Are You Afraid Of The Dark   ::   Sheldon Sidney

"Think of Adam and Eve, the beginningof the downfall of mankind." He went on.

Lois began to weep, huge gulping sobs.

"It's all right now." He took Lois in his arms. "It's all right. I love you." Lois said uncertainly, "I love you, too, but-" "Don't worry. We have conquered it." Which means that will be the last time that happens, Lois thought. It probably has something to do with his being a minister's son. Thank God it's over.

Henry held her close. "I love you so much. Let's go out to dinner."

* * *



IN THE RESTAURANT, Lois was barely able to sit down. The pain was terrible, but she was too embarrassed to ask for a pillow.

"I'll order," Henry said. He ordered a salad for himself and an enormous meal for Lois. "You have to keep your strength up, my dearest." During dinner Lois thought about what had just happened. Henry was the most wonderful man she had ever known. She had been taken aback by his-what was it, she wondered-fetish. Anyway, that was over. She could look forward to spending the rest of her life taking care of this man and being taken care of.

When they had finished their entrees, Henry ordered an extra dessert for Lois and said, "I like a lot of woman." She smiled. "I'm glad I please you." When dinner was over, Henry said, "Shall we go back to the room?

"Fine." When they returned to their room, they undressed and Henry took Lois in his arms and the pain seemed to disappear. His lovemaking was sweet and gentle and was even more enjoyable than before.

Lois hugged her husband and said, "That was wonderful." "Yes." He nodded. "Now we must atone for carnal sin. Get on your knees."

* * *



IN THE MIDDLE of the night, when Henry was asleep, Lois quietly packed a suitcase and fled. She took a plane to Vancouver and called Gary. At lunch, she told him what had happened.

"I'm filing for divorce," Lois said, "but I have to move out of town." Gary thought for a moment. "I have a friend who owns an insurance agency, sis.

It's in Denver, and that's fifteen hundred miles away." "That would be perfect." Gary said, "I'll talk to him."

* * *



TWO WEEKS LATER, Lois was working at the midwest insurance agency in a managerial position.

Gary had kept in constant touch with Lois. She had bought a small, charming bungalow with a view of the Rockies in the distance, and from time to time her brother would visit her. They would have great weekends together-skiing, or fishing, or simply sitting on the sofa, talking.