“Sure,” I said, handing her the clothes. She went into the nearby bathroom and changed. Coming out, she looked picture perfect. We all laughed, went to Phillip’s for tea, and then went back to the apartment for bed. “Well, what’s it going to be?’ I asked Tracy.

“Well, you said it was up to Kristin.”

“What’s up to me?” Kristin asked.

“Two people have to sleep in one bed, and one in the other. Who goes in which?” Tracy relayed.

“Well, seeing as you two are playing husband and wife, I figure that you should.” I smiled, “But since you’re not really, maybe Aunt Tracy and I should.” Tracy smiled. “On the other hand, seeing as though Dad and I are the only ones related in here, maybe we should.” Kristin smiled.

“Great deducing Kristin. I guess the only way to solve this is to draw straws. I’ll be right back.” I went to the kitchen, cut three straws, and returned. “See, three straws, two equal, and one bigger. Who wants to choose?” I asked. Kristin raised her hand, and I put my hand down to her level. She drew a straw, and I let Tracy draw one. I opened my hand to show the one left.

“Well, Dad, looks like it’s me and you tonight. Sorry, Aunt Tracy!” Kristin said.

“All right, dear, go get ready for bed.” I said. Kristin left for the bathroom. “Well, Tracy, fair and square. You saw the straws, maybe tomorrow you’ll want to draw first.”

“I’m happy. Another night in the same bed as you would be torture!” She said, heading toward the bathroom. Kristin came out and got on a nightgown. She slipped into the king size bed and started to sleep. I sat in the living room and gazed out at the stars. Looking, thinking, watching, and hoping that somewhere out there my friends were all as safe as I was. Little did I know what was actually going on. I whispered a prayer for the missing girls, for Kristin, and for Tracy and I. I then got ready for bed, and slipped in next to Kristin, who was sound asleep.

I awoke to the smell of breakfast, or was it of something burning. I couldn’t quite tell. I got up and saw that my daughter was still asleep. The clock said that it was nearing eight, so I quickly proceeded to awake her. She got up and slipped into the uniform of the school. I got dressed and entered the kitchen. “What’s cookin’, honey?”

“Pancakes, although I don’t think I’ve got them just right.”

“Never mind, dear, I’ve got a friend of mine coming over today who knows how to cook the most delicious meals. I asked him to cook some for you. Maybe you can give him a few tips on some American foods, like burnt pancakes.”

“That’s it; I’ve had it with you and your friends. You can count me out of the rest of this trip.”

“Darling, what’s the matter?”

“I can’t take this stress.”

“Tracy, dear, if you want to go home, just say so.”

“All right, I want to go home.”

“Fine, I’ll arrange for your immediate departure.” I said, sorrowfully. I walked over to her. “I still love you.” I whispered in her ear.

“Just leave me alone,” came the response. She went into the other room and packed.