The cardboard box Big Bill had given her was all that remained. Abiram watched intently as she lifted it from the floor. She turned and sat on the bed, placed the box in her lap, and raised the lid. Abiram moved over to her side, rolled onto his back, and swatted at the box lid she held in her hand.

"I'm neglecting you, little one. You want some attention!"   She replaced the lid, shoved the box up on the closet shelf, and turned back to Abiram, who happily wrestled with her and chased a shoestring for the next half-hour, until they had both had enough. Deciding to call it a night, she headed for the shower, got into her pajamas and climbed into bed with a Lee Smith book to read herself to sleep. She watched with bemusement as Abiram, with great concentration and dignity, patrolled the perimeter of the room, paying special attention as he sniffed and nudged at each window and the door. At last satisfied, he returned to the bed and curled up against her side.

It wasn't long before Sharon laid down the book, turned out the light, and scooted down under the covers. Abiram stood and stretched, then moved up to the neighboring pillow. Sharon reached over to scratch his ears. "You know what buddy?" she queried. "It is gonna be awhile before I am ready to look at those letters. I need to move forward not back. Besides, it somehow just doesn't feel right that they are with me.   I don't know who should have them. But something is saying it isn't me."

Abiram, enjoying his head scratching, didn't respond.