Galen poked Eryx on the shoulder three times. “Brother, if you feed the cats, they’ll keep coming back. Please. I beg you. Stop.” Bill and Andy broke out in laughter. I bit my bottom lip to keep from smiling at Galen’s rude, yet humorous remark. Jean and Marie took half a turn and walked away.

The pain in my heart was worse than anything I ever imagined. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. All I could feel was the void of her absence growing stronger inside me, and the panic of not ever seeing her eyes open again struck me like an iron whip.

Isis, I am envious of every male that sets his sight on you, and if I could, I would tear out their eyes.

Are you high, or did you get some sleep?

The irony of life is to realize that you live only to die.

You women have tender points we men do not and never will understand.

Nope, she’s not depressed,” he said addressing Andy but referring to me. “She’s aging prematurely and at a rapid rate. She’s a grumpy old woman. That’s what she is.

Why didn’t you do something about it the first time you found me there?” “Isis, have you ever looked at yourself?” He intently looked into my eyes. I kept silent, listening for the rest of his explanation. “You’re gorgeous. Fit for the god of gods. You are unending beauty to the tips of your fingers.

I beg you to abnegate me because, I don’t have the strength to renounce you.

You look a little flushed,” he expressed in a pompous tone. I couldn’t believe he called me on it. “Do you need me to pull over?” What a pretentious ass! He knew exactly why I was red in the face. I was from embarrassment. I clenched my jaw trying to keep my composure.