JB’s mother had taught him early on that appreciated women are happy women.

I don't like having feelings," Eric said coldly, and he left. That was a tough exit line to top.

The world seemed a bad and terrible place, all its denizens suspect, and I the lamb wandering through the valley of death with a bell around my neck.

The security light made me feel safe, though I knew that was an illusion. If there's light, you can just see what's coming for you a little more clearly.

Finally, a human man saw me as intensely valuable. Just my luck he was happily married and thought I was a freak.

Then was ashamed of myself. I should be happy for what I'd been given. I hoped God hadn't noticed my lapse in appreciation.

A dog – a collie – went up to Eric, looked up at his face, and growled. “Shoo,” Eric said, making an imperious gesture with his hand.