"Yessir, yer the spittin' image of yer daddy. Whoddathunkit! I never woulda thought that old coot could still get it up, but this here little buddy is the proof! That reminds me. Remember the night that Aunt Kathy's beau, Henry, took off at a run? You'll never believe what happened up at Uncle Zeke's still. I went up there to help Aunt Kathy and...."

Louie suddenly realized the inappropriateness of what he had been about to say.

"Nevermind. I fergit where I was goin' with that."

He turned his attention back to the kitten he was holding. "Have you named him yet?"

"Not yet. I haven't had time. I just got him, Louie. I don't even know what he is like yet."

"Well, it will conme to you. But here's a name to think about, considering who his Daddy clearly is. I heard the preacher talk about this guy on Sunday. Had something to do with Moses. I forget just what. I got distracted by Hazel Goins' fanning her bossum in the row in front of me and didn't hear the rest of what the preacher said. But the guy's name was Abiram. Preacher said it meant 'my father is exalted.' Mjolnir's one heck of a cat. No doubt about it. He was old when Cassie moved up Grizzley Holler. I bet that ol' Tome is at least 30 years old. And judging from the size of this here youngin' of his, he was still makin' bacon 6 months ago."

Sharon laughed. "I'll certainly give that name serious consideration.

"I've got to get going, Louie. I still have to stop at Big Bill's to sign the papers before I head up I-79 to Morgantown."

She turned to face him and they grabbed one another in a quick, fierce hug. "You will remember to check on Mjolnir tonight, won't you?" she reminded him.'

Louie nodded. He was suddenly fighting back tears.

Sharon went on,. " I almost forgot to tell you, I have the flute with me for safe keeping. I hope that's alright.

Louie nodded again.

"I probably won't come home for Thanksgiving. Gas prices are just too high to travel for such a short trip. I'll definitely be here for Christmas.

She meant it at the time she said it.