Sharon called the office the next morning to say her aunt still needed her and she would be out another week. The boss, maybe in retibution, and maybe not, told her business was slow and he had already decided to lay her off after Memorial Day. Although she didn't say so, that suited Sharon just fine. She had already decided she was ready to return to school, and had applied for Pell grants for the fall semester. She had been wondering if her band could make enough money at festivals to allow her to quit by mid summer anyway.

Kathy didn't ask, and Sharon didn't offer any information about that first night in Kathy's bedroom. It wasn't necessary. Sharon slept there three more nights, but had no more visitors. Nor did Mjonir return to disturb her from sleep. He stayed inside each night, which was very unusual for him, but curled up at the foot of Kathy's bed each night, staying there until Kathy arose each morning.

Over the next week Kathy grew noticably stronger every day. By the end of that week, Sharon felt comfortable leaving her there alone for several hours daily while she drove to Charleston to rehearse with the band. Louie was working evenings at the service station. He came up nearly everyday while Sharon was gone to check on Kathy and help with minor chores, Ugly Pup at his heel like a shadow.