Life Had Sure Been Simpler When I

He Managed To Convey Indifference, Contempt, And Boredom In The One Word.

Though I Was Standing In Front Of A Mirror, I Wasn't Really Seeing My Reflection. I Was Seeing, Very Clearly, That—at The Moment—i Was All In The World That Eric Could Think Of As His Own. I Had Better Not Fail Him.

Let Go," He Advised Me, And I Loosened My Grip On His Hands. "no, Not Of Me," He Said, Smiling. "you Can Hold On To Me As Long As You Want. Let Go Of The Pain, Sookie. Let Go. You Need To Drift Away." It Was The First Time I Had Relinquished My Will To Someone Else. As I Looked At Him, It Became Easy, And I Retreated From The Suffering And Uncertainty Of This Strange Place.

Well, That's Certainly... Adequate," I Told Him, Burying My Face In His Chest. I Knew Immediately I'd Picked The Wrong Word. "adequate?" He Took My Hand, Placed It On The Part In Question. It Immediately Began To Stir. He Moved My Hand On It, And I Obligingly Circled It With My Fingers. "this Is Adequate?" "maybe I Should Have Said It's A Gracious Plenty?" "a Gracious Plenty. I Like That," He Said.

My Eyes Flew Open, And I Pushed Back Against Rock-hard Shoulders. I Let Out A Little Squeak Of Horror. "it's Me," Said A Familiar Voice. ..."eric, What Are You Doing Here?" "snuggling.