Bird scares

So the birds were suffering from night frights last night. This is a problem with one bird, and an even bigger one with three. If one bird gets scared it scares the others, and it takes several minutes to calm them all down.

SO for many days I have been hearing the same episode of Free Speach Radio news. It disturbs me, because of what is being reported on.

It is a special report of one marine's story. How he was turned over to immigration because of a prejudicial sergeant, and how he is now facing deportation on crap charges. As a person who has served overseas in war for this country and is married to an american citizen he was confident that he was a citizen.

He talks about how he grew up in New York, and now faces deportation to a country he doesn't know.

If you need more information, or want to support this soldier email: saveamarine@hotmail.com

Personally, no matter how you feel about the war it is wrong to deport somebody who has taken up arms for the US. Please email this marine with support.

Now onto the story.

Torn
53

Maureen and Julius agreed that when they returned to the outside it would be to work with water again.

They spent a little time cooling off and eating lunch.

After lunch they went into the different bathrooms to change and prepare for the afternoon.

As she was leaving her bedroom Maureen caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She was shocked at the change. Muscles that she hadn’t realized existed had started to develop, and areas that she had been trying to work off since Karen’s birth were all but gone.

Julius stood in the doorway, not making a sound. He had noticed the change, but hadn’t wanted to say anything.

Finally he tired of waiting. “If you looked any better I wouldn’t be able to tear my eyes off of you.”

Maureen turned and beamed at Julius. Her smile showing more gratitude than words could ever express.

Her smile softened quickly, however, and her eyes developed a worried cast.

Julius turned and looked behind him. He didn’t see anything wrong. He looked again. Still seeing nothing he was about to turn and ask Maureen what was wrong.

She laid a hand gently on his shoulder. Pain flared where the warmth of her skin touched his. It told him that what she was worried about was obviously connected to the pain he was feeling.

She pulled her hand away as he flinched. “I’m so sorry. I thought that the sunscreen would protect you better than that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look at your skin. It’s red.”

He looked, and was surprised at the color. He had never seen skin turn that particular shade before.

“Stay here. I’m going to go get some medicine to put on that.”

Maureen walked out of the room. Julius walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.

Maureen returned with a jar of clear gel. Julius eyed it, wondering how it could help.

“I’m sorry, but this will sting a little.”

She squeezed a small amount of the gel onto his skin. At first the coolness of the gel felt good, but as she rubbed it in it started to sting as she had warned.

She let the aloe dry a little. Then, “If you want we can forego the water practice this afternoon and let your skin heal a little.”

Julius turned to face her, shocked at the suggestion.

Her hand traced across his back as he turned, and he realized why she had suggested it. The pain trail left by her hand told him how dangerous it would be to be outside without clothing for extended periods of time again.

But she needed the practice.

“No. You need the practice. I’ll be okay.”

He tried to get up. Maureen beat him to it and laid a hand in the middle of his chest. She pushed him back to the bed.

“Well I’m not going to let you hurt yourself in this way. We’ll practice, but later, when the sun is not as bad. And you’ll wear a shirt on top of that so that there is minimal damage done on top of that.”

“But what about water?”

“I’ll stare at a glass for hours again. I’m not going to let you hurt yourself any more than you have to.”

She walked across to a dresser, pulled open a drawer and started rummaging.

“What are you looking for?”

“A shirt for you.”

“I have my own clothes.”

“Yes, but they are close fitting and that would bother your sunburn. I’m looking for a large tee-shirt for you to wear.”

A few pieces of fabric flew from the drawer before she pulled free what she was looking for.

“Here, try this on.”

He took the shirt and slipped it over his head. He felt like two of him would have fit into the shirt.

“It’s way too big.”

“Exactly. If you wore something tight it would only irritate that burn. Something loose is better, it doesn’t hurt quite as bad.”

Julius was dubious, but willing to give it a try.

“Ok. I’ll wear this. But when the sun isn’t as searing we’ll go out and work with water.”

Maureen smiled, content with the deal.

She headed for the door. She wasn’t looking forward to staring at a glass of water for hours, but she understood the need.

Julius stood up and started to follow. As he exited the room he had an idea that he thought Maureen might like.

“How about we put off all water practice until later.”

Maureen turned and looked at him, questioning with her eyes.

“I spent all night making sure that those swords were in good condition, but what will you do for yours when I’m not here? How about we spend the next few hours making sure that you can maintain your sword?”

Maureen smiled. “That sounds much better than staring at a glass of water.”

“And it will help you more than you know.”

They headed into the living room, Julius already planning what he needed to show her.