INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Location: The Arena of the Mind

Completed: Sunday December 7, 4:21 PM



Our customary practice at this point, since you've been involved in the story for quite some time now, is to have a brief intermission. Most of you can probably use a break, and will more easily pay attention after you have time to stretch, maybe even yawn a bit. You may also be anticipating a potty break, so this could well be a blessing.



As you're all aware, your… Continue

CHAPTER THIRTY

Oceanside, California

Sunday, November 23rd, 11:06 AM



After what happened yesterday, feeling the cumulative effect of the last week or so, I slept in. I was courteous enough to ask Father, the dog, just before I went to sleep last night, if he minded hanging out by himself until I woke up today. He gave me a long look asking, Does that mean I have to give up my half of the bed?



Without waiting for an answer, he turned and went to the bedroom. I… Continue

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Oceanside, California

Saturday, November 22nd, 01:17 PM



Aiano was furious when he couldn't find Sina. So pissed off, he went looking for her himself, knowing all too well he'd never catch her, no faster than he could run. He knew it, but went after her all the same.



He was infuriated when he came on his minions out in the brush, weeds and trees. He saw they'd given up and were letting her go, wherever she might be. Driven by rage, he… Continue

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Oceanside, California

Saturday, November 22nd, 11:06 AM



Sina Matua did some housework for her mother, then laundry. She needed clean clothes, as did Alejandro. There were always plenty of diapers to wash now she had her baby boy to take care of. Plenty of diapers.



When she finished, she put Alejandro in his stroller and left, pushing him at a speedy pace as she jogged. She planned to meet Jorge downtown and have lunch, family style. Jorge,… Continue

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Oceanside, California

Friday, November 21st, 5:44 PM



As often happens at any public commotion, particularly one drawing news vans and adorned in yellow tape reading POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS, a large crowd of onlookers appeared. Their number, and the individuals making up the crowd, changed frequently, but I still had to stay hidden in the house. Everyone, and his or her brother, wanted pictures of me. Even more wanted pictures of "… that heroic,… Continue