94 Simon replied, distractedly. \'93You look great, Caroline. }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\hich\f3\loch\f3 Um}{\cf6 , I\'92m really pleased to see you again.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline gave him a high-wattage smile. \'93You are?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh, yes. I mean it.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 What about, wassername, from Liverpool?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Michelle? I told you, that was never meant for anything permanent.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 But\'85\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 But nothing,\'94 Simon interrupted. \'93Look, I\'92ve had the chance to work out what to say, and I had it scripted out \'96 but now as soon as you walk back in to see me it flies out of the window. I messed up. I take the blame, Cari, I do.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 So take me back.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon felt his jaw drop. He was expecting to have to beg, not to be asked to do something he most earnestly wanted to do.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 See, Simon? It\'92s that simple. We wasted the autumn, and half the winter, but it\'92s easy. All we had to do was persuade ourselves. I wasn\'92t sure I could make myself come back here again. You obviously weren\'92t sure I\'92d say \'91yes\'92 when you asked \'96 and I know y
ou, if I hadn\'92t made it easy you\'92d have waffled around for quite a while. So, yes, take me back. Let\'92s see if what we felt those months ago, for that brief time, was something we can re-create. I hope we can.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 So do I,\'94 Simon answered through a suddenly thick, tight throat.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Okay then. When do you get out of here?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Not for a few days. They want to see how I cope with a cane before letting me out solo.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline laid her hand in Simon\'92s palm. He squeezed gently, appreciating the gesture.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 They sat and began to talk about inconsequentials, not noticing the time. When visiting hours ended and Caroline had to go, she promised to come the next day.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 After I\'92ve seen Marianne, of course. She needs me too.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I know, Cari. I know. But I\'92ll be counting the seconds.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 His last image of her was of the bright smile she gave him before disappearing out of sight.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 A few days later Simon hobbled out of the hospital doors, his father carrying a small case while his mother and Caroline fussed over him. He took it in good grace \'96 mostly.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 He put up with the fuss until both his mother }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i and}{\cf6  Caroline tried to help him into the taxi at once. He snarled, \'93I\'92m not an invalid you know!\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 There was a moment\'92s silence before his father spoke into the gap, \'93Well, }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i technically}{\cf6 \'85\'94 which broke the sudden atmosphere and got a wry smile on Simon\'92s face.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 A week later Caroline called Simon.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I\'92m at the hospital, Marianne\'92s been taken in,\'94 she told him, concern colouring her voice.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh? What\'92s up?\'94 he asked, worried himself.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 The baby. It looks like it\'92s coming early. Mum and Chris are here too. I\'92ve gotta go, I\'92ll talk to you in a bit. Bye!\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 She was gone. Simon cursed his leg, again. He wanted to }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i be there}{\cf6 .}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Who it was on the phone, Simon?\'94 his mother asked.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline,\'94 Simon answered. \'93Marianne\'92s been taken in \'96 the baby\'92s coming early. Tina, Chris and Caroline are all there- they\'92re obviously worried.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Of course!\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Yeah. So\'92m I, actually. I want to be there to be with Caroline. Fuck!\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon! Language!\'94 she chided.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Sorry.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 His mother turned him to face her. She looked into his eyes for a moment before concern replaced annoyance; finally softening into a mixture of love and\'85 something Simon couldn\'92t lay his finger on.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Go to her, Simon.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6 He looked away and, throat tight with emotion, replied \'93I want to. I\'92m }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf6\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i going}{\cf6  to.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 How\'92re you going to get there?\'94 his mother asked, \'93Dad\'92s got the car at work.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf6{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I\'92ll call a cab,\'94 he responded.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon struggled out of the cab, muttering under his breath as he transferred his cane from one hand to another. He remembered his manners enough to thank the taxi driver before painfully making his way through the doors and into the reception of the old re
d-brick building that was the Buchanan hospital.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 The reception desk was predictably busy, but Simon was directed to the Delivery Unit. In the waiting room he found Caroline, sitting next to a clearly anxious Chris. They were talking in low tones, oblivious to his arrival.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon sat in the miraculously empty seat next to Caroline, and said, \'93Hi Caroline, what\'92s happening? Hi, Chris.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline squealed as she realised who he was, then put her hand over her mouth in horror at the noise. She grabbed him, and they kissed for a moment across the wooden arms of their chairs before realising they were in a very public place. Chris watched dis
tantly, but a small smile lifted his face for a moment as they disengaged from each other.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 So, like I asked, what\'92s happening?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline\'92s reply to Simon came in the form of a high-speed stream of consciousness.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh, Simon, it\'92s }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i good}{\cf7  to see you! Mari\'92s water broke unexpectedly, she\'92s three weeks early, the midwife says there\'92s nothing to worry about, but then that\'92s what they always say, isn\'92t it? And you hear of all sorts of terrible things, you know? There was t
hat thing in the paper the other day, about all those women who lost their babies\'85\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 Simon knew he had to stop her; this wasn\'92t what Chris needed to hear \'96 and come to that, it wasn\'92t what }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i he}{\cf7  wanted to hear at all, either. He quieted her the best way he knew how, with a kiss.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He pulled away, said, \'93Shh. It\'92ll be okay,\'94 and leaned over to greet Chris properly. \'93Hi, Chris. Has Caroline been like this all the time?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Hi yourself, Simon, it\'92s good to see you. To be honest, I don\'92t know, I\'92ve been kinda in a funk myself.\'94 He paused, then explained, \'93Mari called out to me this morning while I was fixing breakfast in bed for us both. She sounded in a bit of a panic, so I 
rushed upstairs only to find her sitting up, looking a bit panicked herself. She pulled herself together right in front of my eyes, told me matter-of-factly that her waters had just broken, and could I drive her to hospital please?\'94 He looked up at the cei
ling, and then back at Simon. \'93I was with her at first, but the staff here advised me to take a break. I told Mari I\'92d get a cup of coffee and let Caroline know what was going on. Tina\'92s with her now.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He stood up. \'93Actually, I\'92ve finished my tea. Now that you\'92re here for Cari, I\'92ll go back in and give Tina a break.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon could see that Chris was worried sick, but trying in vain not to let on.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Chris and Tina alternated their times with Marianne, until Caroline asked her mother if she could visit her sister. \'93Of course!\'94 Tina told her, obviously surprised that she would ask.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh! It\'92s just that I didn\'92t think more than one visitor at a time was allowed, the way you and Chris have been taking turns.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh, no, that\'92s just me letting him have private time with Marianne. You can go in now, if you\'92d like.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline wanted to rush in right then, but instead she dutifully waited another ten minutes before standing, pulling Simon with her. \'93Come on, Simon. Let\'92s go see how my sister\'92s bearing up.\'94 Simon didn\'92t have time to object, he found himself being led in 
to see Marianne.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 On seeing her sister, Caroline let go of Simon\'92s hand and rushed forward. Simon was still rubbing the circulation back into his crushed appendage.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Marianne looked tired but very happy, he decided. She was obviously delighted to see her sister, who sat close and began talking animatedly. Simon hung back, staying just beyond the head of the bed, unsure of what to do next.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon? Can\'92t you even say \'91hello\'92?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He played the voice back in his head before actually parsing the meaning. He looked down at the bed, to see two identical pairs of eyes watching him. \'93Hello?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Earth to Simon. Come in, Simon!\'94 Marianne teased. It was }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i her}{\cf7  who had spoken, he understood.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 He smiled, said, \'93Hello, Marianne,\'94 and walked to the bedside next to Caroline. Stooping, he placed a soft kiss on the crown of his girlfriend\'92s head, then put a light, chaste pair of lips on Marianne\'92s forehead. \'93Good to see you, Marianne. How\'92s it going?
\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Marianne grabbed her sister with one hand and reached across herself with the other to take Simon\'92s. She smiled, in that tired way people do when they\'92re reaching the end of their rope but unwilling to admit it. }
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I\'92m okay. The little devil doesn\'92t want to come out and play, it seems. The doctor came, checked around and told me that things were \'91normal\'92. Normal, hell!\'94 She glanced at her sister. \'93Cari? Next time he wants to stick that thing in you, cut it off.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon shuddered, theatrically, but Caroline frowned. \'93We haven\'92t actually got back to that, yet, Mari.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Oh.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 The silence drew out, and Simon decided to fill it.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 It\'92s my fault, though I don\'92t think it\'92s a }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i fault}{\cf7 , really. Last time it all happened so very fast, after\'85 well. After you. I wanted to slow things down.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i Both}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7  women now looked embarrassed. Simon began to go pink, as well.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 Marianne frowned and asked, \'93So, what then? You\'92re playing by some set of rules? No kissing on the first date, no touching of naughty bits until after the third, }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i definitely}{\cf7  no sex until \'96 until when? You\'92re married?\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline laughed. \'93Tell him, not me. He\'92s got a willing\'85\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Beautiful,\'94 Simon blurted.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 Caroline dimpled but went on, \'93\'85}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i willing}{\cf7  woman but he\'92s holding back. I wish you weren\'92t so }{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i noble}{\cf7  sometimes, Simon!\'94 she teased. But there was an edge beneath the teasing.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 Marianne squeezed Simon\'92s hand, saying, \'93Take care of your woman, Simon. It sounds like you\'92re not satisfying her }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i needs!}{\cf7 \'94 Then, she squeezed his hand again, but this time, with a grimace.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Contraction?\'94 her sister asked, and Marianne nodded.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Should I get someone?\'94 asked Simon, beginning to panic at the thought of childbirth.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Not yet, sweety,\'94 Caroline told him. \'93How far apart?\'94 she asked Marianne, who grunted, \'93Still ten minutes. There\'92s time yet. Oh!\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 Once it was over, Marianne looked at her sister. \'93}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i Don\'92t}{\cf7  get pregnant.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 No! But I do like to practice\'85\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon threw his eyes heavenward. \'93Okay, already! I understand, I\'92m taking things too slow. You want me to throw you down on the bed now?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Ooh, yes. Then I can watch!\'94 squealed Marianne, causing Caroline to crack up with her. Simon followed the pair of them into laughter, and with the ice broken the trio enjoyed some time together. Chris joined them by the bedside after a while, before Simon
 checked the time and reminded Caroline that her mother would want to see her daughter some more, and he had to go to physiotherapy soon.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 Simon\'92s physiotherapy was at a different hospital in the town, The Victoria. As Simon limped away from his appointment he reflected that, if being a sadist wasn\'92t actually a }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i requirement}{\cf7  for becoming a physiotherapist, it must be a distinct advantage. His d
octor had been right, it }{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i hurt}{\cf7 . He just hoped it was doing him good in the longer run.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 First he had to check on Marianne. So he made his painful way out of reception to the nearby bus stop, wishing he had a way to check }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i now.}{\cf7  Luckily he was able to find a seat near the front on the bus, though getting up }{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i into}{\cf7  the vehicle was a struggle. \'93Good
 job I\'92m not trying to get into the cab of the appliance,\'94 he mused to himself as he watched the town go by through the window.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Luckily he didn\'92t have to change buses, the number 433 took him right to the door of the Buchanan. He asked at the desk if Marianne had had her baby, and was told she had. It wasn\'92t a long walk, just a few dozen yards through the old building\'92s corridors, 
but even so he was struggling by the time he reached the ward where he found Caroline sitting with Marianne, who was sleeping. She looked up and smiled, Simon acknowledging with a lift of his head and a grin.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 How is she?\'94 he asked as soon as he got close enough to talk softly.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 She\'92s fine, and her }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i gorgeous}{\cf7  baby girl is too!\'94 she answered, her smile now at full power. \'93Chris is doing the \'91new dad\'92 thing, so if you see him he\'92ll probably buy you a drink and give you a cigar.\'94 She ended with a wink and a flip of the head vaguely in
 the direction of the other end of the ward.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 At the pub? Which one?\'94 Simon asked, making out he was interested in leaving. He wasn\'92t, not in the least, not right now. So he sat next to Caroline instead.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline. His girlfriend. Again.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 How did the physio go?\'94 she asked him, and he grimaced.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Hurts. A lot. They have to extend the joint, stretch everything out, to make sure I don\'92t lose too much mobility. It feels like they\'92re simply out to cause as much pain as they can.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Of course that\'92s not really true,\'94 Caroline offered.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 No, it\'92s not. But it sure }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i feels}{\cf7  that way!\'94 Simon responded with more heat than he intended.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Ssshh!\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon apologised with a whispered \'93Sorry!\'94 and they sat together for a couple of minutes, quietly. Simon was unsure what to say next. Visiting ex-girlfriends in hospital with their twin sister, who was an ex-but-now-current girlfriend, hadn\'92t been on any o
f the courses he\'92d attended. Caroline seemed content to sit silent vigil as well. Then Simon noticed that they had, quite unconsciously, been holding hands. As he sat there he came to the conclusion that there was a sense of rightness about that.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Tina came back to sit with her daughter for a while. She told Caroline and Simon to go and see Chris, who was still watching his baby girl.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 I have to admit to being envious of my daughter, with a nice short labour, no real complications and a gorgeous little girl at the end of it.\'94 Tina sighed.  \'93She\'92s got a touch of infant jaundice, so they\'92ve got those special lamps on her for now. She\'92ll b
e fine, but we need to get some food into Chris before he faints away. Go on, go, and take him with you. I\'92ll watch Marianne.\'94}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Caroline stood, still holding Simon\'92s hand. She gave her mother a peck on the cheek, softly told the exhausted, sleeping Marianne, \'93See you later, sis,\'94 and left, towing him along with her.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 They found Chris outside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, just staring at his tiny daughter. With a hat that shaded her eyes from the lights the little mite was asleep like her mother, but Simon could see her miniature hands clench then unfurl.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 She looks adorable, Chris,\'94 Caroline told the new father.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Isn\'92t she?\'94 Chris replied. He sounded awestruck.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7 They stood together for a moment. Simon thought that it must be a \'91father\'92 thing, this fascination, or perhaps that }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i not}{\cf7  being fascinated was a bachelor thing. Caroline was avidly drinking in the sight as well, after all.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Simon coughed gently. Caroline looked, and he nodded towards the exit, hand gently rubbing his stomach. She laughed, drawing Chris\'92 attention.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Let\'92s go get something to eat, Chris, you must be }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\cf7\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\i\loch\i starving}{\cf7 ,\'94 she told the photographer. He looked startled, as if suddenly realising he had a body attached.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Yeah, I could eat something,\'94 he said, slowly. So the three of them left the hospital.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Tell you what. I fancy fish \'91n chips, we can eat them out of the paper in the park before we go for a drink to celebrate,\'94 Simon offered.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}}{\cf7{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Okay,\'94 Chris agreed, and Caroline nodded, so they did just that.}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s23\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa240\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 - - - - - - - - - -}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf7{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f2\fs24\lang2057\loch\f2\fs24\lang2057 
\par \pard\plain \sb240\sa60\keepn\cf6\f3\fs32\b\f0\fs32\b\f3\fs32\lang1025\b \ltrpar\s7\cf6{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\aspalpha\sb240\sa60\keepn\ql\rtlch\af3\afs32\lang1025\ab\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f3\fs32\lang2057\b\loch\f3\fs32\lang2057\b 
\par }